PIP: US-based Conservation International has completed an updated version of its Global Biodiversity Hotspots map. This map shows areas of key importance in the battle to save the planet's diversity of life. In this article, an explanation of what the map reveals and how it can be used to develop a global conservation strategy is presented. Focusing on the terrestrial realm, analysis identified regions with 0.5% or more of total global plant diversity represented as endemic species and tropical rainforest hotspots generally having a very high vertebrate diversity and endemism. The first 25 high-priority terrestrial biodiversity hotspots included tropical rainforest areas, tropical dry forest, arid systems, temperate Mediterranean-type ecosystems, savannas, and steppes as well as combinations of these areas. Among these 25 biodiversity spots, top-priority spots have been specified since total diversity in such areas is much higher than what is represented by the endemic alone. Focusing conservation efforts on these areas can achieve maximum impact on the preservation of the Earth's environment.