The Eastern Arc mountain region has been identified as one of the top 25 biodiversity “hotspots” worldwide, and contains a large proportion of endemic species. The endemic species are invaluable resources. This review paper will explore and discuss the possible theories behind the high rate of endemism. The importance of these endemics to local peoples and to the greater global community has been studied thoroughly, and these results are presented in further detail in this paper. The Eastern Arc is also facing many problems that are threatening the biodiversity and rare endemic species of this region. Human expansion into natural habitat, as well as deforestation and forest fragmentation are among the most pressing issues. The causes and impacts of these issues will be explored and suggestions for the protection and conservation of endemic species and biodiversity will be discussed
