Sustaining Biodiversity: The Species Approach G. Tyler Miller’s Living in the Environment 14th Edition Chapter 12
Key Concepts Human effects on extinction rates Understanding biodiversity and extinction How human activities endanger wildlife Preventing extinction Reconciliation ecology
Species Extinction Local extinction Ecological extinction Biological extinction
Endangered and Threatened Species Endangered species Threatened (vulnerable) species Florida manatee Northern spotted owl (threatened) Gray wolf Florida panther Bannerman's turaco (Africa) © 2004 Brooks/Cole-Thomson Learning From Fig. 12-3 p. 227
Extinction Rates Background (natural) rate of extinction Mass extinction Extinction spasm Fig. 5-9 p. 96
Characteristics of Extinction Prone Species Fig. 12-4 p. 228
Problems Estimating Extinction Rates Extinction not easily documented over time Many species remain unidentified Little is known about most identified species
Estimating Extinction Rates Species-area relationships Population viability analysis (PVA) Minimum viable population (MVP) Minimum dynamic area (MDA)
Causes of Depletion of Wild Species Human population growth Increasing per capita resource use Endangered centers of biodiversity Environmental destruction Spread of opportunistic species
Causes of Premature Extinction of Wild Species Fig. 12-6 p. 231
Importance of Wild Species Rebuilding biodiversity is slow Instrumental value Genetic information Eco-tourism Ecological value Intrinsic value
Habitat Loss and Degradation Greatest threat to species “HIPPO” Habitat destruction Invasive species Population (humans) growth Pollution Overharvesting
Threats from Nonnative Species Fig. 12-12 p. 238 Arrival Roles of non- native species Prevention Examples (p. 235) See Case Study p. 237 Fig. 12-12 p. 238
Other Extinction Threats Hunting and Poaching Predators and Pest Control Exotic Pets and Decorative Plants Climate Change and Pollution
Protecting Wild Species: The Research and Legal Approaches International Treaties: CITES and CBD U.S. National Laws: Lacey Act Endangered Species Act Habitat recovery plans
Endangered Species Act Private versus public poverty rights Win-win compromises Weaken or strengthen the Act?
Protecting Wild Species: The Sanctuary Approach Wildlife refuges and protected areas Gene banks, botanical gardens, and farms Zoos and Aquariums
Reconciliation Ecology Establishing and maintaining new habitats Being good neighbors to wildlife Reward voluntary conservation efforts See Case Study p. 248
Conservation: What Can I Do? Fig. 12-16 p. 249