Preserving Earth’s Biological Diversity Chapter 17 Preserving Earth’s Biological Diversity

Biological Diversity Biodiversity Species Richness Genetic Diversity

Biological Diversity Biodiversity Species Richness Genetic Diversity Ecosystem Diversity

Biological Diversity Why We Need Organisms Ecosystem Services and Species Richness Nests eventually become small islands of trees Maintains smaller fish populations by eating gar Digs underwater holes used by other aquatic organisms Gator trails clear out aquatic vegetation

Biological Diversity Why We Need Organisms Ecosystem Services and Species Richness Genetic Reserves Scientific Importance of Genetic Diversity Medicinal, Agricultural, and Industrial Importance of Organisms

Biological Diversity Why We Need Organisms Ecosystem Services and Species Richness Genetic Reserves Scientific Importance of Genetic Diversity Medicinal, Agricultural, and Industrial Importance of Organisms Aesthetic, Ethical, and Spiritual Value of Organisms (intrinsic value)

Endangered and Extinct Species Background Extinction vs. Mass Extinction Continuous, slow rate of extinction over millions of years Numerous species disappear over geologically short time frame.

Endangered and Extinct Species Confirmed observation in Arkansas in April 2005

Endangered and Extinct Species Endangered and Threatened Species Could become extinct soon. Population declining very fast.

Endangered and Extinct Species Characteristics of Endangered Species: Extremely small range Requiring large territories Living on islands Low reproductive success Specialized breeding areas Specialized feeding habits Tiburon mariposa lily California condor Hawaii ‘O’ o Blue whale Green sea turtle Giant panda

Endangered and Extinct Species Common problem: habitat fragmentation

Endangered and Extinct Species Human Causes of Species Endangerment #1 cause: Habitat Destruction, Fragmentation, and Degradation

Endangered and Extinct Species Earth’s Biodiversity Hotspots

Endangered and Extinct Species Human Causes of Species Endangerment: Invasive Species

Endangered and Extinct Species Human Causes of Species Endangerment: Pollution Acid rain Ozone depletion (leading to increased UV radiation Climate change due to CO2 increases

Endangered and Extinct Species Human Causes of Species Endangerment: Overexploitation, poaching

Endangered and Extinct Species Case-in-Point: Disappearing Frogs In the US, 38% of amphibian species are declining No single factor has been determined Many deformities have been observed

Conservation Biology Preservation – keeping resources/areas in a pristine state; not using them at all. Conservation – the sensible and careful management (use) of natural resources: In situ conservation – maintaining biodiversity in the wild Ex situ conservation – human-controlled settings; captive breeding, zoos

Conservation Policies and Laws Endangered Species Act - 1973

Conservation Policies and Laws Endangered Species Act: critical habitats, management plans for each species 1982, 1985, 1988 Science vs private interest

Conservation Policies and Laws International Conservation Policies and Laws Most important: CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) 1975 to ban international trade of endangered animals & parts (tusks, skins)

Conservation Biology Protecting Habitats

Conservation Policies and Laws Habitat Conservation Plans 1982 amendment to ESA Landowner allowed to set aside land for endangered species, but develop other land with those species

Conservation Biology Restoring Damaged or Destroyed Habitats Beginning of prairie restoration in 1935

Conservation Biology Restoring Damaged or Destroyed Habitats Same area in 2004

Conservation Biology Zoos, Aquaria, Botanical Gardens, and Seed Banks

Conservation Biology Zoos, Aquaria, Botanical Gardens, and Seed Banks Ultimate goal is to reintroduce endangered species back to their natural habitats

Conservation Biology Zoos, Aquaria, Botanical Gardens, and Seed Banks Establishing seed banks

Conservation Biology Conservation Organizations Many work with state & federal agencies and private landowners to promote conservation.

Wildlife Management Differs from conservation biology in that wildlife managers focus more often on common organisms and manage those species primarily for human benefits

Wildlife Management Management of Migratory Animals Example of artic snow geese impact

Wildlife Management Management of Aquatic Organisms Freshwater fisheries primarily managed by state fishing regulations Ocean fisheries commonly viewed as common property this has lead many species close to commercial extinction

What Can We Do About Declining Biological Diversity? Increase Public Awareness Support Research in Conservation Biology Support the Establishment of an International System of Parks Control Pollution Provide Economic Incentives to Landowners and Other Local People

Endangered and Extinct Species Where is Declining Biological Diversity the Greatest Problem? In US: Hawaii and California Worldwide: Tropical rain forests