Conservation Biology A relatively new discipline that has brought together experts concerned about the loss of biodiversity. Why should we conserve biodiversity? Think about this on your own for a few moments and make a list of 2 reasons why we should and 2 why we shouldn’t conserve species. Do humans need other species? In what ways? Do other species exist for human use? Only for human use? Do other species have a right to exist? Does a great ape have more rights than a mosquito? Are your reasons based on rational thought or emotions or both? Does this affect how valid they are? These questions may help you make your lists…

Learning outcomes All of you will be able to: – State the arguments for preserving species and habitats. Most of you should be able to: – Use these arguments to put forward a case for the conservation a given species.

Why conserve? Direct values: – Food sources – we eat other species both animals and plants – Natural products – Many of the medicines, fertilizers and pesticides we use are derived from plants and animals Indirect values: – Ecosystem productivity – e.g. soil aeration depends on worms. Fertilization and pollination of some food crops depend on insects. – Scientific and educational value – Biological control agents – some organisms help us control invasive species – Genetic diversity – potential source of valuable genes – Environmental monitors – e.g. canaries in the mines – Recreational and ecotourism – areas of outstanding national beauty and parks – Human health – antibiotics originally obtained from fungi – Humans rights – indigenous communities – Ethical / intrinsic value – each species has a right to exist – Biorights – diverse ecosystems help to preserve their component species – Aesthetic value – a beautiful ecosystem or species provides pleasure

Do you think all people will value species and habitats for the same reasons? Why / why not?

Why conserve? Example – rainforest? Produces sustainable resources (wood, fuel, timber, food, medicine) Reduces environmental damage (soil erosion, sedimentation and flooding) Maintains biodiversity (habitat complexity, niche availability, number of species) Maintains oxygen / carbon dioxide balance reduces carbon dioxide – reduces global warming Using your list what reasons can you come up with for conserving rainforests? Aesthetically pleasing We have an ethical responsibility Provide a place for indigenous populations to live

Conserve your species…! In groups of three you will all have a specific species which is found on the IUCN Red list. Read about your species. Using the list of factors for why we conserve and any other factors you can think of, put together a case for the conservation of your species.

Outcome check… You will all be able to: – State the arguments for preserving species and habitats. Most of you should be able to: – Use these arguments to put forward a case for the conservation a given species.

Round-up Choose your own species and write down 6 factors for why your species should be conserved.