Biodiversity

Biodiversity Variety of living things, number of kinds Ecological diversity different habitats, niches, species interactions Species diversity different kinds of organisms, relationships among species Genetic diversity different genes & combinations of genes within populations

Benefits of Biodiversity Ecosystem functions Ecosystem services Cleaning water, Cleaning air, Habitat & breeding areas for wildlife, … Aesthetic and cultural benefits

Natural Resources Vital economic natural resources Renewable Forests (plants, wildlife) Soils Fresh water (lakes, rivers) Wildlife and fisheries Rangeland Nonrenewable Minerals Fossil Fuels

Natural Resources Management of natural resources Assure availability of resources for the future Three “philosophies” Maximum sustained yield Ecosystem-based management Adaptive management

Benefits of Biodiversity New food sources Grains, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish

Benefits of Biodiversity Medicines Plants Jellyfish & sea anemones Nudibranchs Marine slugs

Biodiversity How much biodiversity 1.7—2.0 million species Estimates to 100 million

Biodiversity Where is the biodiversity Everywhere Every continent and habitat has unique life forms Concentrated in the tropics Panama: > 500 species of breeding birds Arctic: 50-100 species Dense concentrations

Threats to Biodiversity Extinction and population reductions Hunting and overharvesting Tiger Dodo Whales Sharks Habitat loss

Threats to Biodiversity Extinction and population reductions Pollution Climate change Invasive species

Protecting Biodiversity How can we protect biodiversity Stop overharvesting Sustainable yield Hunting & fishing laws (every state ?) in developing nations ? Protect habitat Refuges, parks, preserves Endangered Species Act

Protecting Biodiversity Refuges, parks, reserves How big should refuges be? Where should they be? McArthur & Wilson “Theory of Island Biogeography” colonization rate extinction rate (local) predicts number of species

Protecting Biodiversity Endangered Species Act (1973) Goal to “recover” species so they no longer need protection under ESA Implements U.S. participation in CITES “Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species” Prohibits trade in listed species whole organisms parts: skins, bones, teeth, flowers, leaves, etc. Other laws: Marine Mammal Protection Act Migratory Bird Treaty Act Anadromous Fish Conservation Act etc.

Protecting Biodiversity Endangered Species Act (1973) Listing of “endangered” and “threatened” species Restricts development of habitats Captive breeding programs Release of captive bred stocks to enhance or recover wild populations.

Protecting Biodiversity Biodiversity “hotspots” Protection of habitat