Biodiversity hotspots Conservation International

How wolves have helped sustain biodiversity in Yellowstone  Less elk on stream banks  Growth of aspens, cottonwoods, willow trees  Water temperature lower for trout  Beavers have returned  Scavengers and Grizzly feed on leftovers  Coyote population lower which allows increase in smaller animal population  More food for eagles and hawks

Ecosystem Services Provisions – goods that humans can use directly Lumber Food crops Medicinal plants Natural rubber Recreation Regulating services – natural ecosystems help to regulate environmental conditions Carbon dioxide removal Hydrologic cycle Nutrient cycling Temperature regulation Water storage

Ecosystem Services Support systems – natural ecosystems provide numerous support services that would be extremely costly for humans to generate Pollination of food crops Natural pest control Filter pollutants from air and water Resilience– ensures that an ecosystem will continue to exist in its current state Species diversity Genetic diversity Ecosystem diversity

Ecosystem Services Aesthetic benefit Scientific research Education Cultural services – provide cultural or aesthetic benefits to many people