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

2. Biological Diversity
Biodiversity
Species Richness
Genetic Diversity

3. Biological Diversity Biodiversity Species Richness Genetic Diversity
Ecosystem Diversity

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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.

8. Endangered and Extinct Species
Confirmed observation in Arkansas in April 2005

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

10. 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

11. Endangered and Extinct Species
Common problem: habitat fragmentation

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

13. Endangered and Extinct Species
Earth’s Biodiversity Hotspots

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

15. 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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Conservation Policies and Laws
Endangered Species Act

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

21. 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)

22. Conservation Biology
Protecting Habitats

23. 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

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

25. Conservation Biology Restoring Damaged or Destroyed Habitats
Same area in 2004

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

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

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

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

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

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

32. 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

33. 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

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