1. 1 Biodiversity

2. 2 BIODIVERSITY Includes a variety of factors  Genetic Diversity – genetic variability within a species  Species Diversity – variety of different species - Species Richness - Total number of species in a community.  Ecological Diversity – variety of abiotic and biotic factors

3. 3 Factors That Increase Biodiversity Diverse habitat Moderate environmental disturbance Small variations in environmental conditions Middle stages of succession Evolution

4. 4 Factors That Decrease Biodiversity Environmental Stress Large environmental disturbance Extreme environmental conditions Introduction of alien species Geographic isolation Severe limitation of essential resources

5. 5 How Many Species Are There ? Currently 1.7 million species identified. Estimates range between 3-50 million.  May be 30 million insect species.  Invertebrates make up 70% of all known species, and probably most of yet to be discovered species. Tropical rainforests and coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots.  NA and Europe only contain 10-15%.

6. 6 Biodiversity Hotspots

7. 7 BENEFITS OF BIODIVERSITY Food  As many as 80,000 edible wild plant species could be utilized by humans. Drugs and Medicines  > ½ of all prescriptions contain some natural product.

8. 8 Benefits of Biodiversity Ecological Benefits  Soil formation, waste disposal, air and water purification, nutrient cycling, solar energy absorption, and biogeochemical and hydrological cycles Aesthetic and Cultural Benefits  Cultural diversity linked to biodiversity.  USFWS estimates Americans spend $104 billion annually on wildlife-related recreation.  Ecotourism  Intrinsic value.

9. 9 THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY Extinction - Elimination of a species.  Natural Causes - In undisturbed ecosystems, ~ one species per decade.  In this century, human impacts have accelerated that rate, causing perhaps hundreds to thousands of extinctions annually.

10. 10 Human-Caused Threats to Biodiversity Habitat Destruction  Biggest reason for current increase in extinction - Habitat fragmentation divides populations into isolated groups  Northern Spotted Owl

11. 11 Habitat Fragmentation

12. 12 Human-Caused Reductions in Biodiversity Alien Species  Thrive in new territories-free of predators, diseases, or resource limitations that limited them in original habitat.

13. 13 Human-Caused Reductions in Biodiversity Pollution  Pesticides  Lead Population  Human population growth - Resource Use Overharvesting  American Passenger Pigeon  Whales

14. 14 Human-Caused Reductions in Biodiversity Commercial Products and Live Specimens  Wildlife smuggling is very profitable. - Leopard fur / Rhinoceros horns  U.S. Annual pet trade in wild species: - 2 million reptiles - 1 million amphibians and mammals - 500,000 birds - 128,000,000 tropical fish  Cyanide released above coral reefs.

15. 15 Human-Caused Reductions in Biodiversity

16. 16 Human-Caused Reductions in Biodiversity Predator and Pest Control Many animal populations have been greatly reduced or exterminated because they are regarded as dangerous to humans or livestock.  Animal control costs $20 million in federal and state funds annually. - 700,000 birds and mammals annually.  100,000 coyotes

17. 17 Solutions to Protecting Wild Species Endangered Species Act-1973  Conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats in which they are found  Endangered- are those considered in imminent danger of extinction.  Threatened are those likely to become endangered, at least locally, in the near future.

18. 18 Endangered Species Act Regulates the following activities involving endangered species:  Taking (harassing, harming, pursuing, hunting, shooting, killing, capturing, or collecting) either accidentally, or on purpose.  Selling  Importing into or Exporting out of the U.S.  Possessing  Transporting or Shipping

19. 19 Endangered Species Act Currently, U.S. has 1,300 species on its Endangered and Threatened lists, and about 250 candidate species waiting for consideration.  Number reflects more about human interests than actual status. - Invertebrates make up 75% of all species, but only 9% of T/E list.  Listing process is extremely slow.

20. 20 Recovery Plans Once a species is listed, USFWS is required to propose a recovery plan detailing the rebuilding of the species to sustainable levels.  Total cost of all current plans = $5 billion. - Some have been very successful. Opponents have continually tried to require economic costs and benefits be incorporated into planning.

21. 21 Solutions to Protecting Wild Species International treaties  Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) - Bans hunting, capturing and selling of endangered and threatened species Egg pulling-collecting wild eggs laid by critically endangered species and hatching them in zoos or research centers Captive breeding-bred in captivity with the aim of reintroducing the offspring into the wild Wildlife Management  Population management plans  Saving critical habitat especially for migratory species

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