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Chapter 17 Preserving Earth’s Biological Diversity Biological Diversity Biodiversity Species Richness Genetic Diversity Biological Diversity Biodiversity Species Richness Genetic Diversity Ecosystem Diversity Biological Diversity Why We Need Organisms • Ecosystem Services and Species Richness Nests eventually become small islands of trees Gator trails clear out aquatic vegetation Maintains smaller fish populations by eating gar Digs underwater holes used by other aquatic organisms 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 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 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. Endangered and Extinct Species Endangered and extinct species Confirmed observation in Arkansas in April 2005 Endangered and Extinct Species Endangered and Threatened Species Could become extinct soon. Population declining very fast. Endangered and Extinct Species Characteristics of Endangered Species • Extremely small range Tiburon mariposa lily • Requiring large territories California condor • Living on islands Hawaii ‘O’ o • Low reproductive success Blue whale • Specialized breeding areas Green sea turtle • Specialized feeding habits Giant panda Endangered and Extinct Species Common problem: habitat fragmentation Endangered and Extinct Species Where is Declining Biological Diversity the Greatest Problem? • In US: Hawaii and California • Worldwide: Tropical rain forests Endangered and Extinct Species Earth’s Biodiversity Hotspots Endangered and Extinct Species Human Causes of Species Endangerment #1 cause: Habitat Destruction, Fragmentation, and Degradation Endangered and Extinct Species Human Causes of Species Endangerment Invasive Species 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 Endangered and Extinct Species Human Causes of Species Endangerment Overexploitation 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 Conservation Biology Scientific study of how humans impact organisms and development of strategies to protect diversity. Conservation Biology Protecting Habitats Conservation Biology Restoring Damaged or Destroyed Habitats Beginning of prairie restoration in 1935 Conservation Biology Restoring Damaged or Destroyed Habitats Same area in 2004 Conservation Biology Zoos, Aquaria, Botanical Gardens, and Seed Banks Conservation Biology Zoos, Aquaria, Botanical Gardens, and Seed Banks Ultimate goal is to reintroduce endangered species back to their natural habitats Conservation Biology Zoos, Aquaria, Botanical Gardens, and Seed Banks Establishing seed banks Conservation Biology Conservation Organizations Many work with state & federal agencies and private landowners to promote conservation. Conservation Policies and Laws Endangered Species Act Conservation Policies and Laws Endangered Species Act 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 Conservation Policies and Laws International Conservation Policies and Laws Most important: CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) Wildlife Management Differs from conservation biology in that wildlife managers focus more often on common organisms and manage those species primarily for human benefits Wildlife Management Management of Migratory Animals Example of artic snow geese impact 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 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
