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Download 4.3 Conservation of biodiversity
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4.3 Conservation of biodiversity Arguments for preserving species • • • • • Ethical Aesthetic Genetic Resources Commercial Life Support/ecosystem support functions Ethical • Has intrinsic (essential) value • Right to exist • Human have stewardship over the Earth Aesthetic (Visual) • Recreational • Spiritual • Educational Genetic Resource • Diversity of gene pool • Ensures future variety of life • Needed for stable ecosystems (disease/natural selection) Commercial • Food, Medicines, Goods, Resoureces • Medicines ($100 billion/year) • Ecotourism Life Support • Flow of material, energy in the biosphere – Photosynthesis – Pollination – Soil formation and maintenance – Nutrient cycling – Moderation of weather extremes – Purification of air and water UNEP • United nations environmental program • Provide leadership and partnerships worldwide WWF • World Wildlife Fund • Independent conservation organization • Draw attention to major issues and influence policy and decision making • 252 million dollars in 1995 Greenpeace • Independent campaigning organization • Non-violent, creative, confrontation • Draw attention through issues by “bearing witness” Ecoterrorists • Greatest terrorist threat to our country • Animal Liberation Front (ALF) • Earth Liberation Front (ELF) • Arsons, bombings, vandalism and harassment Greenpeace protests Key Terms • Corridors- Strips of land that link reserves together • Ecotone- where two habitats meet near a boundary • Edge effect- occurs at ecotones because more species are present from the two habitats (increased resources) Ecotone (marsh/mangrove) Edge Effect: More Species Can Be found here at the ecotone! Criteria used to Design protected areas • Size: – How large should area be? – One large or many small areas? – How many individuals must be protected? – Reduce Edge Effect • Shape: What is the best shape? • Proximity: How close together? • Corridors: Reserves Joined or separated? Wildlife Reserves Design CITES • Conservation of International trade in endangered species (CITES) • Reduced trade in endangered species – Appendix I: cannot be traded threatened with extinction – Appendix II: can be traded but with strict regulation – Appendix III: Included at request of country to help regulate illegal exploitation Species based approach to conservation Strengths Weaknesses Focus on 1 at a time Species do not exist in isolation Media- High profile species captures attention Media doesn’t like unglamorous organisms More research Research needs the context of whole environment Ignores community and ecosystem biodiversity Focus on species diversity Breeding, reintroduction, zoo programs Only need key species Doesn’t ensure protection of habitat How do you decide on key species?
