Human footprint – A measure of the human influence globally

How and How Much? Estimated 83% impacted How? – Conversion to ag and urban – Filling of wetlands and estuaries But, this is largely direct and easily measured indirect impacts – Atmospheric transfers – Ozone hole – No place is completely untouched

Extinction Rate Difficult to calculate but can be done Natural extinction rate % – Based on 1 sp./1 million sp./yr Based on changes of trackable species in the fossil record Can estimate future extinction rates (see Science Focus p. 188) Current estimate on rate 0.01 – 0.1%

Types of Extinction Local – lost from one part of its range Ecological – still present but no longer plays a role Biological – gone (see Core Case start of chapter) passenger pigeon

Extrinsic or Intrinsic Value

Species Introductions Same risk whether intentional or not New ecosystem and may fail to establish When successful, have a selective advantage – Competition – Predation (ability, avoidance Purple loosestrife

Species Introductions New regs make it difficult to intentionally introduce Primary reason to introduce – biocontrol sinfo.gov/laws/publiclaws. shtml sinfo.gov/laws/publiclaws. shtml Purple loosestrife beetle

Endangered Species Act of 1973 Amended 1982, 1985, 1988 (Reagan Administration) Primary Goal: identify and protect endangered species in the US and abroad Determination by: National Marine Fisheries Service (marine), Fish & Wildlife Service (freshwater and terrestrial) Determination based on biological factors only

Endangered Species Act of 1973 Many species in hotspots – unique ecosystems with high biodiversity/imperiled Once named, their habitat is protected A recovery plan must be developed Amendments allow for some habitat destruction (habitat conservation plan) About 1400 species named in US, but TNC estimates 1/3 of US sp. at risk of extinction

Newest addition to the List Snuffbox mussel – Epioblasma triquetra