Unit Five Ecology and Conservation Biology Conservation Biology

What is Biodiversity Biodiversity is the variety of life whether one focuses on the Earth as a whole, a somewhat smaller area known as a biome, or an even smaller area called an ecosystemBiodiversity is the variety of life whether one focuses on the Earth as a whole, a somewhat smaller area known as a biome, or an even smaller area called an ecosystem There are 3 levels of biodiversity which are from smallest to largest:There are 3 levels of biodiversity which are from smallest to largest: –1. genetic diversity –2. species diversity –3. ecosystem diversity

What is Biodiversity cont’d Biodiversity tends to be highest in areas with moderate climatic conditionsBiodiversity tends to be highest in areas with moderate climatic conditions Rainforests and coral reefs are two biomes that have high biodiversityRainforests and coral reefs are two biomes that have high biodiversity Areas with high biodiversity are called hot spotsAreas with high biodiversity are called hot spots

Threats to Biodiversity Humans are the primary cause for loss of biodiversity during the last few hundred yearsHumans are the primary cause for loss of biodiversity during the last few hundred years The four main anthropogenic (human related) reason for species decline are:The four main anthropogenic (human related) reason for species decline are: –1. habitat destruction/habitat fragmentation –2. pollution –3. overexploitation –4. exotic species

Benefits to Preserving Biodiversity There are several benefits to preserving biodiversityThere are several benefits to preserving biodiversity –1. medicinal value of flora –2. improved food crops –3. maintains ecosystem function –4. economic benefits - tourism and recreation –5. overall aesthetic value

What is Conservation Biology This discipline of Conservation Biology is relatively new (1980’s) and focuses on the preservation/restoration of biodiversity at the three levels (genetic, species, and ecosystem)This discipline of Conservation Biology is relatively new (1980’s) and focuses on the preservation/restoration of biodiversity at the three levels (genetic, species, and ecosystem) It is a response to the documented loss of species over the last few hundred yearsIt is a response to the documented loss of species over the last few hundred years

What is Conservation Biology cont’d Conservation biologists are able to affect change because of the federal endangered species act of 1973Conservation biologists are able to affect change because of the federal endangered species act of 1973 If a species is “listed”, it then garners special protection under the above actIf a species is “listed”, it then garners special protection under the above act There can be three “listed” categories:There can be three “listed” categories: –1. species of special concern –2. threatened –3. endangered

What is Conservation Biology cont’d Once a species is “listed” no one is permitted to negatively impact individuals of that species or their surrounding habitatOnce a species is “listed” no one is permitted to negatively impact individuals of that species or their surrounding habitat Conservation biologists participate in many initiatives to help a species increase in numberConservation biologists participate in many initiatives to help a species increase in number –1. captive breeding –2. habitat restoration –3. creation of corridors –4. reintroduction programs –5. general research

What is Conservation Biology cont’d Conservation biologists can attempt to preserve an entire ecosystem or a specific species from an ecosystem Usually, conservation efforts focus on individual species Conservation of a species generally involves a combination of in situ and ex situ work with the breeding program occurring ex situ

What is Conservation Biology cont’d Once a species has been brought back from the brink of extinction, if funding is available, it is very important to continue to monitor said species for as long as possible after the conservation program was conducted An ecologist’s and conservation biologist’s work is never done