OPTION C: ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION 4 CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY

REASONS FOR CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY VIDEO

There are many reasons for conservation of any habitat but we can look at the question in terms of four main areas of concern: EcologicalEthicalEconomicalAesthetic

WHO AND WHAT ARE THE STAKEHOLDERS IN THIS DECISION AND HOW WILL IT AFFECT THEM? arguments pro and against conservation

INDICATOR SPECIES An indicator species is an organism used to assess a specific environmental condition The presence or absence of these species on a site are good indicators of environmental conditions.

FROGS ARE BIOINDICATORS M ost frogs require suitable habitat in both the terrestrial and aquatic environments, and have permeable skin that can easily absorb toxic chemicals. These traits make frogs especially susceptible to environmental disturbances, and thus frogs are considered accurate indicators of environmental stress: the health of frogs is thought to be indicative of the health of the biosphere as a whole. Frogs have survived in more or less their current form for 250 million years, having survived countless ice ages, asteroid crashes, and other environmental disturbances, yet now one-third of amphibian species are on the verge of extinction. This should serve as an alarm call to humans that something is drastically wrong in the environment.

THE BIOTIC INDEX The Biotic Index is a scale for showing the quality of an environment by indicating the types of organisms present in it. It is often used to assess the quality of water in rivers. Indicator species can be used to calculate the value of a biotic index The biotic index compares the relative frequency of indicator species. The biotic index multiplies the number of a certain kind of organism by its pollution tolerance rating. Each of these products is then added to the others and divided by the total number of organisms in the habitat. The pollution tolerance rating is measured from 1 to 10 and corresponds to the four basic water quality (Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor).

The pollution tolerance rating is found in data bases

COMPONENTS OF BIODIVERSITY Richness and evenness are components of biodiversity Richness refers to the number of different species present Sample A has a greater richness as three species are present Evenness refers to how close in numbers each species is Sample B is more even. There is a higher probability that if with capture two individuals, they would be from different species.

SIMPSON´S DIVERSITY INDEX Used to analyze the biodiversity of a community Quanitifies biodiversity by taking into account richness and evenness. The greater biodiversity in an area, the higher the value of D. The lowest possible value of D is 1  in a community with only one species

BIOGEOGRAPHY CAN INFLUENCE DIVERSITY Large nature reserves are better than small ones at maintaining diversity Connected nature reserves are more effective than isolated ones The shape of nature reserves is important. If the central area can be maximized and the total length of the perimeter can be minimized, then the reserve can preserve biodiversity better. A circular reserve would be superior to an extended strip of land with the same total area. The effectiveness of nature reserves at conserving biodiversity depends on their bio-geographical features.

CONSERVATION PLANS You are biologists in charge of designing a conservation plan for one Ecuadorian endangered species. You must create a campaign to sell your plan to sponsors (other students) that will “provide financial aid”.

ACTIVITY 1: THE PLAN Number of people in each group 4 (only one group of 5 people will be allowed in case of odd numbers) Each group will design In-situ conservation: A conservation plan in the form of a visitor´s pamphlet of the reserve Ex-situ conservation: A funding proposal in an A3 poster. The selected species must be from the list of endangered species of Ecuador. It is highly recommended that you visit the zoo / botanical garden to see your endangered species and investigate what they are doing to protect them.

In situ conservation Requires active management of nature reserves or national parks Involves measures to conserve endangered species remaining in the habitat to which they are adapted. It allows species to interact with other wild species, conserving more aspects of the organism´s niche. Natural reserves are areas specially designated for the conservation of wildlife.

IN SITU CONSERVATION Controlling grazing Removal of shrubs and trees Removal of alien species and culling invasive animals Reintroduction of species that have become locally extinct Re-wetting of wetlands Limiting predators Controlling poaching Feeding the animals Controlling access. Active management involves:

IN-SITU CONSERVATION First pair : Design a nature reserve that would meet the needs of that species in situ (in its natural habitat) and encourage recovery. Design a “visitor´s pamphlet” for the reserve, that includes: A short description of the reserve, including the kind of habitat it is and where should it be located. A section that describes the species and gives reasons why it is endangered. A list of the rules and regulations of the reserve. Outline what kind of activities are allowed, what kinds of activities are prohibited (for example “no hunting”) An outline of the management challenges of the reserve. Pictures Bibliography

Ex-situ conservation Preservation of species outside their natural habitats Conservation measures involve removal of organism from their natural habitat Plant species can be grown in botanical gardens Sees and plants can be stored in seed banks at low temperatures to maintain their viability Captive breeding of animals followed by release of individuals into their natural habitats It is used to back up in situ conservation measures or where endangered species cannot safely remain in their natural habitats

EX – SITU CONSERVATION Second pair: With reference to the same species, imagine a comprehensive ex situ conservation program that would avoid the extinction of that species and encourage recovery. Design a “funding proposal” for your program aimed at preserving the species. In the form of an A3 poster. Include the following to your proposal: A short description of the aspects of your conservation program, including a list of the resources required, including artificial habitat and where should it be located. An information section that describes the species and reasons for its endangerment An outline of the challenges facing the conservation program. Pictures of the species

ACTIVITY 2: IN – SITU AND EX – SITU CONSERVATION PLANS Discuss with your group the strengths and limitations of in situ and ex situ conservation approaches. Make a choice about which approach you would recommend. Make a short post in the class forum defending your recommendation. Be explicit about your criteria for judgment. Having reviewed the proposals of all of your classmates, be prepared to discuss in class the advantages and disadvantages of in situ and ex situ conservation measures.