1. Chapter 18 Conservation of Biodiversity

2. The 6 th Mass Extinction Extinction - when there are no longer any of the species in the world. Mass Extinction - an extinction event with a great loss of biodiversity over a relatively short period time We are currently losing approximately 50,000 species per year.

3. Genetic Diversity Higher genetic diversity = higher rate of survival for a species facing environmental changes As a species shrinks, inbreeding occurs. Inbreeding : when individuals with similar genotypes, generally relatives, breed with each other; decreasing diversity More inbreeding = less likely to survive

4. Categories of Endangerment Extinct - no known species exist today Threatened - high risk of extinction Near-threatened - likely to become threatened Least concern - species are widespread and abundant

6. HIPCO – Factors that Contribute to the Destruction of Biodiversity H- Habitat Loss I- Invasive Species P- Pollution C- Climate Change O- Overharvested

7. Habitat Loss For most species the greatest cause of decline and extinction is habitat loss. Most habitat loss is due to human development

8. Global changes in forest cover from 1980-2000 Forest Cover Map

9. 9 Habitat Loss: Agriculture Conversion to Agricultural Land About 40% of world’s land surface converted to cropland and permanent pasture. Pressures to modify the environment are greatest in areas with high population density

10. 10 Habitat Loss: Aquatic Ecosystems When fish are harvested in shallow parts of the ocean, trawls & nets drag along the bottom. – Skim off decomposing debris (nutrients) – Decrease oxygen in water – Alter space and shelter for marine animals – Uproot marine plants

11. 11 Habitat Loss: Aquatic Ecosystems Freshwater systems are often modified for navigation, irrigation, flood control, or power production.

12. Invasive Species Native species - a species that still lives in its historical range Alien species (exotic species) - species that live outside their historical range. Invasive species - when alien species spread rapidly across large areas. Ex- Kudzu Vine, Zebra Mussel, Silver Carp

13. Exotic/Invasive Species No natural predators, parasites, etc. Rapid reproduction, adaptable to new environments, and mature early Aggressive growth and spread Native species frequently out-competed Cane Toads: An Unnatural History Part 5 (9 minutes)

14. Pollution Threats to biodiversity can come from toxic contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, acids, and oil spills

15. Climate Change The concern is how climate change will affect temperature and precipitation around the world, and how this will impact biodiversity.

16. Overharvesting When individuals of a species are removed at a rate faster than the population can replace them. Ex- dodo, American bison, passenger pigeon.

17. 17 Overexploitation: Pet Trade World Wildlife Fund estimates illegal trade in wild animals globally produces $2 - $35 billion annually.

18. 18 Overexploitation: Fisheries U.N. estimates 70% of world’s marine fisheries are over- exploited or are in danger of being fully exploited. Lake Trout

19. Conservation Efforts 1. Single species approach Captive breeding Gene Zoos Regulations 2. Ecosystem approach Nature Preserves Regulations

20. Lacey Act One of the earliest laws in the U.S. to control the trade of wildlife. First passed in 1900, the act prohibited the transport of illegally harvested game animals, primarily birds and mammals, across state lines. Amended in 2008 to prohibit sale and import of illegally logged woods and products made from them.

21. International Union for the Conservation of Nature (1948) IUCN’s vision is a just world that values and conserves nature. IUCN The IUCN keeps a list of threatened species, known as the red list.

22. Red List The IUCN keeps a list of threatened species, known as the red list. IUCN = International Union for Conservation of Nature Each country has its own way to monitor and regulate the import and export of animals on the list.

23. Conservation Legislation Marine Mammal Protection Act - (1972) prohibits the killing of all marine mammals in the U.S. and prohibits the import or export of any marine mammal body parts

24. CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Developed in 1973 to control the international trade of threatened plants and animals. Today, CITES is an international agreement between 175 countries of the world.

25. Endangered Species Act Endangered Species Act – (1973) authorizes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine which species can be listed as threatened or endangered and prohibits the harming of these species. Trading these species is also illegal. The act also authorizes the government to purchase habitat that is critical to the species.

26. Convention on Biological Diversity The treaty had three objectives: 1. Conserve biodiversity 2. Sustainably use biodiversity 3. Equitably share the benefits that emerge from the commercial use of genetic resources such as pharmaceutical drugs In 1992, nations came together and made a treaty to protect biodiversity.

27. 27 Conserving Ecosystem Biodiversity Habitat Analysis and Management – Animals have highly specific habitat requirements that change throughout the year. Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) describes the suitability of a given habitat by combining the interactions of all key environmental variables on a species’ vital rates and ultimately, survival.

28. Size, Shape and Connectedness When designing and managing protected areas we must consider how close to another area they should be, how large the area is, and the amount of edge habitat the area contains. Edge habitat - the area where two different communities come together, typically forming an abrupt transition. Ex. A grassy field meeting a forest.

29. Biosphere Reserves Protected areas consisting of zones that vary in the amount of permissible human impact.

30. Review Questions 1. Explain how genetic diversity loss is a positive feedback loop. 2. What are the 4 categories of endangerment? 3. Explain how each of the 5 factors (HIPCO) contribute to biodiversity loss. 4. Describe the Lacey Act and CITES. 5. Explain the purpose of the ICUN Red List and the Endangered Species Act. 6. What are edge effects and why are they important in designing preserves?

31. Conserving Ecosystem Biodiversity Wildlife Management – application of ecological knowledge to populations of vertebrate animals and their plant and animal associates in a manner that strikes a balance between the needs of those populations and the needs of people. (Robinson & Bolen 1999)

32. 32 Conserving Biodiversity Animal species are often researched & managed to assess population sizes and to document life histories. – Fin clips – Radio collars – Banding

33. 33 Conserving Biodiversity Wildlife management often involves harvesting for sport and meat. – Hunting regulation is crucial. Seasons usually occur in the fall to take advantage of surplus animals.

34. 34 Conserving Biodiversity Migratory birds can travel thousands of kilometers. North in Spring to reproduce. South in Fall to escape cold temperatures & to find food.

35. 35 Preserving Biodiversity International agreements necessary to maintain appropriate habitat. – Canada – United States – Mexico – International Crane Foundation – http://www.savingcranes.org/ http://www.savingcranes.org/

36. Biodiversity Hotspots Poster www.conservation.org/hotspots