1. BIODIVERSITY “The value of biodiversity is more than the sum of its parts.” Byran G. Norton

2. WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY? biodiversity: the number and variety of species in a given area ~1.7 million species are known to exist –Only estimates because there is no real way to find every living organism in the world. –Approx estimate is 10 MILLION! There are more species of insects than any other species in the world

3. 3 types of biodiversity 1.Species biodiversity –differences between populations of a given species and of different species 2.Ecosystem diversity –variety of habitat, community and biological processes within and between ecosystems. 3.Genetic diversity –Different genes within a population

4. Benefits of biodiversity Ecosystem Connections –Keystone species: a species that has a major impact and role within an ecosystem. Without them the ecosystem will fall apart. Sea Otters Population and evolution –Bottleneck effect –Variation allows species to evolve and adapt Medication, Industrial, Agricultural Ethics, Aesthetics, Recreation –ecotourism

5. Ecotourism Tourism created to support conservation and sustainability, sustainable development of ecologically diverse, unique areas. –Rainforests –Coral reefs –Tundra

6. 10-2 Biodiversity at risk Endangered species –Species likely to become extinct if protective measures are not taken. –http://www.iucnredlist.o rg/http://www.iucnredlist.o rg/ Threatened species –Species not yet endangered, but have a declining population and if not protected probably will become endangered.

7. Current extinctions of the world Believed that we are in another mass extinction period –Estimated that in the period between 1800 -2100 that ~25% of species will be lost. –Humans are believed to be the main cause Habitat destruction Introduction of non-native species Hunting and poaching and over harvesting Pollution

8. The greater the number of individuals within a species the higher chance of that species survival. Species that are migratory and require a larger area of land have a greater probability of becoming extinct.

9. Habitat Destruction Why do we need more land? –Homes-- harvesting resources 75% of all extinction is due to habitat loss –Florida panther Broken habitat due to roads and construction –Gorilla Loss of habitat due to agriculture –Panda Loss of habitat due to farming development and clear cutting.

10. Invasive-Exotic species Exotic species = any non-native species of a given region. Mussels earthworms –Have ability to threaten native species because they have no natural predators. –Native species lack defense mechanism. –Over $100 million spent a year by the U.S to fight against invasive plant species.

11. Harvesting, hunting, poaching Excessive of any of the above may lead to extinction. Poaching- illegal hunting, harvesting –Elephants poached for their tusks.

12. Pollution Leads to climate change and alteration of habitat Pesticides, drugs, cleaning agents, fertilizers all enter water supply or food chain. –DDT was used as a pesticide - led to the decrease in the number of bald eagles. Even though the effects are known the US still produces DDT and sells it in other countries.

13. Areas of critical Biodiversity Endemic species: –Species that are native to a particular area –Only a small population exists –Cannot survive anywhere else

14. Tropical rainforests Cover less than 7% of the world. Major location of biodiversity –More than 50% of the world’s species are believed to exist here

15. Coral reefs, islands, and coasts Reefs –Provide food –~60% of the world’s reefs are threatened. Overfishing, boats, pollution. Islands –Have a very select population of species. –Limited number of distinct species

16. Biodiversity hotspots Locations that are threatened but have a high species diversity –Created in the 1980s –Majority are tropical rainforest, coastal areas and islands –25 areas exist

17. Biodiversity in the US Florida Everglades, the California coastal region, Hawaii, the Midwestern prairies, and the forests of the Pacific Northwest. Species: Freshwater fishes, mussels, snails, and crayfish. Threats –use of land for agriculture and housing – dam construction – overuse of water – destructive recreation –mining

18. 10-3 Saving Species One at a time Captive breeding programs –Breeding of species within captivity in hopes of releasing back into the wild California Condor 9 in 1989 but in 2002 58 in wild –Unknown if these species will reproduce in the wild after reintroduction

19. Preserving Genetic Material Germ Plasm banks: –Germ plasm: any form of genetic material from plants or animals Eggs, germ cells, blood samples. –Used and stored for research and to aide in conservation efforts.

20. Zoos, Aquariums, Parks, Gardens Initially created to display wide array of species “Living museum of biodiversity” Not an ideal solution –Many animals won’t mate in zoos –Rapid spread of disease

21. Preserving Habitat and Ecosystems “Most effective way to save species is to preserve their habitat” Must have a large enough habitat to protect so species will be able to survive any major disaster.

22. Conservation Strategies By protecting an entire ecosystem you are able to protect most of the species within that area. Focus is on protecting the biological hotspots. Push for use of products that have been harvested using sustainable practices.

23. Legal Protection Ideal type of protection would be international agreements so organisms will remain throughout the world and not just in one given location

24. Endangered Species Act 1973- designed plan to protect plant and animals which are in danger of becoming extinct. –4 provisions 1.US fish and wildlife service (USFWS) compile list of all endangered and threatened species 2.May not catch or kill endangered and threatened species. 3.Fed. Govt. may not engage in projects that jeopardize these species. 4.USFWS must prepare species recovery plans

25. Recovery and Habitat Conservation Plan Leads to controversy when land use is limited or prohibited –Developers, recreation use, profit decrease Habitat Conservation Plan –Plan to protect one or more species across large areas of land via trade-offs and cooperative agreements.

26. International Conservation International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) –200 government agencies –700 private organizations –Advise governments on resource management –Create the “Red List” of endangered species every year. –Sponsor conservation projects

27. International Trade and Poaching Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) –International agreement between governments that tries to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. –1st effective effort in stopping the poaching of African elephants

28. Biodiversity Treaty United Nations Conference on Environment + Development or “Earth Summit” –1992 conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil –100 world leaders and 30,000 individuals –Led to the Biodiversity Treaty- Preserve wildlife Ensure sustainable and fair use of genetic resources

29. Private Conservation Efforts World Wildlife Foundation- (WWF)- wildlife protection and sustainable use of resources. Nature Conservancy- habitat preservation Conservation International- identify hotspots and develop conservation projects Greenpeace- Organizes direct actions against environmental threats Audubon Society- Conservation and protection of native species.