Biodiversity Protection in the US 2022

Biological Diversity

• Biological diversity, also known as biodiversity, encompasses the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems.
• The United States invested $5.6 billion in 2022 to safeguard biological diversity.

Endangered Species

• Sumatran Rhinoceros: Fewer than 300 individuals remain.
• Gray-Shanked Douc Langar: Fewer than 1,000 individuals survive in Vietnam.
• Whooping Crane: A critically endangered species in North America, with only 600 individuals.
• Iberian Lynx: 300 individuals reside in central and southern Spain.
• Kirtland's Warbler: Approximately 4,000 individuals.
• Spruce-Fir Moss Spider: Found in high peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, their population numbers are unknown.
• Houston Toad: 2,000 to 3,000 individuals are found in central Texas.
• Indiana Bat: About 300,000 bats are still around.
• Tooth Cave Ground Beetle: Population numbers are undocumented; they inhabit Texas caves only.

Justifying Protection Efforts

• The presentation highlights the need to justify financially supporting endangered species.

Direct Value

• Organisms or products directly utilized by humans. Examples include food (fruits, vegetables, grains, livestock), natural resources (lumber, fibers), and products (medicine, cosmetics).

• Economic activities (jobs, livelihood, market value).

• Over 80% of the food we consume comes from only 20 plant species.

• Corn is a significant US crop, valued at $91.7 billion in 2022.

• Corn produces ethanol (44%), animal feed (44%), and food additives (12%).

• Corn also leads to products like paper, plates, cups, cosmetics, fireworks, and diapers.

• Latex, extracted from trees, is worth over $33 billion annually.

Indirect Value

• Organisms serve vital, indispensable ecosystem services.
• Examples include pollination ($30B value), decomposition, pest control, and oxygen production.

Aesthetic Value

• The beauty of nature, and the experience humans get from it.
• Examples are picturesque landscapes and the variety of flowers.

Optional Value

• Potential unknown usefulness of organisms and their components.
• Includes yet undiscovered species.
• Examples include potential for new medicines.

Other Considerations

• Protecting biodiversity is crucial: Loss threatens the health and integrity of life on Earth.
• Habitat loss is a primary driver for species decline, caused by human population expansion and the need for more resources.
• Education and action are pivotal in shaping future conservation efforts.
• Investing in conservation programs is essential to preserving biodiversity.
• Ecotourism is an economic opportunity that involves appreciating natural environments.
• Protecting earth's environments can be personally rewarding.

Test your knowledge about the United States' efforts and expenditure on protecting biological diversity in 2022. This quiz covers the importance of biodiversity, specific animals in need of protection, and the consequences of its loss. Challenge yourself and learn more about environmental conservation!