HIPPCO: Causes of Species Extinction

• HIPPCO: Acronym for main causes of species extinction: Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Population growth, Pollution, Climate change, and Overexploitation.

Habitat Destruction

• The top threat to biodiversity, impacting tropical rainforests, wetlands, coral reefs, grasslands, and aquatic systems.
• Consequences include reduced biodiversity, disrupted migration/mating/feeding, increased vulnerability, and edge effects.
• Habitat fragmentation splits ecosystems, reducing biodiversity, disrupting behaviors, increasing vulnerability, and causing edge effects.
• Edge effects: Changes in temperature, humidity, and light at fragmented habitat boundaries with negative impacts.

Invasive Species

• They thrive without natural controls, outcompete native species, and harm ecosystems and economies.
• Beneficial examples include crops like corn, wheat, rice, livestock, and European honeybees (pollinators).
• Harmful examples in the U.S.: purple loosestrife, African honeybee, kudzu, nutria, wild boar, sea lamprey, red fire ant, Burmese python, Formosan termite, and zebra mussel.
• Invasive species cost the U.S. economy $1 billion.
• The Hawaiian Islands: Known as the "Extinction capital of America," with 63% of species at risk.
• Globally, invasive species cost approximately 4 trillion dollars per year

Population Growth

• It escalates resource consumption, leading to habitat destruction and overexploitation, contributing to extinction.

Climate Change

• It alters habitats and ecosystems, threatening species' survival and leading to potential extinction.
• It is projected to possibly cause the extinction of 20–50% of land species by 2100.
• Polar bear populations may decline by 30–35% by 2050 due to climate change.

Pollution

• Encompasses air, water, and soil, resulting in the deaths of millions of birds and fish annually.

Overexploitation

• Refers to excessive species use for resources, causing population declines and extinction.

Kudzu

• It was imported from Japan in the 1930s to combat soil erosion.
• It rapidly grows, kills native plants, and is difficult to remove, making it a notable invasive species.
• Considered edible and drought-tolerant, utilized in herbal medicine for ailments, and a potential resource for paper/biofuel.
• The Kudzu Bug feeds on Kudzu but also damages soybeans.

Burmese Python

• Released into the Everglades by pet owners, they are a large predator disrupting food webs.
• Once established, it is hard to remove or control, can spread to other wetlands.

Controlling Invasive Species

• Prevention is key to controlling but established species are hard to remove.
• Individuals can avoid buying or releasing wild animals/plants, not dump aquarium contents, use local firewood when camping, and clean gear after visiting wild areas.

Human Impact

• Human population growth and high resource use lead to habitat destruction and species loss.

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)

• Honeybee colonies decline by 23–43% annually.
• Main causes include parasites (varroa mites), viruses (e.g., tobacco ringspot), pesticides (especially neonicotinoids), stress from long-distance transport, and poor diet.
• Pesticides, specifically neonicotinoids, contribute to the decline of honeybee colonies.

DDT

• Caused bioaccumulation and biomagnification, resulting in reproductive issues for birds (ospreys, eagles).
• Banning DDT in 1972 led to the recovery of bird populations.

Wildlife Poaching

• Targets high-value species; gorillas ($150,000), panda pelts ($100,000), rhino horns ($250,000), and elephant tusks ($375,000).
• Tiger parts are used in traditional medicine, contributing to the illegal wildlife trade.
• Drones with infrared cameras track animals and poachers for wildlife protection.

Tiger Conservation

• Tiger numbers have decreased by 99% since 1900.
• Habitat loss and poaching are the main threats.
• India leads in conservation efforts.
• Tiger products sold illegally include fur, bones, and organs.

Decline of Birds

• 70% of global bird species are declining; 13% are threatened with extinction.
• Causes: habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, collisions, and climate change.
• They play ecological roles like seed dispersal, pollination, and pest control.
• Çağan Hakkı Şekercioğlu founded KuzeyDoğa in Turkey to prevent extinctions while benefiting humans and wildlife.

Exotic Pet Trade

• Many exotic birds and animals die in transit.
• The U.S. Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 bans the importation of parrots.
• Risks include the spread of diseases like Ebola, herpes B, and salmonella.