Defining Conservation Biology - PDF

Defining Conservation Biology  Objectives Introduction to Conservation Biology Outline the major conservation problems facing the world today Distinguish conservation from environmentalism Discuss the philosophical roots of conservation biology List the ethical princi...

Defining Conservation Biology  Objectives Introduction to Conservation Biology Outline the major conservation problems facing the world today Distinguish conservation from environmentalism Discuss the philosophical roots of conservation biology List the ethical principles of Conservation Biology Identify specific examples of conservation biology as an interdisciplinary approach What are some of the major conservation problems facing the world today?  Origins of Conservation Biology “Around the globe, biological communities that took millions of years to develop – including tropical rain forests, coral reefs, old- growth forests, prairies, coastal wetlands – have been devastated as a result of human actions (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005; Barnoksy et al 2011 in Primack 2012).” OK What is Conservation Biology? An integrated, multidisciplinary scientific field that has developed in response to the challenge of preserving species and ecosystems.  Goals of Conservation Biology i. To document the full range of biological diversity on Earth ii. To investigate human impacts on species, genetic variation and ecosystems iii. To develop practical approaches to prevent the extinction of species, maintain genetic diversity within species and protect and restore biological communities and their associated ecosystem function. Disciplines in Conservation Biology © Rebecca Jarvis  When did it all begin? Conservation biology arose in response to the lack comprehensiveness in resource management in the 1980s. Previously, sectors (agriculture, fisheries, wildlife management, forestry) were focused on the management of a small range of species for recreation and the marketplace.  Philosophical Roots of Conservation Biology People are seen as both physically and spiritually connected to their natural environments, in many of world’s religions: – Christianity: monasteries and religious centers support protecting nature as part of the mission. – Eastern philosophies (Taoism, Hinduism, Buddhism): wilderness areas and natural areas are protected as they can assist in achieving intense spiritual experiences. – Aboriginals: strong sense of being a part of nature and respect for wildlife. – Islam: people are considered guardians of nature. Important Figures in the Evolution of Conservation Biology  Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) – Transcendentalism: reject material wealth and follow a life dedicated towards seeking harmony with nature Photo: Wikimedia Commons  Henry David Thoreau (1817- 1862) – Walden was written after 26 months of observations living at Walden pond – 1859: Recognizes loss of wild landscape and recommends the establishment of parks of 500-1000 acres – Recognized forest succession in 1860: Although concept was not formalized until 1895 (Cox 2005) – “In wilderness is the preservation of the world”- Photo: Wikimedia Commons Thoreau John Muir (1838-1914): – Immigrated to US from Scotland as a child. – Influenced by writings of Emerson and Thoreau – Established the Sierra Club – Advocated federal programs to protect lands – “God has cared for these trees, but he cannot save them from fools…only Uncle Sam can do that” (Cox 2005). Photo Credit: National Park Service  Paul R Ehrlich (Born 1932- Present): Stanford University – The Population Bomb (1968) – Environmental degradation and pollution driven by the human population explosion Paul Ehrlich 1968  Aldo Leopold (1887 -1948): – Father of wildlife management – Wrote the Sand County Almanac, which examined the humans relationship with the environment A conservation ethic includes the following basic tenets: 1. Do not decrease the natural productivity of the land 2. Do not knowingly and willingly drive any species to extinction  Rachel Carson (1907-1964) Silent Spring published in 1962 – Raises concern about pesticide use (DDT) – Book was a bestseller – Stimulated a huge effort to investigate the effects of environmental pollution Photo: Wikimedia Commons Yellow -breasted Chat (Icteria virens) Photo Credit: The Nature Conservancy Premise of Silent Spring: pesticides were decimating songbird populations Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) Wilson’s Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla)  E.O. Wilson: 1929-Present – Passionate scientist/spokesperson for the value of biodiversity Developed bio-geographic theory with Robert MacArthur Pioneered research (with his student Daniel Simberloff) examining biogeographic processes on islands Recognizes “…a deep human affinity for life” which he believes is ”…evidenced in the many ways that human cultures relate intimately to living organisms” (Cox 2005) Two Pulitzer Prizes, National Academy of Sciences, National Medal of Science, many international and national awards for his scientific accomplishments Why is Conservation Biology Important?  Species on the Brink of Extinction There are thousands of identified and unidentified organisms that are teetering on the edge of extinction Polar bears, mountain gorillas, cheetahs, whales Library.thinkquest.org etc. among thousands of identified and unidentified organisms that are teetering on the edge of extinction. animals.nationalgeographic.com  Yangtze River Dolphin (Goddess of the Yangtze River) Photo: TIME magazine EXTINCT! Caribbean Monk Seal EXTINCT! Golden Toad EXTINCT! "In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught." (Baba Dioum, 1968.) Pygmy marmoset Atlantic Cod Case Study  Questions ▪ What did fishermen in Europe do in response to declines of Cod in there areas? ▪ Which of the two stocks mentioned were considered at risk? ▪ What was done to deal with the risks predicted with the cod stock? ▪ What are the factors that led to the crash of the New England Atlantic cod fishery? ▪ What could explain the peak in the cod fishery catch before the crash in Canada? ▪ What would you do, as a manager, to deal with a potential crash in a main fishery in your area? What precautions would you implement, if any? How would you assess the “health” of the stock?