Lecture 5 - Biodiversity and Conservation PDF

BIODIVERSITY & CONSERVATION BIODIVERSITY Totality of different organisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems they form Refers to the total number of species within an ecosystem and the resulting complexity of interactions among them Biodiversity Biodiversity increases when...

BIODIVERSITY & CONSERVATION BIODIVERSITY Totality of different organisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems they form Refers to the total number of species within an ecosystem and the resulting complexity of interactions among them Biodiversity Biodiversity increases when new genetic variation is produced, a new species arises, or a novel ecosystem (or habitat) is formed. Biodiversity decreases when the genetic variation within a species decreases, a species becomes extinct, or an ecosystem (or habitat) is lost. Regions and ecosystems vary in biodiversity Variation among regions and ecosystems in species composition and species diversity Biodiversity hotspots – regions with very high biodiversity mainly in the tropics, also islands, some other areas Diverse ecosystems – tropical rainforests, coral reefs, islands Endemic species –found only one place in the world, often on islands Species Diversity 1. Species Diversity/Richness - the number of species within a particular area 2. Species Evenness -the distribution/ relative abundance of individuals among species in a community/ area Species Evenness  Genetic Diversity Differences in genetic makeup between distinct species, as well as the genetic variations within a single species Ecosystem Diversity Deals with species distributions and community patterns, the role and function of key species, combining species functions and interactions The term ‘ecosystem’ here represents all levels greater than species: - associations, communities Levels of Organization What makes a healthy ecosystem? intact structure and function Trophic levels: Functional groups, e.g., pollinators: What makes a healthy ecosystem? Keystone species: Conservation Maintenance of biodiversity Taking actions to avoid species decline and extinction and permanent detrimental change to the environment Success also requires public and governmental support What is conservation biology? an applied science basic principles Goals ecology evolutionary biology maintain biological genetics diversity and ecosystem physiology health What do conservation biologists do? apply ecological and evolutionary principles : to understand biodiversity and ecosystem functioning to understand threats to biodiversity and ecosystem health ultimately, to protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystem health What makes a healthy ecosystem? How can we protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystem health? Why Conserve? 1. Ecological stability 2. Economic benefits to humans 3. Ethical Reasons 1. Ecological Stability Each species performs a particular function within an ecosystem Ecosystems provide support of production and services without which humans could not survive. Research shows that the more diverse an ecosystem the better it can withstand environmental stress and more productive it is. 2. Economic Benefits to Humans For all humans, biodiversity is first a resource for daily life. Such ‘crop diversity’ is called agrobiodiversity Biodiversity seen as a reservoir of resources Economic Commodities Food: crops, livestock, forestry, fish Medication Industry: fibers for clothing, wood for shelter and warmth Tourism & Recreation 3. Ethical Reasons Role of Biodiversity is to be a mirror of our relationships with the other living species. An ethical view with rights, duties, and education.  Advantages (1) Coverage (2) Economic sustainability.  It is not sufficient to establish a conservation area and then assume its biodiversity is automatically protected and without risk Demographic uncertainty resulting from random events in the survival and reproduction of individuals. Environmental uncertainty due to random, or at least unpredictable, changes in weather, food supply, and the populations of competitors, predators, parasites,  Natural catastrophes such as floods, fires, or droughts, which may occur at random intervals. Genetic uncertainty or random changes in genetic make-up due to genetic drift or inbreeding that alter the survival and reproductive probabilities of individuals. In situ Conservation Methods Conserving areas where populations of species exist naturally Protected areas About 18.53% of Belize is protected Belize Protected Areas Approx. 6.66% in conservation management reserves 0.20% in archaeological reserves 9.35% in extractive reserves Less than 0.01% in bird sanctuaries 2.32% in officially recognized private reserves Protected Areas Did You Know? The oldest protected area in Belize and in Central America is Half Moon Caye Natural Monument. National Parks Aquas Turbias Bacalar Chico Chiquibul NP Five Blues Lake Gra Gra Lagoon Guanacaste Honey Camp Laughing Bird Caye Monkey Bay NP Bird Sanctuaries Bird Caye Doubloon Bank Little Guana Caye Los Salones Man of War Caye Monkey Caye Wildlife Sanctuaries Aquacaliente Cockscomb Basin Corozal Bay Crooked Tree Gales Point Forest reserves Caye Caulker FR Fresh Water Creek Manatee Maya Mountain Vaca Ex situ Conservation methods Preservation outside their natural habitats Why Ex situ Conservation? Ex-situ conservation provides excellent research opportunities on the components of biological diversity. Many populations of endangered species in natural habitats are so small that extinction risk is very high..  Check your Understanding What is Biodiversity? Think of some factors that are currently causing species to be in danger of extinction.  Threats to Biodiversity 1. Habitat destruction 2. Introduced species 3. Overexploitation 4. Pollution 5. competition  Natural Resources occur naturally within environments that exist relatively undisturbed by mankind, in a natural form. often characterized by amounts of biodiversity existent in various ecosystems.  Why resources are under pressure? Increase in sophistication of technology A rapidly increasing population. Materialistic societies that promote mass consumerism and unnecessary use of these resources.