3.4 Conservation of Biodiversity

Question 1

What is an NGO, IGO, GO

Answer 1

• NGO: non-govermental organization
• IGO: Intergovermental organization
• GO: govermental organization

Question 2

Make sureyou are able to compare and contrast the roles of a named NGO and IGO inconservingbiodiversity

Answer 2

(Mira table 4 en tu docs)

Question 3

What is a flagship specie + state example

Answer 3

Species used as symbols of conservation 🐼

Ex, giant panda

Question 4

What is a keystone specie + example

Answer 4

These species interact through the food web with other species in the community and if lost could lead to the demise of other species. Conserving a keystone species helps to protect the integrity of the community

Example: wolfs

Question 5

What happens if wolfs (keystone species) are romeoved from an ecosystem?

Answer 5

In their absence deer numbers increase preventing seedlings growing into trees and providing habitats for birds and other species

Question 6

What are umbrella species + Ex

Answer 6

• Often large species requiring large habitat areas
• Protecting the habitat of this species also protects the habits of other species

Ex. giant panda

Question 7

What are the two main aproaches to species conservation if their numbers are low?

Answer 7

In - situ and Ex - situ conservation

Question 8

What is in - situ conservation? + Example

Answer 8

Protection of species in their habitat

Ex. Humpback whales

They stopped the poaching of them and thus protected their habitat

Question 9

What is Ex-Situ conservation?

Answer 9

Improve the probability of survival of the species by taking them out of their habitat and breeding them in captivity; with the intention of re-introducing them back into the wild in the future.

Question 10

Advantages and disadvantages of Ex-Situ conservation (HINT: 3 each)

Answer 10

PROS:
- Increase numbers and decrease risk of extinction
- Opportunity to study species (feeding, breeding patterns) and thus help conserve their habitat better
- Use of zoos, aquariums and botanical gardens to educate public about the species and gain financial and political support

CONS:
- Does not address causes of habitat loss
- They may not be able to survive in the wild if re-introduced. no hunting or survival skills developed
- Captivity can be detrimental to their health and also lead to aggressive behaviour.

Question 11

What is CITES?

Answer 11

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Question 12

What its CITES aim?

Answer 12

CITES aims to ensure international trade does not endanger threatened species.

Question 13

What are the strengths and weaknesses of CITES?

Answer 13

Strengths:
- Restricts trade which threatens species becoming extinct
- Encourages education about endangered species
- Can stimulate funding into research and conservation activities

Weaknesses:
- Participation is voluntary, not mandatory
- Effective enforcement can be difficult
- Trade is often driven underground (illegal/black market)
- Focuses on species conservation, whereas the main threat to biodiversity is habitat loss. → doesn’t adress issue at ROOT

Question 14

Reasons for converting an area into a protected area? (HINT: 7 overall but mention at least 3)

Answer 14

• Level of biodiversity (e.g. by protecting biological hotspots a diverse range of species can also be protected)
• Presence of endemic species
• Rarity of habitat type
• Aesthetic value often referred to as natural beauty
• Cultural and religious value
• Educational value
• Scientific value

Question 15

What is the edge effect?

Answer 15

Edge effects occur at ecotones (where two habitats meet and there is a change near the boundary)

Question 16

What 3 areas have been recommended to avoid a dramatic change in abiotic conditions?

Answer 16

Core area:the natural environment under protection.

Buffer zone:between the core area and transition zone. To minimise any harm in this area, use is limited e.g. for scientific research, training and education. This area acts as a barrier to protect the core area from human activities in the transition zone

Transition zone:where there is sustainable use of natural resources. This area can be affected by human activities outside the transition zone such as intensive farming

( Mira foto 5 en tu docs)

Question 17

What is the ideal shape for a protected area:

Answer 17

circle! less edge effect

Question 18

Wildlife corridors - Advatnages and disadvantages

Answer 18

Advantages:

• Allows migration between reserves + reduces isolation of the population
• Immigration from other reserves can increase the gene pool in the reserve.
• It can allow for seasonal migration

Disadvantages:

• Increase spread of disease from one reserve to another.
• Increase threat from invasive species.
• Increase threat from predators and hunters

Question 19

Wildlife corridors - Give a succesful example vs an unsuccesful example

Answer 19

Not a sucesfull project: paracas reserve

Sucesfull project: Yosemite or yellowstone

Question 20

What is a wildlife corridor ?

Answer 20

Wildlife corridors are connections across the landscape that link up areas of habitat (tipo puente con pasto asi)