Biodiversity Action Plans - Topic 4 (Biodiversity), Element 5

Question 1

What is a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)?

Answer 1

A BAP is a document that sets out the targets and strategies for biodiversity conservation in a specific area.

BAPs were developed in response to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity.

Question 2

What are the four main elements of a BAP?

Answer 2

• Habitat and species assessment
• Aims, objectives, and targets
• Process outline
• Monitoring and continuous assessment

These elements help structure the BAP for effective biodiversity conservation.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a BAP?

Answer 3

To give an overview of the species and habitats in a particular area, and identify targets and strategies for conservation.

BAPs aim to address biodiversity loss effectively.

Question 4

Why are BAPs important?

Answer 4

• They improve the quality of the environment
• They connect us with nature
• They help ecosystems have resilience to climate change
• They maintain a coherent strategy for nature conservation

These aspects highlight the multifaceted benefits of BAPs.

Question 5

How many species and habitat action plans were included in the UK BAP?

Answer 5

• 391 species Action Plans
• 45 Habitat Action Plans
• 162 Local Biodiversity Action Plans

These plans provided targeted actions for biodiversity conservation.

Question 6

What is the ambition of the ‘Scottish biodiversity strategy to 2045’?

Answer 6

To be Nature Positive by 2030 and to restore and regenerate biodiversity across Scotland by 2045.

This strategy outlines a clear vision for biodiversity in Scotland.

Question 7

What is the vision of the Edinburgh BAP for 2050?

Answer 7

To make Edinburgh a greener city with more opportunities for wildlife, enabling people to engage with nature.

This vision emphasizes engagement and participation in biodiversity objectives.

Question 8

True or False: BAPs are only implemented in the UK.

Answer 8

False

Many different countries have implemented BAPs, targeting various species and habitats.

Question 9

What do Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) address?

Answer 9

Biodiversity loss at all levels from national action plans down to local and institutional action plans

Question 10

What was significant about the UK in relation to Biodiversity Action Plans?

Answer 10

The UK was the first country to produce a national biodiversity action plan

Question 11

What international agreement influenced the UK Biodiversity Framework published in 2024?

Answer 11

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

Question 12

What did the UK’s Species and Habitats Review in 2007 aim to achieve?

Answer 12

To ensure the UK BAP lists of priority species and habitats remained up-to-date and focused on the correct priorities

Question 13

What was the increase in the number of priority species listed after the 2007 review?

Answer 13

From less than 600 to 1150 species

Question 14

What types of habitats are included in the UK BAP priority habitats?

Answer 14

• Terrestrial
• Freshwater
• Marine
• Coastal

Question 15

Who are the potential users of the priority habitats list?

Answer 15

• Public bodies
• Landowners
• Funding bodies
• Researchers

Question 16

What is the purpose of the priority species list?

Answer 16

• Raise awareness of at-risk species
• Identify target species
• Target conservation strategies

Question 17

What are the main BAP priority habitats found in gardens?

Answer 17

• Rivers
• Ponds
• Living boundary habitats
• Traditional orchards
• Wood-pasture and parkland
• Open mosaic habitat on previously developed land

Question 18

Which birds are included in the UK BAP priority species found in gardens?

Answer 18

• Spotted flycatcher
• Bullfinch

Question 19

List some of the vascular plants found on the UK BAP priority species list.

Answer 19

• Ajuga pyramidalis (Pyramidal bugle)
• Campanula patula (Spreading bellflower)
• Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower)
• Dianthus armeria (Deptford pink)
• Dryopteris cristata (Crested buckler fern)
• Juniperus communis (Juniper)

Question 20

What maintenance decisions can help conserve habitats in gardens?

Answer 20

• Change pruning and hedge cutting schedules
• Add small ground level gaps to fences for hedgehogs
• Monitor target plants and limit disturbance

Question 21

True or False: Traditional orchards are a natural habitat type.

Answer 21

False

Question 22

What is the significance of standing deadwood in habitat management?

Answer 22

It is a key habitat for target species of bats and many insects and invertebrates