Conservation biology Flashcards
Conservation Biology
Scientific study of phenomena affecting maintenance, loss and restoration of biodiversity
Intrinsic value
: inherent value of
life/a species /ecology, not tied
to any economic benefit
obligation
Instrumental value
focus on
economic value through
“ecosystem services”
Ecosystem services
- Provisioning: products (lumber, fuel, meat, crops,
water, medicines, fiber) - Regulating: regulation of ecosystem processes
(climate regulation, flood control, pollination,
decomposition, detoxification) - Cultural: nonmaterial aesthetic, spiritual, or
recreational value (hiking, education, tourism). - Supporting: allow ecosystems to exist (primary
production, soil formation, nutrient cycling).
Common traits of vulnerable species
- Low reproductive rate (K-selected)
- Specialized niche
- High trophic level
- Migratory lifestyle
- Commercially valuable
- Large territories and body size
- Restricted distribution (esp. endemics)
- Poor dispersal
- Small population size
Specialized niche
– High dependence on specific conditions (e.g. food resources, mutualists)
– Likely to have a restricted range
Fixed migratory patterns
– Need suitable habitat in multiple seasonal ranges and en route
Extinction Risk Factors
Restricted geographic distribution & limited dispersal
Keystone species
disproportionately impact
community (relative to abundance). Maintains high
diversity
Ecosystem engineer
disproportionately impact landscape
Umbrella species
species requiring large blocks of
habitat, if protected will bring other species under
their protection
Flagship species
charismatic species that serve as
symbols to stimulate conservation awareness and
action
Where to focus systems conservation efforts?
Biodiversity hotspots
The SLOSS debate
Single Large Or Several Small
Population viability analysis (PVA)
uses demographic data and
stochasticity to simulate multiple population trajectories over time
and estimate probability of extinction given initial population size
Minimum Viable Population size (MVP)
the minimum
population size of a species that can persist in the face of
environmental variation
Ecological restoration
the process of assisting the recovery and
management of ecological integrity of a natural system
Ecotourism
- Tourism directed toward natural
environments, especially to
support conservation efforts. - Meant to support:
– Local economy and culture, human
livelihoods
– Local protected areas
– Conservation education
