Conservation of Biodiversity Flashcards
Why conserve biodiversity?
Most reasons fall under economic, ecological, social and aesthetic.
Direct values of biodiversity?
- Food
- Medicine
- Shelter
- Research
- Tourism
Indirect values of biodiversity?
Ecological services
Give examples of ecological services
Pollination Photosynthesis Water purification Erosion control Soil nutrient cycles
Non-utilitarian values of biodiversity?
•Intrinsic •Scientific - not necessarily mimicry - Expanding knowledge • Cultural Value • Aesthetic Value - Charismatic Megafauna •Spiritual
How does biodiversity effect human rights?
If biodiversity is protected, indigenous tribes that also inhabit the same land are protected.
How does biodiversity effect human health?
Medicine, e.g. penicillin from fungi
What is conservation biology?
The sustainable use and management of natural resources
What is preservation biology?
Attempts to exclude human activity in areas where they have not yet encroached.
Do conservation biologists want no human interaction with the environment at all?
No, they just want it all to be sustainable.
What is a preservationists view?
Very ecocentric. Puts value on nature on its intrinsic worth not its usefulness to humans. Some argue the smallpox virus should not be destroyed even if it harms humans.
What is an intergovernmental organization?
composed of a group of countries
Also called international organizations
e.g. UN
What is a governmental organization?
Part of and funded by a national government
Highly bureauatic
What is a non-governmental organisation?
Not for part of government not for profit may be international or local run by volunteers very diverse e.g. Greenpeace
What are the approaches to conservation?
Species based conservation and habitat conservation
What are the approaches to species based conservation
CITES (The convention on international trade in endangered species of wild flora and fauna) Zoos and captive breeding Seed banks Umbrella species/flagship species Keystone species
What are the approaches to habitat based conservation?
What does one have to consider when doing so?
Designing protected areas.
- How large it should be
- Is it better to have one larger or several small
- What’s the best shape
- How close they should be to each other if theres several and should they be joined by corridors or separate.
What are the appendices of CITES?
Appendix one - species cannot be traded internationally as they are threatened with extinction
Appendix two - species can be traded internationally but within strict regulations ensuring its sustainability
Appendix three - species included by a country which there needs to cooperation of other countries.
What is a flagship species?
Species are charasmatic and instantly recognised. They are mainly used to ask for funds which then protect the habitat and other species that are more threatened.
Problems with naming a flagship species?
Take priority over others
If they were to become extinct, the message is that we have failed
They may be in conflict with local peoples
What is a keystone species?
One that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of the ecosystem in which they live.
Several small pros:
Provides a greater range of habitats
good for migratory birds
more populations of a rare species
The danger of a human made disaster wiping out inhabitants of reserve is lessened.
Several small cons:
Management needed for all More circumference: area ratio More edge effect Establish corridors to minimise edge effect, without them animals may need to cross roads and could get hit by cars Also can’t support top predators
Single large pros:
Can support top predators
Minimises edge effects
More habitats and niches
Cons of CITES
Could undermine local economies
Doesn’t prevent habitat loss
May not reduce demand, demand may increase. Black market
Political factors may effect what is done
Expensive to control
Does not protect animal in field (rhinos are killed, so what if you get horn?)
Pros of zoos
Can be educational
Could bring species back from the brink of extinction
Cons of zoos
Imprinting makes reintroduction hard
May not want to reproduce in that environment - breeding cycle is affected by seasons
They do not have their natural habitat
Money becomes an influence so animals may not be treated as will maximise benefit them.
Pros of seed banks
Save genetic material
Agricultural diversity
What is the edge effect?
Edge effects occur at ecotones, which is where two habitats meet and there is a change near the boundary. Here, abiotic factors are changed such as more wind (more trees in the middle, less wind). There are also more species present here as there are species from each habitat, so there’s more competition.
What is the optimal shape of a protection area?
- A circle because it minimised the edge effect.
- Intact is better than fragmented as lower circumference to surface area ration.
- Three in a triangle is better than three in a line as they are more equidistant.
- Connected with corridors is better.
Cons of single large:
- Less opportunity for habitat diversity
- Not good for migratory animals
- Could be more negatively effected by a forrest fire
