Lecture 4 Flashcards
What is the International Union for Conservation of Nature known for?
Red List and Red List of Ecosystems
Established in 1964, it provides information on the global extinction risk status of species.
What does the Red List indicate?
How close a species is to becoming extinct
It categorizes species based on their risk of extinction.
What is the purpose of the Red List of Ecosystems?
Measures relative risks of ecosystem collapse for various ecosystems
Includes terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.
What are the stages of threat for ecosystems according to the ICUN Red List?
- Critically Endangered
- Endangered
- Vulnerable
- Near Threatened
- Least Concern
These categories indicate the risk of ecosystem collapse.
What are the five criteria for assessing the risk of ecosystem collapse?
- Reduction in geographic distribution
- Restricted geographic distribution
- Environmental degradation
- Disruption of biotic processes or interactions
- Quantitative analysis of collapse probability
These criteria help evaluate the status of ecosystems.
What is the role of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)?
Promoting sustainable development and recognizing the importance of biological diversity
It emphasizes the connection between biodiversity and human needs.
What are the principal threats to biodiversity identified by the UN CBD?
- Habitat loss and degradation
- Invasive alien species
- Overexploitation
- Pollution
- Climate change
These threats are significant both globally and in Canada.
What is the federal government’s responsibility in Canada regarding biodiversity?
Protecting the biodiversity of oceans, waters, and lands under jurisdiction
This includes aquatic species, migratory birds, and federally listed species at risk.
List some key pieces of federal legislation related to biodiversity in Canada.
- Species at Risk Act
- Canada National Parks Act
- Canada Wildlife Act
- Fisheries Act
- Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994
- Oceans Act
- Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act
These laws contribute to the protection of biodiversity.
What does COSEWIC stand for?
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
It assesses species at risk in Canada.
What is the significance of the 2012 survey regarding Canadians and nature?
89% of Canadian adults are connected to and passionate about nature
This indicates a strong public interest in conservation.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is responsible for protecting the biodiversity of oceans, waters, and lands under federal jurisdiction in Canada.
federal government
True or False: Canada has overarching biodiversity legislation at the federal level.
False
Canada does not have a single overarching biodiversity law but has several related legislations.
What is the primary threat to biodiversity identified in Canada?
Habitat loss and degradation
This is a critical issue affecting biodiversity both nationally and globally.
What is the purpose of habitat management planning?
To identify species and their habitat requirements, develop a plan, implement it, and monitor its effectiveness
This process is essential for effective habitat conservation.
What does the term ‘overexploitation’ refer to in the context of biodiversity?
Reduction of species populations leading to changes in characteristics
This can significantly impact ecosystem dynamics.
What is the role of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)?
Works with the UN Convention on Biodiversity
ECCC plays a significant role in biodiversity initiatives in Canada.
What are the 9 status categories according to the IUCN Red List?
Not Evaluated (NE), Data Deficient (DD), Least Concern (LC), Near Threatened (NT), Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN), Critically Endangered (CR), Extinct in the Wild (EW), Extinct (EX)
