Methods of maintaining biodiversity Flashcards
Define conservation:
preservation + careful management of environment + natural resources.
Chances of survival maintained –> can reproduce
.: species + genetic diversity safeguarded
What is the difference between in situ + ex situ conservation?
In situ –> within natural habitat
Ex situ –> out of the natural habitat
Difference between extinct + endangered:
Extinct = no organisms of species exist globally
Extinct in wild = organisms of species only exist in captivity
Endangered = species in danger of extinction
Vulnerable = species more likely to become endangered in future
Define sustainable development:
Economic development that meets needs of people today, without limiting ability of future generations to meet their needs.
How does in situ conservation occurs?
In natural habitat.
Maintains genetic diveristy of species + evolutionary adaptations
Preserves independent relationships .: interlinked species also preserved
generally cheaper than ex situ
Marine (saltwater) aquatic (fresh water) –> areas with conservation of wildlife
How are wildlife reserves actively managed?
Controlled grazing –> only allow livestock to graze in particular area
Restricting human access
Control poaching
Feeding animals
Reintroduction of species
Removal of invasive species
Halting succession:
What are marine conservation zones?
Less established than terrestrial ones.
Vital for preserving species-rich areas like coral reefs.
Create areas of refuge in populations –> repopulate adjacent areas.
How does ex situ conservation occurs?
Involves removal of organisms from natural habitat.
Botanic gardens: species actively managed to provide them with best resources to grow (provision of soil nutrients)
Seed banks: store of genetic material –> dried + stored in temps (20C) to maintain viability –> slow down rate at which they lose ability to germinate.
Provide backup against extinction of plants
Don’t work for all plants (rainforest)
Captive breeding programmes:
Produce offspring in human-controlled environment. Zoos + aqautic centres.
–> aim to creare stable, healthy pop of species
Why are captive breeding programmes good?
Animal = shelter, nutritous food, absence of predators, vet treatment.
Suitable breeding partners imported from other zoos.
Why is it hard to maintain genetic diversity within captive breeding programme?
Only small number of breeding partners are available
How can this issue be overcome?
International catalogue maintained
.: Mating arranged to ensure genetic diversity = maximised
Artificial insemination + embryo transfer = new genetic lines introduced.
Why are some organisms born in captivity not suited to be released into the wild?
Disease = new disease in wild = not developed resistance
Behaviour = lots of behviour learned through copying/experience –> captive = domesticated (think about monkey)
Genetic races = geentoc makeup of captive animals = different from OG pop = no breeding
Habitat = natural habitat first be restoredd to allow captive pop to be reintroduced.
–> introduction to new animals = stress
What are conservation agreements?
To conserve biodiveristy, cooperation required to ensure habitats + individual species are preserved.
What was the rio convention?
1992
172 nations –> earth summit
Led to CBD (convention on bio diversity): requires countries to develop national strageties fro sustainable development –> ensuring maintenance of biodiversity
What did the countryside stewardship scheme (CSS) aim to fix?
1991-2014
~> offered governmental payments to farmers = other land managers to enhance + conserve English landscape.
Sustaining beauty + diversity of landscape
Improving, extending + creating wildlife habitats
Restoring neglected land + conserving archaeological + historic features
Improving opportunities for countryside enjoyment
Replaced with ESS
What is CITES?
Convention on international trade in endanmgered species pf wild flora + fauna.
Signed by over 150 countries
e.g: elephants + ivory tusks
What are the 3 appendicies that make up CITES?
Appendix I : endangered + face the greatest risk of extinction
Appendix II: not currently endangered or facing extinction, but will be unless trade is closely controlled
Appendix III: species included at request of the country that is regulating trade of the species and trying to prevent its overexploitation
Whatv are the trading regulations that apply to each appendix?
There are different trading regulations that apply to each appendix:
For species in appendix I: all trade in the species and their associated products is banned
For species in appendix II: trade is only granted if an export permit has been issued by the involved countries
For species in appendix III: permits are required for regulated trade. Permits are easier to come by for species in this appendix
Issues with CITES
Trade of a certain endangered species becomes illegal = price increases
Increased economic value of the species = incentive for people to break the law
