Wales case study

Question 1

How is Wales ecologically different to Costa Rica in terms of value?

Answer 1

• Most terrestrial habitats are highly degraded.
• Few (if any endemic species)
  Some globally rare habitats with —-high biodiversity (E.g., temperate rainforests)

Question 2

Name two of the main acts for biodiversity established in Wales.

Answer 2

Wellbeing of Future Generation Act (2015)
- Improve the economic, social environmental, and cultural well-being of Wales.
- Set up well-being objectives and ensure they are carried out.

Goal 2- A resilient Wales
- A biodiverse natural environment - healthy functioning ecosystems
The capacity to adapt to change

Section 7 of the Environment (Wales) Act (2016)
Published a list of species and habitats that are of principal importance to preserve biodiversity.

Question 3

How many different Natura 2000 sites in Wales are there?

Answer 3

> 700, 000 hectares
20 special protection areas
92 special areas of conservation
76 National nature reserves
1 Marine nature reserve

Question 4

How many marine boundaries does Wales cross over?

Answer 4

Three oceanic climatic zones
All have high marine biodiversity
Many species at range edges
A large intertidal range = high intertidal biodiversity

Question 5

What internationally important marine species and habitats is Wales home to?

Answer 5

Grey seals
Large seabird colonies (puffins, Manx shearwater etc)

Question 6

What sort of geology does Wales contain?

Answer 6

Varied geology and temperate climate.
Supports high lower plant and fungi species abundance, compared to other European countries.
Occupies 10% of the total land area of the British Isles, supporting mosses, liverworts, lichen, and rust fungi.

Question 7

Where are temperate rainforests in Wales found?

Answer 7

Globally rare
High biodiversity of Bryophytes and lichens - highest diversity in the world in Wales relative to its size.

Question 8

How are temperate rainforests in Wales influenced?

Answer 8

High rainfall and humidity
low yearly variation in temperature

Question 9

What are the threats to temperate rainforests?

Answer 9

-Clearance and fragmentation for - - agriculture and forestry plantations.
- Overgrazing
- non-native species- Rhododendron ponticum
- Climate change

Question 10

Name some Nature network projects.

Answer 10

Land management agreements
National nature reserves
Coastal sites
Sand Dunes
Wood pasture
etc.