Zane 6 Flashcards
1
Q
What is Population Viability Analysis (PVA)?
A
- A quantitative tool used to predict the likelihood that a species will persist or go extinct over a given period under various management scenarios.
- Helps in identifying key factors that affect population dynamics and guides conservation decisions.
- It assesses the risk of population decline by modeling the effects of demographic, environmental, genetic, and catastrophic events on the survival of a population.
2
Q
What are the key components required for conducting a PVA?
A
- Data on the species’ life history, including birth and death rates, age structure, and reproductive success.
- Environmental variability, such as climate and habitat conditions.
- Demographic parameters and genetic information.
3
Q
How does PVA assist in conservation planning?
A
- By simulating different management strategies and their impacts on population survival.
- Helps prioritize conservation actions by identifying critical threats and vulnerable populations.
4
Q
What are the limitations of PVA?
A
- Requires extensive and accurate data, which may not always be available.
- Models are based on assumptions that may not fully capture real-world complexities.
- Can produce uncertain outcomes due to environmental and demographic stochasticity.
5
Q
What are the main goals of conservation strategies?
A
- To preserve biodiversity by protecting species, habitats, and ecosystems.
- To mitigate human impacts and restore degraded environments.
- To ensure the sustainable use of natural resources for future generations.
6
Q
How are conservation priorities determined?
A
- Based on species’ risk of extinction, ecological importance, and the feasibility of interventions.
- Prioritizing endemic species and those with critical ecological roles.
7
Q
What role does stakeholder engagement play in conservation strategies?
A
- Involves local communities and other stakeholders in decision-making processes.
- Enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of conservation actions by aligning them with local needs and knowledge.
8
Q
Why is adaptive management important in conservation?
A
- Allows for flexibility and adjustment of strategies based on ongoing monitoring and new information.
- Enhances the ability to respond to changing environmental conditions and emerging threats.
9
Q
What is in situ conservation?
A
- Conservation efforts aimed at protecting species in their natural habitats.
- Focuses on maintaining ecological processes, habitat integrity, and population dynamics.
10
Q
What are some examples of in situ conservation methods?
A
- Establishing protected areas like Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
- Habitat restoration projects to improve conditions for species survival.
- Legal protections against poaching, fishing, and habitat destruction.
11
Q
What is ex situ conservation?
A
- The conservation of species outside their natural habitats, typically in controlled environments like zoos, botanical gardens, and seed banks.
- Used as a complementary approach to in situ conservation, particularly for critically endangered species.
12
Q
When is ex situ conservation particularly useful?
A
- For species that are on the brink of extinction and cannot survive in the wild due to threats like habitat loss or poaching (Wilderei)
- For breeding programs aimed at increasing population sizes and reintroducing individuals into the wild.
13
Q
What are the challenges associated with ex situ conservation?
A
- High costs of maintaining species in captivity.
- Ethical considerations regarding animal welfare.
- Risks of genetic bottlenecks and adaptation to captivity, which may reduce fitness in the wild.
14
Q
How does genetic management play a role in both in situ and ex situ conservation?
A
- In in situ conservation, maintaining genetic diversity is crucial for resilience to environmental changes.
- In ex situ programs, careful breeding management is needed to avoid inbreeding and preserve genetic variability for future reintroduction efforts.
15
Q
Why is habitat connectivity important in in situ conservation?
A
- Ensures that populations can move and interact, which maintains genetic flow and population stability.
- Helps species adapt to climate change by enabling range shifts.
16
Q
How can ex situ conservation support in situ efforts?
A
- By providing a genetic reservoir for species that can be used to reintroduce or bolster wild populations.
- Facilitating research on species’ biology and reproductive techniques that can be applied in the wild.
17
Q
What lessons can be learned from the conservation of the Adriatic sturgeon?
A
- The importance of genetic monitoring to ensure that conservation breeding programs maintain the original genetic diversity.
- The need for targeted breeding strategies to avoid inbreeding and ensure the long-term viability of reintroduced populations.
18
Q
How can quantitative modeling tools assist in marine conservation?
A
- By simulating the impacts of different management strategies on species populations and ecosystem health.
- Providing insights into potential outcomes and helping to optimize conservation efforts.
19
Q
What are the key challenges in implementing effective marine conservation policies?
A
- Balancing conservation goals with socio-economic activities like fishing, tourism, and coastal development.
- Ensuring sufficient funding, enforcement, and political support for long-term conservation initiatives.
20
Q
How does the European Union contribute to marine conservation?
A
- Through policies like the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to protect marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable use of marine resources.
- Supporting international agreements and collaborations to address transboundary conservation challenges.
21
Q
Why is it important to integrate scientific knowledge with policy in marine conservation?
A
- To ensure that conservation actions are based on the best available evidence and are effective in achieving long-term goals.
- Helps bridge the gap between research and practical implementation, leading to more informed and sustainable management practices.
22
Q
What role does public awareness and education play in conservation efforts?
A
- Increases support for conservation initiatives and encourages responsible behaviors that benefit marine ecosystems.
- Engages the public in citizen science projects, monitoring, and advocacy for marine protection.
23
Q
How can marine conservation efforts adapt to the impacts of climate change?
A
- By identifying and protecting climate refugia—areas that are less affected by climate change and can serve as safe havens for species.
- Implementing strategies that enhance ecosystem resilience, such as restoring degraded habitats and reducing other stressors like pollution and overfishing.
24
Q
What are the ethical considerations in ex situ conservation?
A
- Balancing the need to save species with concerns about animal welfare and the impacts of captivity on behavior and health.
- Ensuring that ex situ programs are part of a broader conservation strategy that includes habitat protection and restoration.
25
Q
A
