BIO510

What is Conservation Biology?

An applied discipline
that seeks to preserve
and conserve species,
communities and
ecosystems

Studies the causes of

decline in species
richness and methods to
prevent declines
Why Conservation Biology?

to prevent excessive rate of extinction

to update the status of ecosystems and

their services

measures to be taken to sustain

ecosystem functions
 Environmental Stress

Population Level Community or Ecosystem

Organism Level Change in population size Level
Disruption of energy flow through
Change in age structure Disruption
food chainsofandenergy
webs flow
Physiological changes Disruption of biogeochemical
(old, young, and weak may and biogeochemical
Psychological changes cycles
die) cycles
Behavior changes Lower species diversity
Survival of strains Lower sp diversity
Fewer or no offspring Habitat loss or degradation
genetically Habitat lossfood
& webs
Genetic defects Less complex
resistant to stress degradation
Lower stability
Birth defects
Loss of genetic diversity Ecosystem collapse
Ecosystem collapse
Cancers
and adaptability Less complex food webs
Death
Extinction Lower stability

Environmental Stresses defined at 3 levels : organism, population and Ecosystem

© 2004 Brooks/Cole – Thomson Learning
 Definition of Biodiversity
the species (variety) of plants, animals
and microorganisms (life forms), the
genes that they contain (genotypes) and
the ecosystems that they form with the
biotic interactions between them”

“the variety of species (including genetic

diversity) in the ecosystems
 Levels of
Biodiversity
 Genetic diversity in a vole population

Three levels
of
Species diversity in a coastal redwood ecosystem
biodiversity

Community and ecosystem diversity

across the landscape of an entire region
Genetic Diversity
 Variation between distinct populations of
the same species or varieties
 Brought about by genetic recombination,
gene and chromosomal mutation
 The gene pool is shaped by Natural
Selection
 variation
 reproductive fitness and
 adaptation
Species Diversity
 The variety of species in an ecosystem
or the biosphere
 Species diversity – variety (diversity) of
species or species richness
○ Endangered species
○ Threatened species
 Classification of organisms
Threatened
- still abundant in
natural range but
declining and is likely
to become
endangered
Endangered
- individuals are few and
could become extinct over
all or most of its range,
- moves from endangered to
critically endangered
 300972

Credit: © Michele Burgess/Visuals Unlimited

Silversword plant at Hawaii, an endangered species.

 Credit: © Arthur Morris/Visuals Unlimited 301423

Key Deer, Florida, an endangered species.

 Credit: © Ken Lucas/Visuals Unlimited 178223

Museum specimen of the Passenger pigeon, North America that became extinct in 1914.
 Illegal
Cambodian
market with
baby
Macaques,
adult
Porcupine,
and Crocodile
skulls.

Credit: © Robert Fournier/Visuals Unlimited

 Credit: © Robert Fournier/Visuals Unlimited 302744

Tiger bones in sesame oil for illegal sale in Myanmar market, folk medicine.
 Credit: © Robert Fournier/Visuals Unlimited 302743

Snake skin, Sambar skull, and Elephant penis hanging in illegal market in Myanmar.
Ecosystem Diversity
 Variety of places where life exists where
there is exchange of energy and nutrients –
mangroves, coral reefs, wetlands, oceans,
hydrothermal vents, tropical rain forest, etc.
 Each habitat is a home for multitude of
species, and species are dependent on
these habitats – food, mating, protection,
etc.
 When habitats are destroyed, species
niche are destroyed, and species follow
suit
Cultural Diversity
 Anthropological cultures (human) have co-
evolved with the environment and they
understand their environment
 Natural environment provides aesthetic,
spiritual and educational needs for tribal
people in Africa, Asia, Oceania and
Americas
 This relationship has allowed sustainable
use of resources and has allowed for
humans and other species to prosper
together
Biodiversity Crisis
 Extinction is a natural phenomenon
 The current rate of extinction due to
ecosystem degradation by a single
species – Homo sapien, underlies the
biodiversity crisis
 The disappearance of a species is often
the result of losses in diversity at
different levels (genetic, species,
ecosystem and cultural diversity)
Major Threats
 Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation
 Introduction of Non Native Species
 Over-exploitation/Overuse of Natural
Resources
 Disruption of Food Chains
 Climate Change
 Pollution
 Commercial Hunting & Poaching
 Predator & Pest Control
 Sale of Exotic Pets and Decorative Plants
Species Endemism and Hot Spots
 Endemic – a species found naturally in only one
geographic area and no where else

 E.g
 Komodo dragon – Varanus komodoensis – only found on some
islands in Indonesia
 The orang utan – Pongo pygmaeus – only found in Borneo and
Sumatra

 Hotspots – area having concentration of

endemic species – in SEA – Peninsular Malaysia,
Indonesia, Borneo, Philippines
Earth’s terrestrial biodiversity hot spots

Terrestrial
biodiversity
hot spots

Equator
How has human activity affected
Global Biodiversity?

 Figure showing Major connections

between Human Activity and earths
Biodiversity
 Human Population
Size and resource use

Human Activities
Agriculture, industry, economic
production and consumption, recreation

Direct Effects
Degradation and destruction Changes in number and
of natural ecosystems distribution of species
Anthropogenic
Alteration of natural chemical Pollution of air, water, activities affecting
cycles and energy flows and soil Biodiversity

Indirect Effects
Climate Loss of
change biodiversity
How can we reduce Biodiversity Loss
(goals, strategies and tactics)
 Sp. Approach- Preventing premature
Extinction

 Eco approach- Preserving and restoring

Ecosystems
The Species The Ecosystem
Approach Goal Goal Approach

Protect species from Protect populations of

premature extinction species in their natural
habitats

Strategies Strategy

• Identify endangered Preserve sufficient areas

species of habitats in different Goals strategies
biomes and aquatic and tactics to
• Protect their critical systems
habitats reduce
biodiversity
losses
Tactics Tactics
• Legally protect • Protect habitat areas
endangered species through private purchase
or government action (PA)
• Manage habitat
• Eliminate or reduce
• Propagate endangered populations of alien
species in captivity e.g species from PA
panda
• Manage PA to sustain
• Reintroduce species native species
into suitable habitats e.
• Restore degraded
bettong sp.
ecosystems
Three types of Species Extinction
 Local extinction – not found in local
area but elsewhere still found

 Ecological extinction –few members

are left & no longer play ecological roles

 Biological extinction – when species

no longer found anywhere on earth
Processes culminating in an extinction vortex

Small
population

Genetic
Inbreeding
drift

Lower
reproduction

Higher
mortality
Loss of
genetic
variability
Reduction in
individual
fitness and
population
adaptability

Smaller
population
Some Endangered and
Threatened species
(a) Philippine eagle

(b) Chinese river

dolphin

(c) Javan
rhinoceros
 Figure 22-7 (1)
Page 564
Florida Northern spotted Gray wolf Florida panther Bannerman's
manatee owl (threatened) turaco (Africa)

Devil's hole Snow leopard Symphonia Black-footed Utah prairie dog

pupfish (Central Asia) (Madagascar) ferret (threatened)

Ghost bat California Black lace Black rhinoceros Oahu tree

(Australia) condor cactus (Africa) snail
 Figure 22-7 (2)
Page 565

Grizzly bear Kirtland's White top Arabian oryx African elephant

(threatened) warbler pitcher plant (Middle East) (Africa)

Mojave desert Swallowtail Humpback Golden lion Siberian tiger

tortoise butterfly chub tamarin (Siberia)
(threatened) (Brazil)
 Figure 22-7 (3)
Page 565

West Virginia Giant panda Whooping Knowlton Blue whale

spring salamander (China) crane cactus

Mountain gorilla Pine barrens Swamp Hawksbill sea El Segundo blue

(Africa) tree frog pink turtle butterfly
(male)
 Characteristics of species that
are prone to ecological and
biological extinction (*)

(*) Ecological extinction –few members are left & no longer play ecological roles
(*) Biological extinction – when species no longer found anywhere on earth
Characteristic Examples
Low reproductive rate Blue whale, giant panda,
(K-strategist) rhinoceros

Specialized niche Blue whale, giant panda, Everglades kite

Everglades kite

Narrow distribution Many island species,

elephant seal, desert pupfish

Feeds at high trophic Bengal tiger, bald eagle,

level grizzly bear
African violet
Fixed migratory patterns Blue whale, whooping crane,
sea turtles

Rare Many island species,

African violet, some orchids

Commercially valuable Snow leopard, tiger,

California
elephant, rhinoceros,
condor
rare plants and birds

Large territories California condor, grizzly

bear, Florida panther
How does a biologist know if a particular
species is vulnerable to extinction?
1. Observing changes in an organisms
population size and habitat availability
2. Species whose populations are
shrinking rapidly
3. Species whose habitats are being
destroyed
4. Species that are endemic to small area
and rare
Species-Area Curves to estimate
extinction rates
90% deforestation/loss of habitat causes
extinction of 50% of species

Destruction of last 10% causes

extinction of all species especially if the
species cannot move out of the area
How do biologist estimate extinction
rates?
1. PVA – Population Viability Analysis

2. MVP – Minimum Viable Population

3. MDA – Minimum Dynamic Area

Population Viable Analysis (PVA)
 To predict if population will persist into
the future / determine the probability
that a pop will go extinct within a given
time based on
i. Current & projected habitat condition and
resource needs
ii. Genetic variability
iii. Interactions with other species
iv. Reproductive rates and population
dynamics
Minimum Viable Population (MVP)
 Smallest number of individuals
necessary to ensure survival of a
population

 A few thousand individuals are needed

to ensure survival for at least a few
decades
Minimum Dynamic Area (MDA)
 Minimum area of suitable habitat
needed to maintain the MVP
 Larger animals require larger areas
The Value of Biodiversity - what’s
so bad about losing it?
 Natures products that are consumed directly –
consumptive use value that do not pass through
markets
 Natures products that are commercially
harvested – productive use value – biological
resources – 80,000 species of edible plants only
150 used for human consumption – 90% of
world crops come from 15 species
 Indirect value of ecosystem function/service –
non consumptive value – nursery, feeding,
breeding, shelter, coastal erosion prevention,
sediment and nutrient retention, toxicant
removal, water storage
 Ethical & aesthetic value
Economic Goods
 Fuel , food, lumber, etc
 90% of crops domesticated from wild
 40% of medicines and 80% prescription
drugs – 74% from tropical countries
 85% antibiotics from ascomycetes fungi
 Alkaloids from plants – anti cancer
 Bioprospecting – pharmaceutical, genes,
microbes to extract metals and clean toxic
waste
Ecological Services (Indirect
value)
 Photosynthesis, pollination of crops, soil
formation and maintenance, nutrient cycling,
pest control (biological ctrl; birds, spider,
wasp against pest; insect, rodent, fungi),
climate regulation (evaporation,
transpiration), flood control, etc
 Breeding, feeding, nursery, spawning
grounds for many marine organisms –
coastal ecosystems
Why Conserve Biodiversity?
 It is a Necessity – genetic codes are linked
to medicines, food production, jobs and
survival
 Important to Economy – the net value of
marine and coastal resources of Straits of
Malacca is US$5.13 billion; worlds
commercial trade of wild plants amounts to
US$5 bil while drugs amount to US$6 bil;
earths biological resources are valued at
US$18 trillion
 Essential for Food Security – derived from
wild stocks – gene banks and resistance
 Safeguards Human Health – drugs derived
from plants, animals and microbes
 Recreation & Tourism
 Global Concern - Losses to biodiversity can
threaten national security – conflicts over
water, land and other natural resources –
Carbon Dioxide – global warming
 Species Extinction
 Aesthetic Beauty
Underlying and direct causes of
depletion & premature extinction of
wild species

 Two biggest causes

1. Habitat loss, fragmentation &

degradation

2. Introduction of nonnative species

Habitat Disturbance
 Biome % of Area Disturbed
Temperate broadleaf forests 94%
Temperate evergreen forests
94%

Temperate grasslands 72%

Mixed mountain systems

71%

Tropical dry forests 70%

Subtropical and temperate
rain forests 67%

Cold deserts and semideserts 55%

Mixed island systems 53%

Warm deserts and

44%
semideserts
Tropical humid forests 37%

Tropical grasslands 26%

Temperate northern forests 18%

Tundra 0.7%
 Bird species threatened because of habitat
loss and fragmentation

Cerulean warbler Sprague’s pipit Bichnell’s thrush Blacked-capped vireo Golden-cheeked

warbler

Florida scrub jay California gnatcatcher Kirtland’s warbler Henslow’s sparrow Bachman’s warbler
Habitat fragmentation in the Mount Hood National Forest,
western United States
Amazon rain forest fragments, isolated sections of forest
ranging in area from 1 to 100 ha
Animal Habitat Loss
Range in 1700
Range today
(about 2,400 left)

Black Rhino
 Range 100 years ago
Range today
(about 2,300 left)

Indian Tiger
Probable range 1600
Range today
(300,000 left)
African Elephant
Figure 22-13 (4)
Page 573

Former range
Range today
(34,000–54,000 left)
Asian or Indian Elephant
 Nonnative species introduced into US

Purple looselife European starling African honeybee Nutria Salt cedar

(“Killer bee”) (Tamarisk)

Marine toad Water hyacinth Japanese beetle Hydrilla European wild boar
(Feral pig)
 Nonnative species introduced into US

Sea lamprey Argentina fire ant Brown tree snake Eurasian muffle Common pigeon
(attached to lake trout) (Rock dove)

Formosan termite Zebra mussel Asian long-horned Asian tiger mosquito Gypsy moth larvae
beetle
Kudzu Vine
(from Japan)
 Expansion of the
fire ant in southern
states (From
Argentina)

1918

2000
 Characteristics of Characteristics of
Successful Ecosystems Vulnerable
Invader Species to Invader Species

• High reproductive rate, • Similar climate to habitat

short generation time of invader
(r-selected species)
• Absence of predators on
• Pioneer species
invading species
• Long lived
• Early successional
• High dispersal rate species

• Release growth- • Low diversity of native

inhibiting chemicals species
into soil
• Absence of fire
• Generalists
• Disturbed by human
• High genetic variability
activities
Poaching & Hunting
Protecting Wild Species

 Wildlife
Refuges, Protected Areas
 Gene Banks, Botanical Gardens,
Farms
 Zoos, Aquariums
Long-term monitoring of a grizzly bear population
An artificial corridor
Restoration Ecology Worldwide

Equator

Truckee River, Nevada Kissimmee River, Florida

Tropical dry forest, Costa Rica Succulent Karoo, South Africa

Rhine River, Europe Coastal Japan