Conservation and Regeneration Flashcards

Flashcards covering topics from the lecture notes on conservation and regeneration.

Payment for Environmental Services plan (PES)

Landowners compensated for conserving forests and reforesting (regenerating) degraded lands. Example: Costa Rica

Aesthetic Reasons for Conservation

The natural beauty of ecosystems and species enhances human well-being and inspires recreation, art, and tourism.

Economic Reasons for Conservation

Include the valuation of ecotourism, natural capital, and genetic resources.

Ecological Reasons for Conservation

The role in ecosystem services (e.g., pollination, water purification).

Ethical Reasons for Conservation

Intrinsic vs. instrumental value of species. Moral responsibility to protect species; Intergenerational equity

Ex Situ Conservation

Protection and preservation of species outside their natural habitats. Examples: Zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks

California Condor Recovery Program

Example of Ex Situ conservation through captive breeding.

In Situ Conservation

Protecting species within their natural habitats by maintaining ecosystems and natural processes. Examples: National parks, nature reserves

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Example of In Situ conservation

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

An international agreement that regulates the trade of endangered species to ensure their survival. Species grouped according to how threatened they are by international trade.

CITES Appendix І

Species can not be traded internationally as they are threatened by extinction.

CITES Appendix ІІ

Species can be traded internationally but within strict regulations.

CITES Appendix ІІІ

Species included at the request of a country which then needs the cooperation of other countries to help prevent the illegal exploitation.

Flagship Species

Charismatic species selected to appeal to the public and thereby help to protect other species in an area. Example: Giant Panda, American Bison

Keystone Species

Species that are vital for the continuing function of the ecosystem. Without these species the ecosystem may collapse. Examples: sea otter, beavers, elephants

Umbrella species

Often large species requiring large habitat areas. Protecting the habitat of this species also protects the habits of other species. Example: Giant panda

Habitat Conservation

Aims to protect species by preserving their natural environments.

Habitat Restoration

Rebuild biodiversity by restoring damaged ecosystems.

Eco-Sanctuaries

Uses fences to keep predators out and protect endangered species. Example: Zealandia Ecosanctuary in New Zealand

Sustainable Land Management

Agroforestry and buffer zones balance conservation with human use.

Oostvaardersplassen

Nature reserve in the Netherlands where natural processes are restored and species like red deer are managed to maintain ecosystem balance.

Wildlife corridors

Link fragmented habitats, allowing species to move freely.

Edge effects

Occur at the boundaries of protected areas. Different environmental conditions (light, temperature, exposure to species) impact biodiversity.

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

High biodiversity and international conservation importance. Includes a pristine core, surrounded by buffer and transition zones.

Pristine Core

Strictly protected area for biodiversity within a Biosphere Reserve.

Buffer Zones

Limited human activity, acts as a protective shield for the core within a Biosphere Reserve.

Transition Zones

Focus on sustainable practices, human settlements within a Biosphere Reserve.

Rewilding

Focuses on restoring natural processes in ecosystems by reintroducing key species and minimizing human influence.

Environmental justice in conservation

Ensures fair distribution of conservation benefits and includes marginalized communities in decision-making.