Ch 57: Conservation Biology

For Bio 130

Who developed conservation biology? What did he realize?

conservation biology was developed by Michael Soule

• realized neither wildlife management or ecology address loss of species & diversity

What is the problem between humans and the environment?

There is a disconnect between humans and nature

What is the main goal of conservation biology?

To protect biodiversity

• active management

• primary goal: keep species extant 

  • focus on endemic (native species)

What is included in biodiversity? 

alleles, gene complexes, species, populations, communities, habitats, ecosystems, landscapes, endangered phenomena, culture

What are 3 types of biodiversity?

species diversity, genetic diversity, ecological diversity

Wildlife Management vs Conservation Biology

Wildlife management

• focus on game animals

• encoirahes edge/early sucession habitats

• US focus

Conservation biology

• focus on non game species

• encourages old grwoth/late succession habitats

• concentrates on global issues

• cirsis dsicipline

• multidisciplinary

• value-laden

• evolution & genetics basis

Crisis Discipline

• smilar to ER Medicine

• action needs to be taken (sometimes w incomplete knowledge)

Multidisciplinary

integrative science - knowledge of ecology, economics, social science, and policy to protect biodiversity

Value-laden

• ecological complexity, evolution, and diversity of organisms are good

• diversity is valuable

How many species are threatened with extinction?

45,300 species

What percentage of all assessed species are threatened with extinction?

28%

What is the HIPPO +C effect?

Describes reasons biodiversity is threatened

• habitat loss/destruction

• invasive species

• pollution

• human population

• climate change

How does a government shutdown impact conservation efforts?

• vandalism & ecosystem damages

• increased risk (trash, fires)

• EPA enforcement halted

• Critical research suspended - wildlife counts, endangered species research