Conservation Strategies: Biodiversity, Species, Habitat, and Ecosystem Approaches

three pillars of conservation

Biodiversity — what it is, why it matters

Threats — human impacts, habitat loss, climate change, invasive species

Actions — what we can do at species, habitat, ecosystem, and global scales

Scales of Conservation Action

Species Approach →habitat→Ecosystem approach, Hotspot approach (global)

Species Approach

Distinctive species (unique genetic lineages)e.g., Mountain pygmy possum

Utilitarian species (economic or agricultural value)e.g., honeybees, Atlantic cod

Keystone species (ecosystem‑structuring roles)e.g., sea otters, cassowaries

Flagship species (Acts as an ambassador or symbol for a habitat, issue or campaign, usually charismatic ambassadors)e.g., WWF panda

Bioindicators (sensitive to environmental change →for observing the health of an ecosystem) e.g. ant

Umbrella species (Protecting this species indirectly protects many other species.) e.g. Tiger→ elephants, birds, forest

Threatened species (IUCN categories: vulnerable, endangered...)

Possible species‑level actions

"Rabbits Send Parrots Cleverly To Big Green Mountains."

Resources, Silver spoon, Protect environment, Control threats, Translocation, Breeding, Genetic diversity, Monitoring

Habitat Approach examples

Habitat restoration

Pest management

Monitoring

Choosing areas based on ecological, economic, ethical, and aesthetic values

Ecosystem Approach

Pros

Conserves multiple species & habitats

Support/restore ecosystem functions(pollination, carbon storage, climate regulation)

Cultural value

Cons

Logistical complexities - where does an ecosystem start and end?

Difficult to measure - How do you know if you are protecting enough area?

Terrestrial Protected Areas benefits

Benefits include:

Poverty reduction

building Food security

create Local employment

Marine Protected Areas

Healthy ocean benefits include:

Healthy ocean benefits include: •Coastlines able to buffer environmental impacts •Protection of species at different life cycle stages •Cultural services •Economic to support livelihoods

Citizen Science

Identifying animals in camera trap/drone photos • Do field surveys •Uploading their own photos or survey data •Opportunistic recordings