IB ESS Case Studies

1.1: Environmental Value Systems - Historical Influences

Minamata, 1956

Environmental disaster at a local level

Chisso Corporation's chemical factory released toxic methyl mercury into wastewater in Minamata, Japan. Raised awareness of threats posed by industrialisation

First discovered in 1956 in Japan.

Minamata disease = neurological syndrome caused by severe mercury poisoning.

Bioaccumulation and biomagnification in highly toxic chemical was in shellfish and fish in Minamata Bay and Shiranui Sea caused people to suffered mercury poisoning when consuming the fish

By 2001, over 2000 people had been diagnosed with Minamata disease in which 1,784 people died.

About 10,000 people had received financial compensation from Chisso and in 2004, Chisso Corporation had paid $84 million in compensation. In the same year they were ordered to clean up the liquid

1.1: Environmental Value Systems - Historical Influences -

Rachel Carson/Silent Spring (1962)

Literature

Addressing the effects of synthetic pesticides + biomag. + may be into people and accumulating into fatty tissues

Banning of DDT for agricultural usage in the USA in 1972, most other developed countries followed suit in the 1970s and 1980s. Total ban on all use of DDT by 1991.

Then in 2004 over 170 countries ratified the Stockholm Convention, which outlawed POPs and restricted the use of DDT in vector control (killing the mosquitos).

1.1: Environmental Value Systems - Historical Influences -

An Inconvenient Truth, 2006

Film released in 2006 and got extensive publicity as it addressed global warming. A mainstream political figure championing environmental issues for the first time.

Changed people's attitudes and raised awareness about climate change

1.1: Environmental Value Systems - Historical Influences - Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill 2010 Environmental Disaster (local?)

Local Environmental Disaster

Deepwater oil well exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. and the size of the oil spill was one of the largest America had seen.

Oil leaked at a high rate estimated at around 40,000 barrels a day The oil spill posed risks to the environment and affected local industry.

The government asked for $20 billion in damages from BP, BP's share price fell. Local industries, such as fishing was threatened. There was a ban on fishing in the water. Tourism declined.

Plants and animals were completely covered in the oil. Seabirds, sea turtles and dolphins were found dead. The oil that entered wetland areas meant recovery would be slow. Fish stocks were harmed, and productivity decreased

1.1: Environmental Value Systems - Specific Groups

native americans

● Before the late 16th Century, North America was occupied solely by Native Americans.

● Generally, Native Americans see their environment as communal had a subsistence economy based on barter.

● Low-impact technologies meant they lived in harmony with the environment, (subsistence)

● Animistic religion: all things have a soul - animals, plants, rocks, mountains, rivers, stars

1.1: Environmental Value Systems - Specific Groups

Judeo-Christian: - anthropocentric

● Genesis story: God gave the planet to humans as a gift. Humans are stewards of that gift.=

● Parable of the talents, told by Jesus, where three men are given money and the ones who invest it and make more are praised.

Making something of what they were given

1.2. Resilience Case study: Tallgrass prairie, USA

High diversity

Deep soils - recover from periodic fires

Plants grow below the surface - fire protection

dormant seeds (Pyrophile)

Replaced with wheat fields

1.3 Tipping Points El Nino Southern Oscillation

● Fluctuation in sea surface temps across the Pacific ocean

● 3-7 years oscillations but is becoming more frequent

● Ocean circulation has global effect, so ENSO has large scale effects on global climate, eg causing droughts and floods.

● El Nino - warm and wet in April-Oct with flooding in West coast of South America, eg Peru, Ecuador.

● Drought in Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines.

● Developing countries particularly affected

1.3 Tipping Points West African Monsoon

● Heavy rains in West Africa

● Sea surface temperatures

● Change in global mean temp by 3-5 C could cause monsoon to collapse.

● Reduced rainfall in W Africa - more moisture reach the Sahara - increased rainfall and 'greening' as more vegetation grows.

Increase in climate refugees if rainfall days reach below 120 days

1.3 Tipping Points Boreal forest

● Taiga - coniferous trees eg pines

● Northern hemisphere

● 3 C increase in mean global temp could be a tipping point to lose Boreal forest

● Water stress, decreased tree reproduction, more disease and fire

1.3 Tipping Points Amazon rainforest

● Increased temps due to CC + deforestation
● Rainforest creates its own weather patterns - high levels of transpiration - localised rainfall.
● Drier -> more forest fires -> less forest due to dieback -> less transpiration -> more water ending up in rivers and the sea instead rather than Amazon's own system
● Tipping point - desertification of the Amazon basin

1.5 Humans and Population - DDT research. Evidence FOR the use

Effect against combating malaria with an annual death toll is somewhere between 500,000 and 1,000,000 people.

UN planned a global programme to use it a widespread way to erradicate Malaria

Many at risk are children under five years old.

DDT eradicated malaria in the USA and Europe by the 1950s.

Spraying campaigns in India reduced the incidence of malaria from 75 million in 1953 to 1 million in 1966.

DDT dropped the infection rates in Indonesia from 25% to 1%.

Venezuelan cases dropped from 8 million to 800 due to widespread spraying.

In Sri Lanka DDT spraying decreased the number of cases of malaria from 2.8 million in the 1940s to 17 in 1965.

When DDT was banned numbers went back up to 500,000.

When Madagascar stopped using DDT - deaths increased to 100,000

1.5 Humans and Popultion - DDT research. Evidence AGAINST the use

Silent Spring lead to the banning of DDT for agricultural usage in the USA in 1972, most other developed countries followed suit in the 1970s and 1980s.

There was a total ban on all use of DDT by 1991.

Then in 2004 over 170 countries ratified the Stockholm Convention, which outlawed POPs and restricted the use of DDT in vector control (killing the mosquitos).

Infertility amongst men in South Africa.

Total ban not feasible due to the lack of cheap, effective alternatives.

Indoor residual spraying has proven an effective vector control measure with limited environmental impact and DDT is still being produced for this purpose.

1.5 Humans and Popultion - EIA Three Gorges Dam

Yangtze River, China

Started to be built in 1994 and started working 2009

Built to provide ⅛ of China's electricity while reducing seasonal flooding.

Also to increase economic development

EIA made but ignored

Environmental and social issues raised by an EIA did not compete against economic development brought about the Dam

Findings of EIA

47 endangered species including Chinese river dolphin and sturgeon would be at risk

Dam as a barrier would interfere with fish spawning + pollution

Serious impact on the fishing economy of the river

The dam would flood 13 cities, 140 towns ,1352 villages and 100,00 of china's most fertile land

4 million people would need to be resettled by 2020

Geological risks- new landslides & increase earthquake changes

1.5 Humans and Population - The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and what are the current environmental indicators

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA)

Gave a scientific appraisal of the condition and trends in the World's ecosystems and the services they provide using environmental indicators.

The scientific basis for action to conserve and use sustainable resources.

Initiated in 2001 and called for in 2000 by the UN

Aim: assess the consequences of ecosystems change for human well-being

Main findings

Humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly in the past 50 years (1950-2000) than at any other time.

Substantial and largely irreversible loss of biodiversity changes made to the ecosystem have contributed to overall gains in human wellbeing and economic development at a cost to ecosystems.

Changes have increased the poverty of some people

environmental degradation reduces the benefits to future generations.

Restoring the ecosystem whilst meeting needs can be achieved via changing policies and practice.

Depleting resources faster than they are being restores - maybe possible to reverse changes if actions are taken quickly.

MEA (2005)

aims;

• assess consequences of env. change for h. health/wellbeing

• assess sci. basis for action > enhance ecosys. conservation

• baseline (cond.s, trends, services)

• conserv. options explored

• awareness of importance to …

Findings';

• ecosys.s = bital for h. well being (provide ess. services ie. W., food, prot. vs dis.)

• h. act.s sig. altered ecosys.s > service degrad.

• last 50 years = faster chng. rt. vs any time before > sub. lg.ly ≠ reversible biod. losses

• > sub. increase in poverty of some societies (+ v.v.)

• biod. loss = concern (stability + res.)

• many op.s to improve ecosys. management/enhance services (collective action + reg.s)

• must integrate values + services of ecosys.s > conserv. at all levels of policies

• c.c > impact on > h. risk + req. adaptive strat.s

• else ≠ sus. (see that def.)

Rio earth summit ‘92

agenda 21

failure of political leadership, commitment and vision

1992 Convention on Biological Diversity

• conserve biodiversity, promote its sustainable use, and ensure the fair sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources

• raised global awareness about biodiversity loss and the importance of ecosystem services.

• limited progress in achieving its objectives has; challenge has been turning goals into concrete actions at the national and local level

• Insufficient financial resources, lack of proper implementation, and a lack of political interest/incentives have reduced the effectiveness

2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change

• global efforts to combat climate change.

• aim to limit global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels

• agreement = crucial role raising awareness about the urgent need for climate action and widespread international support.

• relies on individual countries playing their part.

• encouraged countries to develop mitigation plans and commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,

• many have fallen short of the goals

• Achieving the desired outcomes of the Paris

• Agreement requires stronger commitments and more effective implementation by individual nations

montreal protocol ‘87

• on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

• international environmental agreement

• protect the ozone layer, phasing out production and use of substances that deplete it, such as CFCs.

• significant reduction in the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances recovery of the ozone layer

• Success demonstrates effectiveness of international cooperation and feasibility of moving away from harmful substances.

• implementing regulatory measures, supporting technological development, encouraging scientific research, the Montreal Protocol has effectively addressed the ozone depletion issue

int agreement?

Continuous monitoring, reviewing, and strengthening of international agreements, along with increased support for their implementation at the national level, = vital to enhance their effectiveness and achieve progress towards global environmental sustainability.

Learning from past experiences, addressing implementation shortcomings, and encouraging international collaboration, international agreements can continue to drive positive change and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

2.1 Species and populations - named species of each of the following population

Predator-prey relationships

?

2.1 Species and populations - named species of each of the following population

Mutualism

Spider crab and the algae

Spider crabs live in shallow areas of the ocean floor, and greenish-brown algae lives on the crabs' backs, making the crabs blend in with their environment, and unnoticeable to predators.

The algae gets a good place to live, and the crab gets camouflage

2.1 Species and populations - named species of each of the following population

Mutualism

Oxpecker and Zebra

Oxpecker (a kind of bird) and zebra. Oxpeckers land on zebras and eat ticks and other parasites that live on their skin. The oxpeckers get food and the zebra get pest control.

2.1 Species and populations - named species of each of the following population

Herbivory

Pandas and Bamboo

2.1 Species and populations - named species of each of the following population

Parasitism

Tape worms and humans

2.1 Species and populations - named species of each of the following population

Disease

Ash dieback and Ash Trees

2.1 Species and populations - named species of each of the following population

Competition between species and changes to organism abundence over time

Red and Grey squirrels who are non-native and their competition has led to the decline of the Red Squirrels

2.1 Species and populations - Example of fundamental niche vs. realised niche

The fundamental niche of the two barnacles overlaps in the deeper zone, although the actual niche of the smaller species can only be realized in the shallow zone. In contrast, the fundamental niche of the large species is met in its realized niche

2.2 Communities and ecosystems- Named examples of a food chain involving: producers, consumers and decomposers

Grass - producer
Grass Hopper - primary consumer
Snake - secondary consumer
Hawk - Tertiary consumer
Fungi - decomposer which again provides nutrients to soil

2.2 Communities and ecosystems- Named example(s) to explain bioaccumulation and biomagnification (Orca + PCB)

Half of the world's Orcas are threatened toxic industrial chemicals that accumulate in their blubber and can be passed on from mother to calf.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were chemicals were produced in immense quantities from the 1930s and still affect on the food chain.

PCBs stubbornly refuse to degrade

Maternal transfer from adult female to calf is the key exposure route for most marine mammals and this chemical stress

This process of "biomagnification" is most evident in marine food webs where fatty tissue like blubber (a home for PCBs) is an important feature of animals at the top of the food web such as killer whales

2.3 Flows of energy and matter - Detailed example of how human activities impact energy flows and matter cycling (eg. deforestation, combustion of fossil fuels)

Deforestation

Deforestation results in lesser carbon sinks,

Forest burning to clear forest areas for agricultural space

Further increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

This excessive release of carbon dioxide has led to carbon dioxide being one of the highest GHGs contributing to global warming and climate change nowadays

2.4 Biomes, zonation and succession - Case study of zonation

Rocky Shore Zonation

2.4: Biomes, zonation and succession -

Divided into zones from lower to upper shore

Each zone can be defined by the spatial patterns of species

Seaweeds in particular show distinct zonation patterns

Those more resilient to water loss, eg channel wrack, are found on the upper shore.

Those less resilient to water loss, eg. kelp, are found on the lower shore where it is not out of the water for long

2.4: Biomes, zonation and succession - Succession Species

Pioneer species: Lichen and Moss. Little water and few nutrients. Effective at photosynthesis and don't need soil to survive

Intermediate species: Herbaceous plants. Need more soil to grow but which outcompete the grasses. Wind-dispersed seeds and rapid growth so become established before larger plants arrive

Climax community species: Trees and shade-tolerant forest floor species. Build up organic matter in the soil making it easier for other species to colonise. Soil traps water so increasing amounts of water are available to plants

2.4 Biomes, zonation and succession - Explain the distributions, structure, biodiversity and relative productivity of two pairs of contrasting biomes

TUNDRA

Tundra

Found in mid-latitudes: 40° to 60° north and south of the equator - North America, Europe and Asia

High rainfall and concentrated in the summer months. Mild winters and warm summers - four summers

Relatively high productivity due to dense layered vegetation

Limiting factors of winter temperatures restricting photosynthesis and canopy of trees blocking sunlight to lower layers

Threats: Biome loss due to human population growth and acid deposition

2.4 Biomes, zonation and succession - Explain the distributions, structure, biodiversity and relative productivity of two pairs of contrasting biomes

Tropical rainforest

Tropical Rainforest

Found between the two tropics on Cancer and Capricorn

Warm conditions throughout the year, high rainfall, high levels of insolation are high throughout the year.

High levels of photosynthesis support the complex ecosystem structure. A number of layers from ground layer to canopy to emergent plants. Trees up to 50 metres with lower layers of shrubs and vines

Relative productivity: high levels of productivity due to high levels of photosynthesis.

Threats: Deforestation and forest fires exacerbated by human activities

2.5 Investigating ecosystems - Understanding of minimum of five abiotic components of ecosystems and their corresponding evaluating measure

Soil moisture

Evaluating measure: Drying soil sample

1. Place a sample of the soil in a crucible.

2. Weigh it and record the weight.

3. Dry the sample.

4. Re-weigh the sample.

5. When the sample is constant weight, i.e. not reducing any more all the water has been evaporated and you have the moisture content (initial - final weight)

Limitations: If the oven is too hot when evaporating the water, organic content can also burn off.

2.5 Investigating ecosystems - Understanding of minimum of five abiotic components of ecosystems and their corresponding evaluating measure

Turbidity

Evaluating measure: Secchi disc.

Disc mounted on a string or a pole and lowered into the water. When the disk is just out of sight the depth reading is taken. It is then raised again and the measurement where the disc is seen is recorded. The average is calculated.

Limitations:

Measurements are subjective and depend, to

some extent, on the technique used by the person

taking the measurements.

2.5 Investigating ecosystems - Understanding of minimum of five abiotic components of ecosystems and their corresponding evaluating measure

Wind speed

Evaluating measure: Anemometer

The device is mounted or handheld in the area and care must be taken not to block the wind.

Limitations:

Gusty conditions may lead to large variations in

data. Care must be taken not to block the wind with your body when you are holding the anemometer.

2.5 Investigating ecosystems - Understanding of minimum of five abiotic components of ecosystems and their corresponding evaluating measure

Light intensity

Evaluating measure: Photometer/Lux meter

The meter should be held at a standard, fixed height above the ground and read when the value is steady and not fluctuating

Limitations:

Needs to be repeated and measurements need to be taken at the same time of day and same atmospheric conditions.

Do not shade the instrument during measurements.

Make sure the instrument is oriented at the same angle and pointing in the same direction each time.

2.5 Investigating ecosystems - Understanding of minimum of five abiotic components of ecosystems and their corresponding evaluating measure

Air temperature

Evaluating measure: Thermometer with probes (datalogger)

The temperature needs to be taken at a standard depth. Temperature can only be measured for a short period of time using conventional digital thermometers. Data loggers can be set up to measure temperature over time.

Limitations: Varies temporally and spatially so may not be accurate.

Must make sure the depth is checked each time.

3.2 Origins of Biodiversity - Examples of the causes of the five major extinctions

Mass extinctions of the past have been caused by:

Tectonic plate movements,

Super-volcanic eruption,

Climatic changes (including drought and ice ages),

Meteorite impact

All of which resulted in new directions in evolution and therefore increased biodiversity

3.2 Origins of Biodiversity - named example for geographic isolation

Northern and Mexican southern owl

Became geographically separated over

time - their areas do not overlap

● They are subspecies, they can interbreed but have physical, behavioural and genetic differences.

○ They occupy different niches.

● Eventually, they will not be able to interbreed to produce fertile offspring

3.2 Origins of Biodiversity - named example for Reproductive isolation

○ Named example: Bowerbirds: females are attracted to specific bower design - this led to speciation.
○ Speciation can also happen if individuals do not breed together
○ Males and females are no longer attracted to each other so do not breed
○ Over time, breeding stops completely and different species arise

3.3 Threats to Biodiversity - Three detailed case studies of three different species: one that has become extinct due to human activity

Tasmanian Tiger

Species ecological role

Originally found in mainland Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea.

Generally shy and avoided human contact.

Lived in large social groups and spent daylight hours in caves or hollow tree.

Pressures on the species

Last known specimen died in Hobart Zoo, Tasmania in 1936

Direct competition with Tasmanian devil and the tiger quoll for food

Limited genetic diversity

The introduction of wild and domestic dogs by European settlers - introduced a disease which causes a decrease in the population

Economic and Socio-Political Pressure

Threat to agriculture - species was portrayed as a poultry thief and sheep killer.

Expansion of agriculture to feed the growing human population.

Bounty places on the species in 1830 in an attempt to control numbers.

Consequences of extinction

Loss of a top predator impact the rest of the food chain and population control of those is lower trophic levels

3.3 Threats to Biodiversity - Three detailed case studies of three different species: one that has become critically endangered due to human activity

Rafflesia flower

Species ecological role

Parasitic five-petaled flowering plant found in SE Asia

Flowers look and smell like rotting flesh to attract insects like flies for pollination

Seeds dispersed by tree shrews and other fruit-eating mammals

Pressures on the species

Ecological Pressure

Slow reproductive cycle - only flowers every 3 years for 5 days and can only reproduce when flowering

High mortality rate

Need for very specific conditions of fruit-eating mammals to disperse seeds and specific species of vine to parasite

Seeds are difficult to germinate

Economic and Socio-Political Pressure

Habitat loss due to forest clearance for agriculture, logging and settlement

Buds used in traditional medicine

Ecotourism causing disturbance to habitat and the number of buds is decreasing each year

Illegal collectors take specimens for private collections - can earn high profit

Consequences of their extinction

The bad odor of the plant allows for the attraction of carrion flies and other pollinators which help to spread the seeds of the plant allowing for spreading and reproduction. In addition to this, the rafflesia consumes insects and organisms that are found in excess

Species restoration strategies

In Sarawak, Malaysia and Sumatra, Indonesia, there are sanctuaries for the Rafflesia

Educational programmes - encourage locals to protect the species

Malaysians encouraged to save flower on their property and charge small fees for people to see it - earns locals money and helps to conserve species

3.3 Threats to Biodiversity - Example of a conflict between exploitation, sustainable development and conservation

CAMPFIRE initiative in Zimbabwe

Case study: CAMPFIRE in Zimbabwe

● Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources.

● Community based management programme to assist rural development and conservation.

● 12% of natural habitats of Zimbabwe are in protected areas. Local people were relocated when these were wet up.

● CAMPFIRE encourages people to see wildlife as a resource, rather than a nuisance.

5 main activities to provide income:

● Trophy hunting - professional hunters and safari operators (90% income)

● Sale of wildlife to national parks or game reserves

● Harvesting resources eg timber and river sand

● Tourism - local people employed as guides/run facilities

● Selling wildlife meat - eg impala.

3.3 Threats to Biodiversity - Three detailed case studies of three different speciess whose conservation status has been improved by intervention

Recovered Species - golden lion tamarind

Recovered Species -

small monkey endemic to Atlantic coastal rainforests of Brazil Amongst rarest animals globally! ~1,000 in wild (some say only = 400!) + 500 in captivity ~8 year life expectancy

ecological role

omnivores, prey to large cats + birds of prey, live territorially in family groups in the wild in TRF canopies

Pressures

only 2% of their native hab. = left; food source ≠ dependable (+ worsened by hab. destruction); poaching ⇒ USD$20,000 per skin; predation = great in the wild

Method of restoring pop.s;

captive breeding program for last 40 years/more; involving over 150 institutions + exchange of indiv.s to prevent critically low genetic diversity; some are reintroduced into the wild; but only a 30% success rate! as their hab. = threatened + predators (ie. h. + ***) take many; ∴ seems unlikely that this species would be alive today w/o captive breeding

- but the l.-t. future in wild ≠ certain!!

3.3 Threats to Biodiversity - One detailed case study of the impact of human activity on the biodiversity of tropical biomes of biological significance and the conflict between exploitation, sustainable development and conservation in tropical biomes

Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA), Malaysian Borneo

Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA), Malaysian Borneo

Large area of commercial forest - 43,800 ha

● Owned by the Sabah Foundation

● Yayasan Sabah Forest Management Area (YSFMA)

○ Commercial hardwood forest

○ Protected areas of undisturbed within it

○ Rehabilitated areas - 'enrichment planting'

■ Adding seedlings to heavily disturbed from

logging

○ Commercial softwood

● Money from Sabah Gov and Malaysian federal Gov.

● Biological importance of native forest

● Conservation focus:

○ Contains important and endangered Borneo

animals eg Sumatran rhino, orang-utan and

Borneo elephant.

Threats: commercial logging

● Conservation awareness from research between

Yayasan Sabah and the UK Royal Society

● Controlled by a management committee

○ Wildlife, forestry, commercial sectors

● Close to two other conservation areas: Maliau

Basin and Imbak Canyon. - commercial forest

corridors.

● Danum Valley borders the INFAPRO

(Innoprise-FACE Foundation Rainforest

Rehabilitation Project) - one of the largest

projects in South East Asia.

● Also in the area - INIKEA - also forest

rehabilitation.

Ecotourism:

● Late 1990s - hotel on N-E edge.

● Wide range of visitors - popular

● International profile of area raised

○ For tourism and research.

Community support

● Field centre managed by local people

● Employment, education and training

● Outreach to schools

Limitations:

● Oil palm plantations near to Northern border are

being grown.

○ Impact to ecotourism

○ Potential increased poaching/illegal logging

● Funding from logging and converting land from

rainforest to forest plantation. Is this a conflict?

● Change of leadership of DVCA could see conservation

area status changed. If it was a World Heritage Site,

it would be protected.

Generally very positive!

● Several forests reclassified in 2013 to create a stretch

of continuous forest connecting Maliau Basin, Imbak

Canyon and Danum Valley - single largest protected

area in Malaysia, about 500,000 ha.

3.4 Conservation of Biodiversity - One detailed case study evaluating the success of a protected area.

Protected Area of Killarney National Park, SW Ireland

Protected Area of Killarney National Park, SW Ireland

First Irish National Park in 1932 and has high ecological value due to its diversity, quality and extensive covering or native Irish woodland

Protected species:

Red Deer - last surviving indigenous herd of red deer in Ireland occurs in the Killarney Valley

Killarney Fern - listed under the Flora Protection Order (1999)

Greenland white-fronted goose - 50% of the world's population of 30,000 Greenland white-fronted geese in Ireland

Conservation Threats:

Past extinctions of the local wolves and golden eagles were caused by humans

Careful management of the park needed for the large tourism that takes place in Killarney Town

Past introduction of exotic species due to human influence - these species have damaged the natural ecosystems of Killarney e.g. Rhododendron

Conservation Efforts:

Park became a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981

Forms a part of the EU's 'Special Area of Conservation'

Main objective of the park is a nature conservation

Conservation Evaluation:

Area size of 102.89 km2 - Very large and can support large populations of many different species

More of an oval shape than round - the potential for the edge effect

Conservation efforts have been successful in protecting some of the rare and endangered species from preventing them from becoming extinct locally such as the Red Deer in Ireland

Protecting this area not only for fauna species but also flora has maintained the scenery of the park - boost in tourism and recreation in Killarney so more tourism profit used for funding for conservation and protection

3.4 Conservation of Biodiversity - Examples of Charismatic species

Giant Panda, China

Giant Panda, China

WWF considers the giant panda as a 'flagship' species: that is, a charismatic representative of the biologically rich temperate forest it inhabits.

By conserving the giant panda and its habitat, many other species will also be conserved,

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

● Bred 261

● Largest breeding programme of pandas in the world

● 200ha for pandas and other endangered species

- Bred in 53 zoos internationally

- As of 2008 there are 56 natural reserves for pandas from the 5 in 1963

ltdp

● Getting the female to come into the heat is difficult and are fertile only ones a year

• take priority (+ may conflict vs indigenous communities)

• if => extinct mission has failed

3.4 Conservation of Biodiversity - Examples of named keystone species

Agouti

Agouti, Forests of Brazil and SE Peru

Brazil nut trees depend on agoutis and their strong, sharp teeth to open their extremely hard seedpods and ensure the dispersal of their seeds.

So without the agouti, there would be no more Brazil-nut trees. Thus, we can only find Brazil-nut trees where there are agoutis

effect of reclassifying African elephants from Appendix I → II

big threat = ivory trade + poaching; also threatened by hab. destruction + conflicts w/ locals

CITES appendix I in 1990; prohibits the trade of wild-caught specimens completely; (protect org.s under sig. threat of extinction)

Appendix II; specimens can be exported but w/ trade restricted by a tightly controlled permitting process (ie classification = extended to species w’ ≠ necessarily threatened but could become so easily)

as elephant pop.s grew in Zimbabwe, Botswana, + Namibia, in 1997 the class. ⇒ II; this down-listing ⇒ single-shipment of stockpiled ivory, ~ 50,000 kg, to Japan in 1999

Down-listed in S Africa in 2000; may have ⇒ increase in poaching + decline in many wild pop.s

(= example of effects of reclass. on wild pop.s)

- (why reclassified?!)

triassic → jurassic

200 mya, 50% marine life

CITE

app 1 ≠, app. 2 = perm., app. three = trade of specimens is allowed under certain conditions.