Conservation Biology

Conservation

The protection and management of biodiversity and natural resources to prevent species loss and ecosystem damage.

Why should we care about conservation?

Biodiversity supports ecosystem function, human health, food systems, and future resources; values differ among individuals.

Conservation biology

A value-based scientific field focused on understanding and preventing biodiversity loss.

Radiation (Japan 2011-2012)

Nuclear reactor meltdown released radioactive cesium into the Pacific Ocean.

Stanford bluefin tuna study

All tested bluefin tuna off California were contaminated with cesium traced to the Japanese nuclear reactor via ocean currents and tuna migration.

DDT

A pesticide widely used in the 1940s-1970s that persists in fat cells and ecosystems long after use stopped.

DDT status today

Banned for use in the U.S. but still legally manufactured for export.

Atrazine

A widely used U.S. herbicide found in Midwest water systems; causes leopard frogs to become hermaphrodites at 0.1 ppb.

Neonicotinoids

Pesticides linked to declines in bees, butterflies, birds, and insects; commonly used as seed treatments for corn and soybeans.

Amphibian extinction crisis

~33% of all amphibian species are threatened globally.

Medical importance of amphibians

Amphibian skin peptides show antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties.

Epibatidine

A compound from poison dart frogs that blocks pain ~200× stronger than morphine without addiction.

Endemic species

Species found only in a specific geographic region.

California tiger salamander

An endemic species found only in California.

Biodiversity hotspots

Regions with many endemic species (e.g., Madagascar, New Zealand, Western Ecuador).

Causes of biodiversity loss

Habitat destruction, direct exploitation, invasive species, and disease.

Biggest threat to biodiversity

Habitat destruction.

Costa Rica amphibian decline

75% decline due to deforestation and loss of leaf litter and tree cover.

Coral bleaching

Loss of symbiotic algae due to ocean warming and acidification, leading to coral death.