RRM - Module 9 #1

Key Concepts in Biodiversity and Wildlife

• Ex situ conservation: Conservation of species outside their natural habitats (e.g., zoos, botanical gardens).
• In situ conservation: Conservation of species in their natural habitats.
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): An international treaty for promoting sustainable development, signed at the 1992 Earth Summit, with 193 parties.
• Species At Risk Act (SARA): Canadian federal law aimed at preventing wildlife species from becoming extinct.
• Parks and Protected Areas: Designated locations aimed at conserving biodiversity.
• Saskatchewan Representative Area Network (RAN): A regional network for biodiversity preservation.

Understanding Biodiversity

• Definition: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
• Genetic Diversity: Variation among individuals within a species.
• Species Diversity: Variation among different species within a community.
• Ecosystem Diversity: Variety of ecosystems present on the planet.
• Mass Extinction Events: Five historical periods of rapid species extinctions; currently, evidence suggests we are facing a sixth extinction driven by human activities.

Extinction Rates

• Extinction rates vary among vertebrate species:
  • Amphibians: Highest risk levels.
  • Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Fish: Significant threats exist.
• Timeline of extinctions shows increases particularly in the last few centuries.

Importance of Biodiversity Conservation

• Ecosystem services: Fundamental functions provided by ecosystems, crucial for human survival (e.g., photosynthesis, water cycle).
• Economic Impact: Loss of services could cost up to $2 trillion/year.
• Ethical Considerations: Loss of biodiversity contradicts sustainability principles.
• Social and Aesthetic Value: Recreational benefits and intrinsic value of biodiversity.

Contributions of Biodiversity

• Genetic Resources: Contributions to agriculture and pharmaceuticals; over 50% of medicines derived from natural products.
• Ecosystem Services: Crucial roles include:
  • Pollination (>$500 billion contribution to agriculture).
  • Carbon storage and climate regulation (forests sequester 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2 annually).
  • Provision of freshwater resources through ecosystems like wetlands.

Conservation Methods

1. Ex Situ Conservation

• Focuses on protecting species outside their natural habitats.
• Examples: Zoos, botanical gardens, germplasm banks.

2. In Situ Conservation

• Protects species within their natural habitats, maintaining ecosystem functions.

Biodiversity Knowledge and Recent Discoveries

• Almost 200 new species were documented in 2024, highlighting the importance of continued exploration and research.
• High percentage (86% to 99%) of life remains undescribed.

Governance and Biodiversity Policies

• CBD Goals:
  1. Conservation of biodiversity.
  2. Sustainable use of biodiversity components.
  3. Fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
• Limitations of CBD: Legally binding but disputable and dependent on national policies for implementation.

Canadian Federal Biodiversity Initiatives

• 2020 Biodiversity Goals: Focused on sustainable management, risk reduction to biodiversity, and public engagement.
• Nature Accountability Bill (C73): Aims to compel comprehensive federal actions and commitments by 2030, addressing habitat conservation and restoration.
• SARA (2002): Legal framework to protect endangered species with established assessments and recovery plans.

Species At Risk Act Insights

Species Classifications

• Extinct: No longer existing anywhere.
• Extirpated: No longer in the wild in Canada but exists elsewhere.
• Endangered: Facing imminent extinction.
• Threatened: Likely to become endangered without intervention.
• Special Concern: Sensitive species requiring monitoring.

Legal Provisions under SARA

• Prohibits harmful actions against listed species (e.g., killing, habitat destruction).
• Significant penalties for non-compliance (up to $1 million for corporations).
• Emphasizes the importance of habitat protection and species recovery plans to ensure sustainable biodiversity management.