Sustaining Biodiversity The Species Approach Overview Questions

Sustaining Biodiversity: The Species Approach

Overview Questions Ø How do biologists estimate extinction rates, and how do human activities affect these rates? Ø Why should we care about protecting wild species? Ø Which human activities endanger wildlife? Ø How can we help prevent premature extinction of species? Ø What is reconciliation ecology, and how can it help prevent premature extinction of species?

Core Case Study: The Passenger Pigeon - Gone Forever Ø Once the most numerous bird on earth. Ø In 1858, Passenger Pigeon hunting became a big business. Ø By 1900 they became extinct from overharvest and habitat loss.

SPECIES EXTINCTION Ø Species can become extinct: l l l Locally: A species is no longer found in an area it once inhabited but is still found elsewhere in the world. Ecologically: Occurs when so few members of a species are left they no longer play its ecological role. Globally (biologically): Species is no longer found on the earth.

Global Extinction Ø Some animals have become prematurely extinct because of human activities.

Lost natural capital: some animal species that have become prematurely extinct largely because of human activities, mostly habitat destruction and overhunting. The Great Auk became extinct in 1844 from overhunting because of its willingness to march up the boardwalks to ships. Passenger pigeon Great auk Dodo Dusky seaside sparrow QUESTION: Why do you think birds top this list? Aepyornis (Madagascar)

Endangered and Threatened Species: Ecological Smoke Alarms Ø Endangered species: so few individual survivors that it could soon become extinct. Ø Threatened species: still abundant in its natural range but is likely to become endangered in the near future.

Endangered natural capital: species that are endangered or threatened with premature extinction largely because of human activities. Almost 30, 000 of the world’s species and 1, 260 of those in the United States are officially listed as being in danger of becoming extinct. Most biologists believe the actual number of species at risk is much larger.

Grizzly bear Utah prairie dog Kirkland’s warbler Knowlton cactus Florida manatee Swallowtail butterfly Humpback chub Golden lion tamarin African elephant Siberian tiger

Giant panda Black-footed Whooping crane ferret Mountain gorilla Florida panther California condor Northern spotted owl Hawksbill sea turtle Blue whale Black rhinoceros

SPECIES EXTINCTION Ø Some species have characteristics that make them vulnerable to ecological and biological extinction.

SPECIES EXTINCTION Ø Scientists use measurements and models to estimate extinction rates. l l The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) publishes an annual Red List, listing the world’s threatened species. The 2004 Red List contains 15, 589 species at risk for extinction.

SPECIES EXTINCTION Ø Percentage of various species types threatened with premature extinction from human activities.

SPECIES EXTINCTION Ø Scientists use models to estimate the risk of particular species becoming extinct or endangered.

IMPORTANCE OF WILD SPECIES Ø We should not cause the premature extinction of species because of the economic and ecological services they provide. Ø Some believe that each wild species has an inherent right to exist. l Some people distinguish between the survival rights among various types of species (plants vs. animals).

HABITAT LOSS, DEGRADATION, AND FRAGMENTATION Ø Conservation biologists summarize the most important causes of premature extinction as “HIPPO”: l l l Habitat destruction, degradation, and fragmentation Invasive species Population growth Pollution Overharvest

HABITAT LOSS, DEGRADATION, AND FRAGMENTATION Ø The greatest threat to a species is the loss, degradation, and fragmentation of where it lives.

Natural capital degradation: underlying and direct causes of depletion and premature extinction of wild species. The major direct cause of wildlife depletion and premature extinction is habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. This is followed by the deliberate or accidental introduction of harmful invasive (nonnative) species into ecosystems.

HABITAT LOSS, DEGRADATION, AND FRAGMENTATION Ø Reduction in ranges of four wildlife species, mostly due to habitat loss and overharvest.

Indian Tiger Range 100 years ago Range today (about 2, 300 left)

Black Rhino Range in 1700 Range today (about 3, 600 left)

African Elephant Probable range 1600 Range today

Asian or Indian Elephant Former range Range today (34, 000– 54, 000 left)

Case Study: A Disturbing Message from the Birds Ø Human activities are causing serious declines in the populations of many bird species.

Threatened natural capital: the 10 most threatened species of U. S. songbirds, according to a 2002 study by the National Audubon Society. Most of these species are vulnerable because of habitat loss and fragmentation from human activities. An estimated 12% of the world’s known bird species may face premature extinction from human activities during this century. (Data from National Audubon Society)

Case Study: A Disturbing Message from the Birds Ø The majority of the world’s bird species are found in South America. l Threatened with habitat loss and invasive species.

INVASIVE SPECIES Ø Many nonnative Kudzu vine was introduced in the southeastern U. S. to control erosion. It has taken over native species habitats. species provide us with food, medicine, and other benefits but a a few can wipe out native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause large economic losses.

INVASIVE SPECIES Ø Many invasive species have been introduced intentionally.

Deliberately Introduced Species Purple loosestrife European starling African honeybee (“Killer bee”) Marine toad (Giant toad) Water hyacinth Japanese beetle Nutria Hydrilla Salt cedar (Tamarisk) European wild boar (Feral pig)

INVASIVE SPECIES Ø Many invasive species have been introduced unintentionally. 7, 100 species

INVASIVE SPECIES Ø The Argentina fire ant was introduced to Mobile, Alabama in 1932 from South America. l l Most probably from ships. No natural predators.

INVASIVE SPECIES Ø Prevention is the best way to reduce threats from invasive species, because once they arrive it is almost impossible to slow their spread.

Characteristics of Successful Invader Species • High reproductive rate, short generation time (r-selected species) • Pioneer species • Long lived Characteristics of Ecosystems Vulnerable to Invader Species • Climate similar to habitat of invader • Absence of predators on invading species • Early successional systems • High dispersal rate • Release growth-inhibiting chemicals into soil • Low diversity of native species • Absence of fire • Generalists • High genetic variability • Disturbed by human activities

POPULATION GROWTH, POLLUTION, AND CLIMATE CHANGE Ø Population growth, affluenza, and pollution have promoted the premature extinction of some species. Ø Projected climate change threatens a number of species with premature extinction.

Pollution Ø Each year pesticides: l l Example of biomagnification of DDT in an aquatic food chain. Kill about 1/5 th of the U. S. honeybee colonies. 67 million birds. 6 -14 million fish. Threaten 1/5 th of the U. S. ’s endangered and threatened species.

DDT in fish-eating birds (ospreys) 25 ppm DDT in large fish (needle fish) 2 ppm DDT in small fish (minnows) 0. 5 ppm DDT in zooplankton 0. 04 ppm DDT in water 0. 000003 ppm, or 3 ppt

OVEREXPLOITATION Ø Some protected species are killed for their valuable parts or are sold live to collectors. Ø Killing predators and pests that bother us or cause economic losses threatens some species with premature extinction. Ø Legal and illegal trade in wildlife species used as pets or for decorative purposes threatens some species with extinction.

OVEREXPLOITATION Ø Rhinoceros are often killed for their horns and sold illegally on the black market for decorative and medicinal purposes.

Case Study: Rising Demand for Bushmeat in Africa Ø Bushmeat hunting has caused the local extinction of many animals in West Africa. Ø Can spread disease such as HIV/AIDS and ebola virus.

PROTECTING WILD SPECIES: LEGAL AND ECONOMIC APPROACHES Ø International treaties have helped reduce the international trade of endangered and threatened species, but enforcement is difficult. l One of the most powerful is the 1975 Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). • Signed by 169 countries, lists 900 species that cannot be commercially traded.

Case Study: The U. S. Endangered Species Act Ø One of the world’s most far-reaching and controversial environmental laws is the 1973 U. S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). l l ESA forbids federal agencies (besides defense department) to carry out / fund projects that would jeopardize an endangered species. ESA makes it illegal for Americans to engage in commerce associated with or hunt / kill / collect endangered or threatened species.

Case Study: The U. S. Endangered Species Act Ø Biodiversity hotspots in relation to the largest concentrations of rare and potentially endangered species in the U. S.

Threatened natural capital: biodiversity hot spots in the United States. The shaded areas contain the largest concentrations of rare and potentially endangered species. Top Six Hot Spots 1 Hawaii 2 San Francisco Bay area 3 Southern Appalachians 4 Death Valley 5 Southern California 6 Florida Panhandle Concentration of rare species Low Moderate High

Endangered Species Ø Because of scarcity of inspectors, probably no more than 1/10 th of the illegal wildlife trade in the U. S. is discovered.

Endangered Species Ø Congress has amended the ESA to help landowners protect species on their land. Ø Some believe that the ESA should be weakened or repealed while others believe it should be strengthened and modified to focus on protecting ecosystems. Ø Many scientists believe that we should focus on protecting and sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem function as the best way to protect species.

How Would You Vote? Ø Should the Endangered Species Act be modified to protect and sustain the nation's overall biodiversity? l l a. No. Protecting entire habitats will only further interfere with the rights of landowners. b. Yes. Protecting endangered habitats is more efficient and effective than saving individual species.

PROTECTING WILD SPECIES: THE SANCTUARY APPROACH Ø The U. S. has set aside 544 federal refuges for wildlife, but many refuges are suffering from environmental degradation. Pelican Island was the nation’s first wildlife refuge.

PROTECTING WILD SPECIES: THE SANCTUARY APPROACH Ø Gene banks, botanical gardens and using farms to raise threatened species can help prevent extinction, but these options lack funding and storage space. Ø Zoos and aquariums can help protect endangered animal species by preserving some individuals with the long-term goal of reintroduction, but suffer from lack of space and money.

RECONCILIATION ECOLOGY Ø Reconciliation ecology involves finding ways to share places we dominate with other species. l l l Replacing monoculture grasses with native species. Maintaining habitats for insect eating bats can keep down unwanted insects. Reduction and elimination of pesticides to protect non-target organisms (such as vital insect pollinators).

Using Reconciliation Ecology to Protect Bluebirds Ø Putting up bluebird boxes with holes too small for (nonnative) competitors in areas where trees have been cut down have helped reestablish populations.

What Can You Do? Protecting Species • Do not buy furs, ivory products, and other materials made from endangered or threatened animal species. • Do not buy wood and paper products produced by cutting remaining oldgrowth forests in the tropics. • Do not buy birds, snakes, turtles, tropical fish, and other animals that are taken from the wild. • Do not buy orchids, cacti, and other plants that are taken from the wild. • Spread the word. Talk to your friends and relatives about this problem and what they can do about it.