Sustaining Biodiversity: Sustaining Biodiversity: The Species ApproachThe Species Approach

Chapter 9Chapter 9

Key ConceptsKey Concepts

How do biologists estimate extinction rates?How do biologists estimate extinction rates?

How do humans affect extinction rates?How do humans affect extinction rates?

Why should we care about protecting wildlife?Why should we care about protecting wildlife?

Which human activities endanger wildlife?Which human activities endanger wildlife?

How can we prevent premature extinctions?How can we prevent premature extinctions?

What is reconciliation ecology and why is it important?What is reconciliation ecology and why is it important?

The Passenger Pigeon: Gone The Passenger Pigeon: Gone ForeverForever

Once plentifulOnce plentiful

Extinct in 1914Extinct in 1914

Humans were responsibleHumans were responsible

Why they were huntedWhy they were hunted

ExtinctionExtinction

The Passenger Pigeon: Gone The Passenger Pigeon: Gone ForeverForever

Types of Species ExtinctionTypes of Species Extinction

Local extinctionLocal extinction

Ecological extinctionEcological extinction

Biological extinctionBiological extinction

Fig. 9-2, p. 185

Passenger pigeon

Great auk Dodo Dusky seaside sparrow

Aepyornis(Madagascar)

Some Prematurely Extinct SpeciesSome Prematurely Extinct Species

Endangered and Endangered and Threatened Threatened

SpeciesSpecies

Endangered speciesEndangered species

Threatened speciesThreatened species

Fig. 9-3a-b, p. 186

Fig. 9-3a, p. 186

Grizzly bear(threatened)

Arabian oryx(Middle East)

White top pitcher plant

Kirtland's warbler African elephant(Africa)

Mojave deserttortoise (threatened)

Swallowtail butterfly

Humpback chub Golden lion tamarin (Brazil)

Siberian tiger(Siberia)

Endangered and Threatened SpeciesEndangered and Threatened Species

West Virginiaspring salamander

Giant panda(China)

Knowlton cactus

Mountain gorilla(Africa)

Swamp pinkPine barrens tree frog (male)

Hawksbill sea turtle

El Segundo blue butterfly

Whooping crane Blue whale

Endangered and Threatened SpeciesEndangered and Threatened Species

Fig. 9-3b, p. 186

Fig. 9-3c, p. 187

Florida manatee

Northern spotted owl (threatened)

Gray wolf Florida panther Bannerman's turaco (Africa)

Devil's hole pupfish

Snow leopard(Central Asia)

Black-footed ferret

Symphonia(Madagascar)

Utah prairie dog(threatened)

Ghost bat (Australia)

California condor Black lace cactus Black rhinoceros(Africa)

Oahu tree snail

More Endangered and Threatened SpeciesMore Endangered and Threatened Species

Fig. 9-4, p. 188

Characteristic Examples

Low reproductive rate(K-strategist)

Specialized niche

Narrow distribution

Feeds at high trophic level

Fixed migratory patterns

Rare

Commercially valuable

Large territories

Blue whale, giant panda,rhinoceros

Blue whale, giant panda,Everglades kite

Many island species,elephant seal, desert pupfish

Bengal tiger, bald eagle,grizzly bear

Blue whale, whooping crane,sea turtles

Many island species,African violet, some orchids

Snow leopard, tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, rare plants and birds

California condor, grizzly bear, Florida panther

Characteristics of Extinction-prone Characteristics of Extinction-prone SpeciesSpecies

Fig. 9-5, p. 188

Fish

Mammals

Reptiles

Plants

Birds

34% (51% offreshwater species)

24%

20%

14%

12%

Percentages of Various Types of Organisms Percentages of Various Types of Organisms Threatened with Extinction by Human ActivitiesThreatened with Extinction by Human Activities

Problems Estimating Problems Estimating Extinction RatesExtinction Rates

Extinction not easily documented over timeExtinction not easily documented over time

Many species remain unidentifiedMany species remain unidentified

Little is known about most identified speciesLittle is known about most identified species

Estimating Extinction RatesEstimating Extinction Rates

Estimates from records and fossilsEstimates from records and fossils

Species-area relationshipSpecies-area relationship

Models to estimate risks of extinction for a Models to estimate risks of extinction for a particular speciesparticular species

Estimates of extinction rates can vary Estimates of extinction rates can vary depending on available data and what depending on available data and what assumptions are usedassumptions are used

Human Impacts on Extinction Human Impacts on Extinction RatesRates

Humans have greatly accelerated extinction ratesHumans have greatly accelerated extinction rates

Conservative estimates of 0.1% to 1% per year. Conservative estimates of 0.1% to 1% per year.

Due to human population increasesDue to human population increases

Extinction rates higher in biodiversity “hot spots”Extinction rates higher in biodiversity “hot spots”

Speciation crisisSpeciation crisis

Inadequate estimations of extinction ratesInadequate estimations of extinction rates

Precautionary strategyPrecautionary strategy

Importance of Wild SpeciesImportance of Wild Species May take nature 5 million years to replace the May take nature 5 million years to replace the

species that may be lost in the 21st centuryspecies that may be lost in the 21st century

Instrumental valueInstrumental value

Genetic informationGenetic information

Recreational pleasure and ecotourismRecreational pleasure and ecotourism

Intrinsic or existence valueIntrinsic or existence value

Even small organisms can be importantEven small organisms can be important

Fig. 9-6, p. 189

Nature’s PharmacyNature’s Pharmacy

Fig. 9-6a, p. 189

RauvolfiaRauvolfia sepentina, Southeast AsiaTranquilizer, high blood pressure medication

Nature’s PharmacyNature’s Pharmacy

Fig. 9-6b, p. 189

FoxgloveDigitalis purpurea, EuropeDigitalis for heart failure

Nature’s PharmacyNature’s Pharmacy

Fig. 9-6c, p. 189

Pacific yewTaxus brevifolia, Pacific NorthwestOvarian cancer

Nature’s PharmacyNature’s Pharmacy

Fig. 9-6d, p. 189

CinchonaCinchonaledogeriana

South AmericaQuinine for malaria treatment

Nature’s PharmacyNature’s Pharmacy

Fig. 9-6e, p. 189

Rosy periwinkleCathranthus roseus, MadagascarHodgkin's disease, lymphocytic leukemia

Nature’s PharmacyNature’s Pharmacy

Fig. 9-6f, p. 189

Neem treeAzadirachta indica,IndiaTreatment of many diseases, insecticide,spermicide

Nature’s PharmacyNature’s Pharmacy

Causes of Premature ExtinctionCauses of Premature Extinction

““HIPPO”HIPPO”

Habitat destruction and fragmentationHabitat destruction and fragmentation

Invasive (alien) speciesInvasive (alien) species

Population growth (humans)Population growth (humans)

PollutionPollution

OverharvestingOverharvesting

Fig. 9-7, p. 190

Habitat loss

Habitat degradation and fragmentation

Introducing nonnative species

Overfishing

Climate change

Predator and pest control

Pollution

Commercial hunting and poaching

Sale of exotic pets and decorative plants

•Population growth•Rising resource use•No environmental accounting•Poverty

Secondary Causes

Basic Causes

Causes of Premature ExtinctionCauses of Premature Extinction

Extinction Threats from Extinction Threats from Habitat Loss and DegradationHabitat Loss and Degradation Importance of habitatsImportance of habitats

DeforestationDeforestation

Destruction of wetlands and coral reefsDestruction of wetlands and coral reefs

Endemic speciesEndemic species

““Habitat islands”Habitat islands”

Habitat fragmentationHabitat fragmentation

““Message” from the birdsMessage” from the birds

Environmental indicatorsEnvironmental indicators

Fig. 9-8a, p. 191

Indian Tiger

Range 100 years ago

Range today(about 2,300 left)

Reduced RangesReduced Ranges

Fig. 9-8b, p. 191

Black Rhino

Range in 1700

Range today(about 2,400 left)

Reduced RangesReduced Ranges

Fig. 9-8c, p. 191

African Elephant

Probable range 1600

Range today (300,000 left)

Reduced RangesReduced Ranges

Fig. 9-8d, p. 191

Asian or Indian Elephant

Former range

Range today(34,000–54,000 left)

Reduced RangesReduced Ranges

Endangered Ring-tailed LemurEndangered Ring-tailed Lemur

Fig. 9-9, p. 192

Florida scrub jay

Sprague’s pipit Bichnell’s thrush Blacked-capped vireo Golden-cheekedwarbler

Cerulean warbler

California gnatcatcher Kirtland’s warbler Henslow’s sparrow Bachman’s warbler

Fig. 9-10, p. 192

Threatened Species of U.S. SongbirdsThreatened Species of U.S. Songbirds

Threats from Nonnative SpeciesThreats from Nonnative Species

Deliberate and accidental introductionsDeliberate and accidental introductions

Many valuable crops and livestock are nonnativeMany valuable crops and livestock are nonnative

Economic and environmental costsEconomic and environmental costs

Impact on native species, property, and agricultureImpact on native species, property, and agriculture

KudzuKudzu

Fire antsFire ants

Purple looselife European starling African honeybee(“Killer bee”)

Nutria Salt cedar(Tamarisk)

Marine toad Water hyacinth Japanese beetle Hydrilla European wild boar(Feral pig)

Fig. 9-11a, p. 193

Deliberately Introduced SpeciesDeliberately Introduced Species

Sea lamprey(attached to lake trout)

Argentina fire ant Eurasian muffleBrown tree snake Common pigeon(Rock dove)

Formosan termite Zebra mussel Asian long-hornedbeetle

Asian tiger mosquito Gypsy moth larvae

Fig. 9-11b, p. 193

Accidentally Introduced SpeciesAccidentally Introduced Species

KudzuKudzu

Fig. 9-12, p. 194

Fig. 9-13, p. 195

1918

2000

Fire Ant InvasionFire Ant Invasion

Reducing Threats from Reducing Threats from Nonnative SpeciesNonnative Species

Prevention is bestPrevention is best

Identify the characteristics of nonnative speciesIdentify the characteristics of nonnative species

Identify vulnerable ecosystemsIdentify vulnerable ecosystems

Thoroughly inspect importsThoroughly inspect imports

Establish appropriate international lawsEstablish appropriate international laws

Discharge of ballast waters from ships Discharge of ballast waters from ships

Fig. 9-14, p. 195

Characteristics ofSuccessful

Invader Species

• High reproductive rate, short generation time (r-selected species)

• Pioneer species

• Long lived

• High dispersal rate

• Release growth- inhibiting chemicals into soil

• Generalists

• High genetic variability

Characteristics ofEcosystems Vulnerable

to Invader Species

• Similar climate to habitat of invader

• Absence of predators on invading species

• Early successional systems

• Low diversity of native species

• Absence of fire

• Disturbed by human activities

Characteristics of Successful Invader Characteristics of Successful Invader Species and Vulnerable EcosystemsSpecies and Vulnerable Ecosystems

Extinction Threats from Extinction Threats from PoachingPoaching

Profits of poachingProfits of poaching

Causes of poaching: food, fur, pets, traditional Causes of poaching: food, fur, pets, traditional medicines, trophies, eliminating pests, etc.medicines, trophies, eliminating pests, etc.

BushmeatBushmeat

Illegal pets and decorative plantsIllegal pets and decorative plants

Attempts to control poachingAttempts to control poaching

BushmeatBushmeat

Fig. 9-15, p. 196

Extinction Threats from Climate Extinction Threats from Climate Change and PollutionChange and Pollution

Greenhouse effectGreenhouse effect

Pesticide threatsPesticide threats

DDT biomagnification (bioaccumulation)DDT biomagnification (bioaccumulation)

Fig. 9-16, p. 197

DDT in fish-eatingbirds (ospreys)

25 ppm

DDT in largefish (needle fish)2 ppm

DDT in smallfish (minnows)0.5 ppm

DDT in water0.000003 ppm,or 3 ppt

DDT inzooplankton0.04 ppm

Biomagnification of DDTBiomagnification of DDT

Protecting Wild SpeciesProtecting Wild Species International treaties and conventionsInternational treaties and conventions

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

US federal lawUS federal law

• Lacey ActLacey Act• Endangered Species Act (ESA)Endangered Species Act (ESA)• National Marine Fisheries ServiceNational Marine Fisheries Service

Foreign species and ESAForeign species and ESA

Establishing critical habitatsEstablishing critical habitats

Habitat conservation plansHabitat conservation plans

Role of private landowners, loggers and developersRole of private landowners, loggers and developers

ESA and commercial shippingESA and commercial shipping

Concentration of rare species

Low Moderate High

Top Six Hot Spots1 Hawaii2 San Francisco Bay area3 Southern Appalachians4 Death Valley5 Southern California6 Florida Panhandle

4

5

2

6

3

1

Fig. 9-17, p. 199

Biodiversity Hot Spots in the USBiodiversity Hot Spots in the US

Confiscated Products From Confiscated Products From Endangered SpeciesEndangered Species

Fig. 9-18, p. 199

Protecting Marine SpeciesProtecting Marine Species

Role of the Endangered Species ActRole of the Endangered Species Act

Threats from litterThreats from litter

Threatened sea mammalsThreatened sea mammals

Threatened sea turtlesThreatened sea turtles

Poaching and threats from fishing netsPoaching and threats from fishing nets

Need more knowledge of marine biodiversityNeed more knowledge of marine biodiversity

Difficulty enforcing international treatiesDifficulty enforcing international treaties

Litter Kills SealsLitter Kills Seals

Fig. 9-19, p. 200

Endangered Sea TurtlesEndangered Sea Turtles

Fig. 9-20, p. 200

Endangered Species ActEndangered Species Act

Weaken the Act?Weaken the Act?

Strengthen the Act?Strengthen the Act?

Accomplishments of the Act: Accomplishments of the Act: Case StudyCase Study, p. 201, p. 201

Should we try to save all species?Should we try to save all species?

How Would You VoteHow Would You Vote exercise exercise

Protecting Wild Species: The Protecting Wild Species: The Sanctuary ApproachSanctuary Approach

Wildlife refuges and protected areasWildlife refuges and protected areas

Gene banks, botanical gardens, and farmsGene banks, botanical gardens, and farms

Zoos and aquariumsZoos and aquariums

Limitations of zoos and aquariumsLimitations of zoos and aquariums

Reconciliation EcologyReconciliation Ecology

Promoted by Michael L. RosenzweigPromoted by Michael L. Rosenzweig

Learning to share with natureLearning to share with nature

Making our habitats more compatible for wildlifeMaking our habitats more compatible for wildlife

Diversify yard plantsDiversify yard plants

Neighborhood contests and awardsNeighborhood contests and awards

Biological diverse golf courses, campuses, and cemeteriesBiological diverse golf courses, campuses, and cemeteries

San Francisco’s Golden Gate ParkSan Francisco’s Golden Gate Park

Science SpotlightScience Spotlight: protecting bluebirds, p. 204: protecting bluebirds, p. 204

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 old-growth 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.

Fig. 9-21, p. 204

What Can We Do to Protect Species?What Can We Do to Protect Species?