Biodiversity is variety… of organisms in a given area of genetic variation within a population of species in a community of communities in an ecosystem Humans need to understand & preserve biodiversity for our own survival.

1. Chapter 10Chapter 10
BiodiversityBiodiversity
Remember to write the slides that show theRemember to write the slides that show the
clipboard symbol. Examples written in italicsclipboard symbol. Examples written in italics
do not need to be written down. We will justdo not need to be written down. We will just
discuss them, along with the other slides.discuss them, along with the other slides.

2. StandardsStandards
SCSh2a-cSCSh2a-c
SCSh3c, eSCSh3c, e
SCSh4aSCSh4a
SCSh6aSCSh6a
SEV3a, b, dSEV3a, b, d

3. ObjectivesObjectives
DescribeDescribe the diversity of species types onthe diversity of species types on
Earth, relating the difference betweenEarth, relating the difference between
known numbers and estimated numbers.known numbers and estimated numbers.
ListList and describe three levels ofand describe three levels of
biodiversity.biodiversity.
ExplainExplain four ways in which biodiversity isfour ways in which biodiversity is
important to ecosystems and humans.important to ecosystems and humans.
AnalyzeAnalyze the potential value of a singlethe potential value of a single
speciesspecies

4. A World Rich in BiodiversityA World Rich in Biodiversity
BiodiversityBiodiversity is variety…is variety…
– of organisms in a given areaof organisms in a given area
– of genetic variation within a populationof genetic variation within a population
– of species in a communityof species in a community
– of communities in an ecosystemof communities in an ecosystem
Humans need to understand & preserveHumans need to understand & preserve
biodiversity for our own survival.biodiversity for our own survival.

5. Unknown DiversityUnknown Diversity
The study of biodiversity starts with the unfinished taskThe study of biodiversity starts with the unfinished task
of cataloging all the species that exist on Earth.of cataloging all the species that exist on Earth.
Known species=about 1.7 millionKnown species=about 1.7 million
– Mostly insectsMostly insects
– New species are considered known when they areNew species are considered known when they are
collected & described scientifically.collected & described scientifically.
The actual number of species on Earth is unknown.The actual number of species on Earth is unknown.
– Scientists accept an estimate of greater than 10Scientists accept an estimate of greater than 10
million for the total number of species.million for the total number of species.

6. 3 Levels of Biodiversity3 Levels of Biodiversity
1. Species diversity-1. Species diversity-differences betweendifferences between
populations of species, & between differentpopulations of species, & between different
speciesspecies
2. Ecosystem diversity-2. Ecosystem diversity-variety of habitats,variety of habitats,
communities, & ecological processes within &communities, & ecological processes within &
between ecosystemsbetween ecosystems
3. Genetic diversity-3. Genetic diversity-different genes containeddifferent genes contained
within all members of a populationwithin all members of a population
– AA genegene is a segment of DNA that is located in ais a segment of DNA that is located in a
chromosome and that codes for a specific hereditarychromosome and that codes for a specific hereditary
trait.trait.

7. Benefits of BiodiversityBenefits of Biodiversity
Affects the stability of ecosystems & theAffects the stability of ecosystems & the
sustainability of populationssustainability of populations
We depend on healthy ecosystems toWe depend on healthy ecosystems to
ensure a healthy biosphere that hasensure a healthy biosphere that has
balanced cycles of energy & nutrients.balanced cycles of energy & nutrients.
– Species are part of these cycles.Species are part of these cycles.

8. Species Are Connected to EcosystemsSpecies Are Connected to Ecosystems
When scientists study any species closely, they find thatWhen scientists study any species closely, they find that
it plays an important role in an ecosystem.it plays an important role in an ecosystem.
Every species is probably either dependent on orEvery species is probably either dependent on or
depended upon by at least one other species in waysdepended upon by at least one other species in ways
that are not always obvious.that are not always obvious.
– When one species disappears from an ecosystem, a strand in aWhen one species disappears from an ecosystem, a strand in a
food web is removed.food web is removed.
AA keystone specieskeystone species is a species that is critical to theis a species that is critical to the
functioning of the ecosystem in which it lives because itfunctioning of the ecosystem in which it lives because it
affects the survival and abundance of many otheraffects the survival and abundance of many other
species in its community.species in its community.
– An example is the sea otter. The loss of the sea otterAn example is the sea otter. The loss of the sea otter
populations led to an unchecked sea urchin population, whichpopulations led to an unchecked sea urchin population, which
ate all the kelp leading to the loss of kelp beds along the U.S.ate all the kelp leading to the loss of kelp beds along the U.S.
Pacific Coast.Pacific Coast.

9. Species & Population SurvivalSpecies & Population Survival
The level of genetic diversity withinThe level of genetic diversity within
populations is a critical factor inpopulations is a critical factor in
species survival.species survival.
– It increases the chances that someIt increases the chances that some
members of the population maymembers of the population may
survive environmental pressures orsurvive environmental pressures or
changes.changes.
– Small & isolated populations areSmall & isolated populations are
less likely to survive suchless likely to survive such
pressures.pressures.
When a population shrinks, itsWhen a population shrinks, its
genetic diversity decreases like it’sgenetic diversity decreases like it’s
passing through a bottleneck.passing through a bottleneck.
– Even if such a population is able toEven if such a population is able to
increase again, there will beincrease again, there will be
inbreeding within a smaller varietyinbreeding within a smaller variety
of genes.of genes.
– The members of the populationThe members of the population
may then become more likely tomay then become more likely to
inherit genetic diseases.inherit genetic diseases.

10. Medical & Industrial UsesMedical & Industrial Uses
About 1/4 of the drugsAbout 1/4 of the drugs
prescribed in the U.S. areprescribed in the U.S. are
derived from plantsderived from plants
Almost all of theAlmost all of the
antibiotics are derivedantibiotics are derived
from fungifrom fungi
The scientific communityThe scientific community
continues to find newcontinues to find new
uses for biologicaluses for biological
material & geneticmaterial & genetic
diversity.diversity.

11. Agricultural UsesAgricultural Uses
Most crops producedMost crops produced
originated from a few areasoriginated from a few areas
of high biodiversityof high biodiversity
Most new crop varieties areMost new crop varieties are
hybrids, or crops developedhybrids, or crops developed
by combining geneticby combining genetic
material from othermaterial from other
populations.populations.
History has shown thatHistory has shown that
depending on too few plantsdepending on too few plants
for food is risky. Faminesfor food is risky. Famines
have resulted when anhave resulted when an
important crop was wiped outimportant crop was wiped out
by disease. But some cropsby disease. But some crops
have been saved byhave been saved by
crossbreeding them with wildcrossbreeding them with wild
plant relatives.plant relatives.

12. Ethics, Aesthetics, and RecreationEthics, Aesthetics, and Recreation
EthicalEthical-species & ecosystems have a right to-species & ecosystems have a right to
exist whether or not they have any other valueexist whether or not they have any other value
Aesthetic-Aesthetic-personal enjoyment such as keepingpersonal enjoyment such as keeping
pets, camping, picking flowers, or watchingpets, camping, picking flowers, or watching
wildlifewildlife
Recreation-Recreation-EcotourismEcotourism is a form of tourismis a form of tourism
that supports the conservation & sustainablethat supports the conservation & sustainable
development of ecologically unique areas.development of ecologically unique areas.

13. StandardsStandards
SEV1a, d, eSEV1a, d, e

14. ObjectivesObjectives
DefineDefine and give examples of endangered andand give examples of endangered and
threatened species.threatened species.
DescribeDescribe several ways that species are beingseveral ways that species are being
threatened with extinction globally.threatened with extinction globally.
ExplainExplain which types of threats are having thewhich types of threats are having the
largest impact on biodiversity.largest impact on biodiversity.
ListList areasareas of the world that have high levels ofof the world that have high levels of
biodiversity and many threats to species.biodiversity and many threats to species.
CompareCompare the amount of biodiversity in thethe amount of biodiversity in the
United States to that of the rest of the world.United States to that of the rest of the world.

15. Biodiversity at RiskBiodiversity at Risk
The extinction of many species in aThe extinction of many species in a
relatively short period of time is called arelatively short period of time is called a
mass extinctionmass extinction..
– Earth has experienced several mass extinctions, eachEarth has experienced several mass extinctions, each
probably caused by a global change in climate.probably caused by a global change in climate.
– It takes millions of years for biodiversity to reboundIt takes millions of years for biodiversity to rebound
after a mass extinction.after a mass extinction.

16. Current ExtinctionsCurrent Extinctions
Scientists are warning that we are in the midst ofScientists are warning that we are in the midst of
another mass extinction.another mass extinction.
The rate of extinctions is estimated to haveThe rate of extinctions is estimated to have
increased by a multiple of 50 since 1800, with upincreased by a multiple of 50 since 1800, with up
to 25 percent of all species on Earth becomingto 25 percent of all species on Earth becoming
extinct between 1800 and 2100.extinct between 1800 and 2100.
The current mass extinction is different fromThe current mass extinction is different from
those of the past because humans are thethose of the past because humans are the
primary cause of the extinctions.primary cause of the extinctions.

17. Species Prone to ExtinctionSpecies Prone to Extinction
Species that are especially at risk of extinctionSpecies that are especially at risk of extinction
are those that migrate, those that need large orare those that migrate, those that need large or
special habitats, & those that are exploited byspecial habitats, & those that are exploited by
humans.humans.
Endangered species-Endangered species-has been identified to behas been identified to be
in danger of extinction throughout all or ain danger of extinction throughout all or a
significant part of its range, & that is thus undersignificant part of its range, & that is thus under
protection by regulations or conservationprotection by regulations or conservation
measuresmeasures
Threatened species-Threatened species-has been identifiedhas been identified
to be likely to become endangered in theto be likely to become endangered in the
futurefuture

18. How Do Humans Cause Extinctions?How Do Humans Cause Extinctions?
In the past 2 centuries, human population growthIn the past 2 centuries, human population growth
has accelerated & so has the rate of extinctions.has accelerated & so has the rate of extinctions.
The major causes of extinction today are theThe major causes of extinction today are the
destruction of habitats, the introduction ofdestruction of habitats, the introduction of
nonnative species, pollution, and thenonnative species, pollution, and the
overharvesting of species.overharvesting of species.

19. How Do Humans Cause Extinctions?How Do Humans Cause Extinctions?
Habitat Destruction & FragmentationHabitat Destruction & Fragmentation
Invasive Exotic SpeciesInvasive Exotic Species
Harvesting, Hunting, and PoachingHarvesting, Hunting, and Poaching
PollutionPollution

20. Habitat Destruction & FragmentationHabitat Destruction & Fragmentation
As human populations grow, we use more landAs human populations grow, we use more land
to build homes & harvest resources.to build homes & harvest resources.
In the process, we destroy & fragment theIn the process, we destroy & fragment the
habitats of other species.habitats of other species.
It is estimated that habitat loss causes almost 75It is estimated that habitat loss causes almost 75
% of the extinctions now occurring.% of the extinctions now occurring.
– For example, cougars, including the Florida Panther,For example, cougars, including the Florida Panther,
require expansive ranges of forest and large amountrequire expansive ranges of forest and large amount
of prey.of prey.
– Today, much of the cougars’ habitat has beenToday, much of the cougars’ habitat has been
destroyed or broken up by roads, canals, and fences.destroyed or broken up by roads, canals, and fences.
– In 2001, fewer than 80 Florida panthers made up theIn 2001, fewer than 80 Florida panthers made up the
only remaining wild cougar population east of theonly remaining wild cougar population east of the
Mississippi River.Mississippi River.

21. Invasive Exotic SpeciesInvasive Exotic Species
AnAn exotic speciesexotic species is a species that is notis a species that is not
native to a particular region.native to a particular region.
Even familiar organisms such as cats andEven familiar organisms such as cats and
rats are considered to be exotic speciesrats are considered to be exotic species
when they are brought to regions wherewhen they are brought to regions where
they never lived before.they never lived before.
Exotic species can threaten native speciesExotic species can threaten native species
that have no natural defenses againstthat have no natural defenses against
them.them.

22. Harvesting, Hunting, and PoachingHarvesting, Hunting, and Poaching
Excessive hunting can also lead to extinction asExcessive hunting can also lead to extinction as
seen in the 1800s and 1900s when 2 billionseen in the 1800s and 1900s when 2 billion
passenger pigeons were hunted to extinction.passenger pigeons were hunted to extinction.
Thousands of rare species worldwide areThousands of rare species worldwide are
harvested and sold for use as pets, houseplants,harvested and sold for use as pets, houseplants,
wood, food, or herbal medicine.wood, food, or herbal medicine.
PoachingPoaching is the illegal harvesting of fish, game,is the illegal harvesting of fish, game,
or other species.or other species.

23. PollutionPollution
Pesticides, cleaning agents, drugs, and otherPesticides, cleaning agents, drugs, and other
chemicals used by humans are making their waychemicals used by humans are making their way
into food webs around the globe.into food webs around the globe.
The long term effects of chemicals may not beThe long term effects of chemicals may not be
clear until after many years.clear until after many years.
The bald eagle was endangered because of aThe bald eagle was endangered because of a
pesticide known as DDT. Although DDT is nowpesticide known as DDT. Although DDT is now
illegal to use in the United States, it is stillillegal to use in the United States, it is still
manufactured here and used around the world.manufactured here and used around the world.

24. Areas of Critical BiodiversityAreas of Critical Biodiversity
AnAn endemic speciesendemic species is a species that is nativeis a species that is native
to a particular place & that is found only there.to a particular place & that is found only there.
– Greater species diversity usually means moreGreater species diversity usually means more
endemic speciesendemic species
– The numbers of endemic species of plants indicateThe numbers of endemic species of plants indicate
the overall biodiversity because plants form the basisthe overall biodiversity because plants form the basis
of ecosystems on land.of ecosystems on land.
Tropical Rain Forests, Coral Reefs & CoastalTropical Rain Forests, Coral Reefs & Coastal
Ecosystems, & Islands areEcosystems, & Islands are biodiversitybiodiversity
hotspotshotspots..

25. Biodiversity Hot SpotsBiodiversity Hot Spots

26. Tropical Rain ForestsTropical Rain Forests
Biologist estimate that over half of the world’sBiologist estimate that over half of the world’s
species live in these forests even though theyspecies live in these forests even though they
cover only 7 percent of the Earth’s land surface.cover only 7 percent of the Earth’s land surface.
Most of the species have never been described.Most of the species have never been described.
Unknown numbers of these species areUnknown numbers of these species are
disappearing as tropical forests are cleared fordisappearing as tropical forests are cleared for
farming or cattle grazing.farming or cattle grazing.
Tropical forests are also among the few placesTropical forests are also among the few places
where some native people maintain traditionalwhere some native people maintain traditional
lifestyles.lifestyles.

27. Coral Reefs and CoastalCoral Reefs and Coastal
EcosystemEcosystem
Reefs provide millions of people with food,Reefs provide millions of people with food,
tourism revenue, coastal protection, and sourcestourism revenue, coastal protection, and sources
of new chemicals, but are poorly studied and notof new chemicals, but are poorly studied and not
as well protected by laws as terrestrial areasas well protected by laws as terrestrial areas
are.are.
Nearly 60 percent of Earth’s coral reefs areNearly 60 percent of Earth’s coral reefs are
threatened by human activities, such asthreatened by human activities, such as
pollution, development along waterways, andpollution, development along waterways, and
overfishing.overfishing.
Similar threats affect coastal ecosystems, suchSimilar threats affect coastal ecosystems, such
as swamps, marshes, shores, and kelp beds.as swamps, marshes, shores, and kelp beds.

28. IslandsIslands
When an island rises from the sea, it isWhen an island rises from the sea, it is
colonized by a limited number of species fromcolonized by a limited number of species from
the mainland. These colonizing species maythe mainland. These colonizing species may
then evolve into several new species.then evolve into several new species.
Thus, islands often hold a very distinct butThus, islands often hold a very distinct but
limited set of species.limited set of species.
Many island species, such as the HawaiianMany island species, such as the Hawaiian
honeycreeper, are endangered because ofhoneycreeper, are endangered because of
invasive exotic species.invasive exotic species.

29. Biodiversity in the United StatesBiodiversity in the United States
The United States includes a wide variety of uniqueThe United States includes a wide variety of unique
ecosystems, including the Florida Everglades, theecosystems, including the Florida Everglades, the
California coastal region, Hawaii, the MidwesternCalifornia coastal region, Hawaii, the Midwestern
prairies, and the forests of the Pacific Northwest.prairies, and the forests of the Pacific Northwest.
The United States holds unusually high numbers ofThe United States holds unusually high numbers of
species of freshwater fishes, mussels, snails, andspecies of freshwater fishes, mussels, snails, and
crayfish. Diversity is also high among groups of the landcrayfish. Diversity is also high among groups of the land
plants such as pine trees and sunflowers.plants such as pine trees and sunflowers.
The California Floristic Province, a biodiversity hotspot,The California Floristic Province, a biodiversity hotspot,
is home to 3,488 native plant species.is home to 3,488 native plant species.
Of these species, 2,124 are endemic and 565 areOf these species, 2,124 are endemic and 565 are
threatened or endangered.threatened or endangered.
The threats to this area include the use of land forThe threats to this area include the use of land for
agriculture and housing, dam construction, overuse ofagriculture and housing, dam construction, overuse of
water, destructive recreation, and mining. All of whichwater, destructive recreation, and mining. All of which
stem from local human population growth.stem from local human population growth.

30. StandardsStandards
SEV4fSEV4f
SEV5a, fSEV5a, f

31. ObjectivesObjectives
ListList and describe four types of efforts to saveand describe four types of efforts to save
individual species.individual species.
ExplainExplain the advantages of protecting entirethe advantages of protecting entire
ecosystems rather than individual species.ecosystems rather than individual species.
DescribeDescribe the main provisions of the Endangeredthe main provisions of the Endangered
Species Act.Species Act.
DiscussDiscuss ways in which efforts to protectways in which efforts to protect
endangered species can lead to controversy.endangered species can lead to controversy.
DescribeDescribe three examples of worldwidethree examples of worldwide
cooperative efforts to prevent extinctions.cooperative efforts to prevent extinctions.

32. Ways to HelpWays to Help
Saving one species at a timeSaving one species at a time
Captive Breeding programsCaptive Breeding programs
Preserving Genetic MaterialPreserving Genetic Material
Zoos, Aquariums, Parks & GardensZoos, Aquariums, Parks & Gardens
Preserving Habitats & EcosystemsPreserving Habitats & Ecosystems
ConservationConservation
Legal Protection (Domestic & International)Legal Protection (Domestic & International)
– Endangered Species ActEndangered Species Act
– IUCNIUCN
– CITESCITES
– The Biodiversity TreatyThe Biodiversity Treaty

33. Saving Species One at a TimeSaving Species One at a Time
When a species is clearly on the verge ofWhen a species is clearly on the verge of
extinction, concerned people sometimesextinction, concerned people sometimes
make extraordinary efforts to save the lastmake extraordinary efforts to save the last
few individuals.few individuals.
These people hope that a stableThese people hope that a stable
population may be restored someday.population may be restored someday.
Methods to preserve individual speciesMethods to preserve individual species
often involve keeping & breeding theoften involve keeping & breeding the
species in captivity.species in captivity.

34. Captive-Breeding ProgramsCaptive-Breeding Programs
Wildlife experts may attempt to restore theWildlife experts may attempt to restore the
population of a species through captive-breedingpopulation of a species through captive-breeding
programs.programs.
These programs involve breeding species inThese programs involve breeding species in
captivity, with the hopes of reintroducingcaptivity, with the hopes of reintroducing
populations to their natural habitats.populations to their natural habitats.
This type of program has been usedThis type of program has been used
successfully with the Californian condor, forsuccessfully with the Californian condor, for
example. But the question remains whether orexample. But the question remains whether or
not these restored populations will evernot these restored populations will ever
reproduce in the wild.reproduce in the wild.

35. Preserving Genetic MaterialPreserving Genetic Material
One way to save the essence of a species is byOne way to save the essence of a species is by
preserving its genetic material.preserving its genetic material.
Germ plasmGerm plasm is hereditary materialis hereditary material
(chromosomes and genes) that is usually(chromosomes and genes) that is usually
contained in the protoplasm of germ cells & maycontained in the protoplasm of germ cells & may
be stored as seeds, sperm, eggs, or pure DNA.be stored as seeds, sperm, eggs, or pure DNA.
Germ-plasm banks store germ plasm inGerm-plasm banks store germ plasm in
controlled environments for future use incontrolled environments for future use in
research or species-recovery efforts.research or species-recovery efforts.

36. Zoos, Aquariums, Parks, &Zoos, Aquariums, Parks, &
GardensGardens
In some cases, zoos now house the fewIn some cases, zoos now house the few
remaining members of a species & are perhapsremaining members of a species & are perhaps
the species’ last hope for survival.the species’ last hope for survival.
Zoos, wildlife parks, aquariums, & botanicalZoos, wildlife parks, aquariums, & botanical
gardens, are living museums of the world’sgardens, are living museums of the world’s
biodiversity.biodiversity.
But, these kinds of facilities rarely have enoughBut, these kinds of facilities rarely have enough
resources or knowledge to preserve more than aresources or knowledge to preserve more than a
fraction of the world’s rare & threatened species.fraction of the world’s rare & threatened species.

37. More Study NeededMore Study Needed
Ultimately, saving a few individuals does little toUltimately, saving a few individuals does little to
preserve a species as captive species may notpreserve a species as captive species may not
reproduce or survive again in the wild.reproduce or survive again in the wild.
Also, small populations are vulnerable toAlso, small populations are vulnerable to
infectious diseases & genetic disorders causedinfectious diseases & genetic disorders caused
by inbreeding.by inbreeding.
Conservationists hope that these strategies areConservationists hope that these strategies are
a last resort to save species.a last resort to save species.

38. Preserving Habitats & EcosystemsPreserving Habitats & Ecosystems
The most effective way to save species is toThe most effective way to save species is to
protect their habitats.protect their habitats.
Small plots of land for a single population isSmall plots of land for a single population is
usually not enough because a species confinedusually not enough because a species confined
to a small area could be wiped out by a singleto a small area could be wiped out by a single
natural disaster. While other species require anatural disaster. While other species require a
large range to find adequate food.large range to find adequate food.
Therefore, protecting the habitats of endangeredTherefore, protecting the habitats of endangered
and threatened species often means preservingand threatened species often means preserving
or managing large areas.or managing large areas.

39. Conservation StrategiesConservation Strategies
Most conservationists now give priority to protectingMost conservationists now give priority to protecting
entire ecosystems rather than individual species.entire ecosystems rather than individual species.
By doing this, we may be able to save most of theBy doing this, we may be able to save most of the
species in an ecosystem instead of only the ones thatspecies in an ecosystem instead of only the ones that
have been identified as endangered.have been identified as endangered.
The general public has now begun to understand thatThe general public has now begun to understand that
Earth’s biosphere depends on all its connectedEarth’s biosphere depends on all its connected
ecosystems.ecosystems.
While conservationists focus on the hotspots discussedWhile conservationists focus on the hotspots discussed
earlier to protect biodiversity worldwide, they alsoearlier to protect biodiversity worldwide, they also
support additional strategies.support additional strategies.
One strategy is to identify areas of native habitat that canOne strategy is to identify areas of native habitat that can
be preserved, restored, & linked into large networks.be preserved, restored, & linked into large networks.
Another promising strategy is to promote products thatAnother promising strategy is to promote products that
have been harvested with sustainable practices.have been harvested with sustainable practices.

40. More Study NeededMore Study Needed
Conservationists emphasize the urgent need forConservationists emphasize the urgent need for
more serious study of the workings of speciesmore serious study of the workings of species
and ecosystems.and ecosystems.
Only in recent decades has there been researchOnly in recent decades has there been research
into basic questions as, How muchinto basic questions as, How much
fragmentation can a particular ecosystemfragmentation can a particular ecosystem
tolerate?tolerate?
The answers to questions asked now my beThe answers to questions asked now my be
years or decades away, but decisions affectingyears or decades away, but decisions affecting
biodiversity continue to be made based onbiodiversity continue to be made based on
available information.available information.

41. Legal Protection for SpeciesLegal Protection for Species
Many nations have laws and regulationsMany nations have laws and regulations
designed to prevent the extinction ofdesigned to prevent the extinction of
species, and those in the United Statesspecies, and those in the United States
are among the strongest.are among the strongest.
– For example, in 1973, the U.S. Congress passFor example, in 1973, the U.S. Congress pass
the Endangered Species Act.the Endangered Species Act.
TheThe Endangered Species ActEndangered Species Act isis
designed to protect any plant or animaldesigned to protect any plant or animal
species in danger of extinction.species in danger of extinction.

43. Recovery PlansRecovery Plans
Under the fourth main provision of theUnder the fourth main provision of the
Endangered Species Act, the USFWS mustEndangered Species Act, the USFWS must
prepare a species recovery plan for each listedprepare a species recovery plan for each listed
species. These plans often propose to protect orspecies. These plans often propose to protect or
restore habitat for each species.restore habitat for each species.
However, attempts to restrict human uses ofHowever, attempts to restrict human uses of
land can be controversial. Real-estateland can be controversial. Real-estate
developers may be prohibited from building indevelopers may be prohibited from building in
certain areas, and people may lose income andcertain areas, and people may lose income and
may object when their interests are placed belowmay object when their interests are placed below
those of another species.those of another species.

44. Habitat Conservation PlansHabitat Conservation Plans
Battles between environmentalists & developersBattles between environmentalists & developers
are widely publicized, & in most cases,are widely publicized, & in most cases,
compromises are eventually worked out. Onecompromises are eventually worked out. One
form of compromise is a habitat conservationform of compromise is a habitat conservation
plan.plan.
AA habitat conservation planhabitat conservation plan is a land-use planis a land-use plan
that attempts to protect threatened orthat attempts to protect threatened or
endangered species across a given area byendangered species across a given area by
allowing some tradeoffs between harm to theallowing some tradeoffs between harm to the
species & additional conservation commitmentsspecies & additional conservation commitments
among cooperating parties.among cooperating parties.

45. International CooperationInternational Cooperation
At the global level, the International UnionAt the global level, the International Union
for the Conservation of Nature and Naturalfor the Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN) facilitates efforts toResources (IUCN) facilitates efforts to
protect species & habitats.protect species & habitats.
– The IUCN publishes Red Lists of species inThe IUCN publishes Red Lists of species in
danger of extinction around the world, advisesdanger of extinction around the world, advises
governments on ways to manage their naturalgovernments on ways to manage their natural
resources, & works with groups like the Worldresources, & works with groups like the World
Wildlife Fund to sponsor projects such asWildlife Fund to sponsor projects such as
attempting to stop poaching in Uganda.attempting to stop poaching in Uganda.

46. International Trade & PoachingInternational Trade & Poaching
One product of the IUCN has been an internationalOne product of the IUCN has been an international
treaty called CITES (the Convention on Internationaltreaty called CITES (the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species).Trade in Endangered Species).
The CITES treaty was the first effective effort to stop theThe CITES treaty was the first effective effort to stop the
slaughter of African elephants being killed by poachersslaughter of African elephants being killed by poachers
who would then sell the ivory tusks.who would then sell the ivory tusks.
In 1989, the members of CITES proposed a totalIn 1989, the members of CITES proposed a total
worldwide ban on all sales, imports, & exports of ivory,worldwide ban on all sales, imports, & exports of ivory,
hoping to put a stop the problem.hoping to put a stop the problem.
Some people worried that making ivory illegal mightSome people worried that making ivory illegal might
increase the rate of poaching instead of decrease it.increase the rate of poaching instead of decrease it.
They argued that illegal ivory, like illegal drugs, might sellThey argued that illegal ivory, like illegal drugs, might sell
for a higher price.for a higher price.
But after the ban was enacted, the price of ivoryBut after the ban was enacted, the price of ivory
dropped, & elephant poaching declined dramatically.dropped, & elephant poaching declined dramatically.

47. The Biodiversity TreatyThe Biodiversity Treaty
The United Nations Conference on EnvironmentThe United Nations Conference on Environment
& Development (1& Development (1stst
Earth Summit) created theEarth Summit) created the
Biodiversity TreatyBiodiversity Treaty
TheThe Biodiversity TreatyBiodiversity Treaty is an internationalis an international
agreement aimed at strengthening nationalagreement aimed at strengthening national
control & preservation of biological resources.control & preservation of biological resources.
– The goal is to preserve biodiversity & ensure theThe goal is to preserve biodiversity & ensure the
sustainable & fair use of genetic resources in allsustainable & fair use of genetic resources in all
countries.countries.
– It took several years to be adopted into law by ourIt took several years to be adopted into law by our
government.government.
– Some political groups objected to the treaty.Some political groups objected to the treaty.

48. Private Conservation EffortsPrivate Conservation Efforts
Many private organizations work to protectMany private organizations work to protect
species worldwide, often more effectively thanspecies worldwide, often more effectively than
government agencies.government agencies.
For exampleFor example
– The World Wildlife Fund encourages the sustainableThe World Wildlife Fund encourages the sustainable
use of resources & supports wildlife protection.use of resources & supports wildlife protection.
– The Nature Conservancy has helped purchaseThe Nature Conservancy has helped purchase
millions of hectares of habitat preserves in 29millions of hectares of habitat preserves in 29
countries.countries.
– Conservation International helps identify biodiversityConservation International helps identify biodiversity
hotspots.hotspots.
– Greenpeace International organizes directGreenpeace International organizes direct
&sometimes confrontational actions.&sometimes confrontational actions.

49. Balancing Human NeedsBalancing Human Needs
Attempts to protect species often come intoAttempts to protect species often come into
conflict with the interests of the world’s humanconflict with the interests of the world’s human
inhabitants.inhabitants.
An endangered species might represent aAn endangered species might represent a
source of food or income. Or a given speciessource of food or income. Or a given species
may not seem valuable to those who do notmay not seem valuable to those who do not
understand the species’ role in an ecosystem.understand the species’ role in an ecosystem.
Many conservationists feel than an importantMany conservationists feel than an important
part of protecting species is making the value ofpart of protecting species is making the value of
biodiversity understood by more people.biodiversity understood by more people.