Conservation Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is the IUCN red list?
The international union for conservation of nature - catergorises species based on extinction risk
What are the catergories in the IUCN red list?
- Extinct
- Extinct in the wild
- Critically endangered
- Endangered
- Vulnerable
- Near threatened
- Least concern
- Data deficient
What are the catergories in the IUCN red list?
- Extinct
- Extinct in the wild
- Critically endangered
- Endangered
- Vulnerable
- Near threatened
- Least concern
- Data deficient
2014 - IUCN red list
BEARDED VULTURE
- Least concern to near threatened
- Declining due to poisoning, competition for food + powerlines
2013 - IUCN red list
OKAPI
- Near threatened to endangered
- Population decline due to hunting, habitat loss + military conflict
2015 IUCN red list
IBERIAN LYNX
- Critically endangered to endangered
- Population trebled in 15yrs due to captive breeding programme + protection of two areas of suitable habitats
2016 IUCN red list
PLAINS ZEBRA
- Least concern to near threatened
- Declining population due to habitat loss
6 criteria’s used by IUCN to select species for catergorisation
- Species in habitats under particular threat
- Evolutionarily unique species
- Endemic species
- Keystone species
- Flagship species
- Degree of population dispersal
What is an EDGE species?
- Evoloutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered
- They have few closely related species
- Often only remaining member of their genus
Example of EDGE species
- Pygmy hippo
What is an endemic species?
- Species not found in any other area
Example of endemic species
Galapagos Giant Tortoise
What is a keystone species?
- A species with an important role in maintaining the ecological structure of a community
Example of keystone species
African forest elephant - keep path for forest open, seed dispersal, provide water holes, minerals, nutrients + habitats
What did the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) put in place?
- Designated protected areas
- Protection of wild birds and their habitats
- Protection of mammal species
- Made it illegal to uproot plants
- Bats may not be disturbed/poisoned
What is CITES?
The convention on international trade of endangered species.
What does CITES do?
- It is an international agreement that bands or regulates the trade of wildlife species and their products.
- Selected protected species are grouped into appendices
What is Appendix I of CITES?
Species which are threatened with extinction, all international trade is banned except for movement for conservation breeding programmes.
—> all great apes, big cats, rhinos and the blue whale.
What is appendix II of CITES?
- Species which are threatened with extinction if trade is not controlled
- Trade is permitted from some countries where the species is relatively well protected
—> great white sharks, basking shark and venus fly trap
What is the IWC?
International whaling commison
What have the IWC put in place?
- Commercial ban of whaling in 1986
- Conserve whale population
- Whaling is still able to occur
What method have been used by IWC to conserve whale population?
- Designation of sanctuaries
- Setting quotas
- Protection of mothers + calves
Under what conditions can whaling still occur?
- Aboriginal subsistence
- Special permit required
- Commercial whaling in Norway and Iceland
What is the ITTO
International Tropical Timber Organisation
