Habitat Conservation + Specific Habitats Flashcards
(38 cards)
What is the most important method of conserving wildlife?
In situ conservation
It allows wildlife species to live in their natural habitats with appropriate conditions for survival.
What is the purpose of establishing a protected area or nature reserve?
To prevent damaging influences within the area itself
However, it may not protect against external influences like air pollution.
List three general approaches to habitat conservation.
- Land ownership
- Designated protected areas
- Habitat creation and management
What role do wildlife conservation organizations like RSPB and National Trust play in habitat conservation?
They purchase areas to protect existing species and manage habitats for wildlife benefit.
What does a designated protected area establish?
It establishes legal protection for the habitat.
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)?
A designation to protect the best wildlife and geological sites in the UK.
What are National Nature Reserves (NNRs) established for?
To protect important areas of wildlife habitat and geological formations.
What are Special Protection Areas (SPAs) designed to protect?
Rare, vulnerable, and migratory birds.
What is the aim of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)?
To protect specific habitat types and species identified in the EC Habitats Directive.
What is the Ramsar Convention focused on?
Conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
What is the Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme?
A government agricultural policy that pays for public goods in environmental management.
List three aims of the Environmental Stewardship Scheme.
- Conserve wildlife (biodiversity)
- Maintain landscape quality
- Protect natural resources
What are beetle banks?
Strips of wild grass that provide habitats for predatory beetles.
What is the purpose of river bank buffer strips?
To protect rivers from excess nutrients from leaching
Fill in the blank: Habitat creation can be _______ or _______.
[unintentional] or [intentional]
What are biological corridors used for?
To link isolated habitats and allow species dispersal.
What abiotic factors are important for habitat management?
- Water
- Temperature
- Light levels
- pH
- Mineral nutrients
- Salinity
How does controlling predation benefit wildlife?
By providing safe breeding sites for vulnerable species.
What is the effect of controlling competitor species?
It increases the survival of native species.
What is the impact of removing dominant or introduced predators?
It helps protect native wildlife populations.
What is the role of pollination in flowering plants?
Many flowering plants need insects to pollinate their flowers so they can produce seeds.
Pollinators include bees, hover flies, wasps, and butterflies, attracted by sugar-rich nectar.
What are examples of animal species important for seed dispersal?
- Forest elephants
- Seed-eating birds
- Many varieties of monkeys
These animals help in the dispersal of seeds, aiding plant reproduction.
What is a density-dependent factor in population health?
Disease can maintain the health of the surviving population by removing the weakest individuals.
However, introduced diseases can wipe out indigenous species without resistance.
What is the significance of re-wilding in Yellowstone National Park?
Reintroduction of Gray Wolves has caused ecological changes, including:
* Decline in deer populations
* Increase in tree populations
* Increase in beaver populations
* Expansion of wetland habitats
* Overall increase in biodiversity
This has led to changes in the populations of various species.
