managing environmentally sensitive ecosystems (EXAMPLES) Flashcards
what kind of climate is the Terai Arc, where is it located
forest + grassland
on boarder of Nepal and India
what is the conflict in the Terai Arc
areas of forest are bing destroyed to make space for housing and agriculture. Forest is a source of firewood so deforestation is destroying habitats
this brings animals and humans into closer contact and increases the likelihood of animals being shot and killed by farmers.
plant species are limited due to soil erosion and over grazing
How can the conflict in Terai Arc be managed
WWF works with the local people to help balence recource demands and conserving the land. For example they provided locals with solar cookers and biogas generators so they dont need to use wood as fuel
encouraged farmers to plant mint hedges around crops to naturally keep animals away.
community forestry initiatives gave people the right to use the materials but held them to the responsibility of maintain biodiversity by attracting ecotourism. for example wildlife reserves creates opportunities for tourism and guides
where is the Maasai Mara found, what kind of climate is it
found in kenya, large area of grassland that is important for migration of wildebeast and zebras.
what is the conflict in the Maasai Mara
people make their living through agriculture and raising livestock this results in overgrazing and soil erosion which depletes grassland and plant species.
humans directly disrupted migration patterns by building roads and converting land to agricultural space
how has the conflcit in the Maasai Mara been managed
Trusts have helped locals make money from their land through ecotourism and conservation projects rather than farming. + taught how to farm in a sustainable way
farmers were allowed to rear livestock at certain times of the year, then had to move livestock off land to allow wildebeest to migrate across.
Where are peat bogs found, what kind of species are found there, why are peat bogs important
peat bogs found in the UK and are home to many moss species. They are natural carbon sinks, they store tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere. They take a very long time to form
what is the conflict between humans and peat bogs
farmers used peat bogs to rear sheep and deer which graze. + Peat bogs were harvested to use as compost or fuel. Releases lots of Carbon into the atmosphere. results in soil erosion.
how has the conflict with peat bogs been managed
environmental stewardship scheme gave. farmers money to use peat bogs in a sustainable way. Eg. to take measures to reduce water runoff and lower the amount of livestock that use the peat bogs + remove livestock over winter to allow them to recover.
peat harvesting is banned
where are the galapagos islands found, what kind of climate is it
found in ecuador home to many marine and costal ecosystems. used to be rich in biodiversity.
what is the conflict in the galapagos islands
sailors and explorers directly affected populations by eating them. for example the giant tortoise
introduced non native species for example dogs ate young giant tortoises
introduced non native plants for example quinine trees are taller than native plants and so blocked light
fishing decreased numbers
increased tourism led to increased development and habitat destruction.
how has the conflict in the galapagos islands been managed
eradication programmes have removed wild dogs and non native plants (quinine trees using herbicides)
marine protected area has been established around the island meaning fishing is controlled and limited.
tourists are expected to follow strict rules for example not bringing plants and animals over
what kind of ecosystem is antarctica
marine and desert teresterial ecosystem
what is the conflict in antartica
hunting - blue whale has become critically endangered and seals
pollution - humans have dumped sewage into the sea and left litter
oil spillages from boats
how has the conflict in antartica been managed
now internationally protected by the antartic treaty and treated as a nature reserve.
commercial whaling is now banned
to reduce pollution all waste except food and sewage must be taken elsewhere for disposal
sewage must now be treated
ships that use thick oil are banned in area and tourist restrictions have been placed.
