Methods of maintaining biodiversity Flashcards
Define conservation:
preservation + careful management of environment + natural resources.
Chances of survival maintained â> can reproduce
.: species + genetic diversity safeguarded
What is the difference between in situ + ex situ conservation?
In situ â> within natural habitat
Ex situ â> out of the natural habitat
Define different types of levels an animal at risk can be:
- Extinct = no organisms of species exist globally
- Extinct in wild = organisms of species only exist in captivity
- Endangered = species in danger of extinction
- Vulnerable = species more likely to become endangered in future
Define sustainable development:
Economic development that meets needs of people today, without limiting ability of future generations to meet their needs.
How does in situ conservation occurs?
In natural habitat.
Maintains genetic diveristy of species + evolutionary adaptations
Preserves independent relationships .: interlinked species also preserved
generally cheaper than ex situ
Marine (saltwater) aquatic (fresh water) â> areas with conservation of wildlife
What are the 2 types of in situ conservation?
- Wildlife reserves
- Marine conservation zone
How are wildlife reserves actively managed?
- Controlled grazing â> only allow livestock to graze in particular area
- Restricting human access
- Control poaching
- Feeding animals
- Reintroduction of species
- Removal of invasive species
- Halting succession
What are marine conservation zones?
- Less established than terrestrial ones.
- Vital for preserving species-rich areas like coral reefs.
- Create areas of refuge in populations â> repopulate adjacent areas.
How does ex situ conservation occurs?
Involves removal of organisms from natural habitat.
Waht are 3 types of ex situ conservation?
Botanic gardens:
species actively managed to provide them with best resources to grow (provision of soil nutrients)
Seed banks:
store of genetic material â> dried + stored in temps (20C) to maintain viability â> slow down rate at which they lose ability to germinate.
Provide backup against extinction of plants (except rainforest)
Captive breeding programmes:
Produce offspring in human-controlled environment. Zoos + aqautic centres.
â> aim to creare stable, healthy pop of species
Why are captive breeding programmes good?
Animal = shelter, nutritous food, absence of predators, vet treatment.
Suitable breeding partners imported from other zoos.
Why is it hard to maintain genetic diversity within captive breeding programme?
Only small number of breeding partners are available
How can this issue be overcome?
International catalogue maintained
.: Mating arranged to ensure genetic diversity = maximised
Artificial insemination + embryo transfer = new genetic lines introduced.
Why are some organisms born in captivity not suited to be released into the wild?
Disease = new disease in wild = not developed resistance
Behaviour = lots of behviour learned through copying/experience â> captive = domesticated (think about monkey)
Genetic races = geentoc makeup of captive animals = different from OG pop = no breeding
Habitat = natural habitat first be restoredd to allow captive pop to be reintroduced.
â> introduction to new animals = stress
What are conservation agreements?
To conserve biodiveristy, cooperation required to ensure habitats + individual species are preserved.
What was the rio convention?
1992
172 nations â> earth summit
Scheme to enforce strategies to conserve, protect + enhance biodiversity
What did the countryside stewardship scheme (CSS) aim to fix?
farmers + other land managers receive money to enhance + conserve English landscape.
preserve beauty + biodiversity of wildlife habitats
Improve environment
What is CITES?
Convention on international trade in endangered species
Signed by over 150 countries
Ensures trade of wild animals/plants not threaten survival of species
e.g: elephants + ivory tusks
Issues with CITES
Trade of a certain endangered species becomes illegal = price increases
Increased economic value of the species = incentive for people to break the law
