Conservation Biology What is it and why What

Conservation Biology

What is it and why? �What is your opinion? �What is the value of biodiversity

Conservation Biology �“In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we only understand what we are taught” �Baba Dioum

Why? ? ? �Today’s extinctions have a human face • Human beings: With the unique and defining characteristics of claim reason and moral sense is the species that is creating more devastation

Conservation Biology the big problem… But… is just overpopulation?

Conservation Biology the big problem… � Hectares needed to support current lifestyle

Why? ? �Disruption by deforestation and land clearing, affect hydrological cycles. �The climate has been change by atmospheric pollution and deforestation. �Main threat: Habitat destruction: - Cutting old-growth forest - Overuse of grasslands for pasture - Draining wetlands - Pollution of waters

Why? ? ? �Other threats: - Climate change - Invasive species - Use of modern technology to overharvest animals and plants for local and international markets. - Unregulated dumping of chemicals and sewage in aquatic habitats. - Air pollution that turns rain water in an acid solution.

Conservation Biology �Common Aspects of Conservation Biology �A discipline responding to an immense crisis ◦ By definition, information is frequently incomplete and sometimes missing ◦ Typically is politically and economically charged ◦ Asked to provide quick, clear, unambiguous and scientifically defensible listic? a re s i h t Is

Why? ? ? �We are dependent on the natural environment for raw material, food, medicines and water. �Poorest people are the ones who will experience the hardship from damaged environments.

• From the deadly poisonous bark of various curare lianas, used by generations of indigenous peoples in Latin America, has been isolated the alkaloid dturbocuarine, which is used to treat such diseases as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and other muscular disorders. It also permits tonsillectomies, eye, abdominal and other kinds of surgery due to its anesthetic qualities.

� • Quinine, an aid in the cure of malaria, is an alkaloid extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree found in Latin America and Africa

� • Without wild yams from Mexico and Guatemala, society would be without diosgenin and cortisone, the active ingredients in birth control pills. Until recently this plant provided the world with its entire supply of diosgenin.

Conservation Biology �There is hope? ? ? �Some people feel discouraged �But is necessary to find the way to stop destruction �Conservation biology is a new, integraded science that has developed in response to the challenge.

Goals of Conservation Biology Document the full range of biological diversity on Earth 2. Investigate human impact on species, communities and ecosystems 3. Develop practical approaches to prevent the extinction of species, maintain genetic variation and protect and restore biological communities, 1.

There is hope…. �The rate of human population growth has slowed (education) �The number of protected areas around the globe continues to increase. �Some endangered species are now recovering as a result of conservation measures. �The consumption patterns are changing… REALLY? ? ?

Conservation biology �Complement other disciplines: - Agriculture WHAT - forestry ELSE? -Wildlife management - Fisheries biology �Provides a more general theoretical approach to the protection of diversity. �Primary goal: Long term preservation of entire biological communities. �Economic factor is secondary.

Gene tics Biology Ecolo gy Taxono my Law n policy Educa tion Econo my Ethics Conservation Biology Social Sciens e

Conservation biology �Address specific issues with solutions that can be applied in actual field situations �Examples - Protecting rare species - Designing natural reserves - Reconciling conservation concerns with the needs of local people.

Ethical principles 1. The diversity of species and biological communities should be preserved: Most people agree with this. Humans like biological diversity (biophilia). Extintion of populations and species should be prevented.

Ethical principles 2. Ecological complexity should be maintained

Ethical principles 3. Evolution should continue: Evolutionary adaptation is the process that eventually leads to new species and increased biological diversity. Humans limit evolution: Eliminations of unique high level populations.

Ethical principles 4. Biological diversity has intrinsic value: Despite the economic, scientific and aesthetic value to human society, species posses a value of their own. This value is conferred by evolutionary history, unique ecological role, their existence.

Growing field �Conservation biology has resulted in government action (nationally and internationally). �Programs and activities are being funded as never before �Conservation biology goals have been adopted by traditional conservation organizations.

Growing field �Conservation biology goals are being incorporated into international scientific activity and policy. �Conservation biology’s aims and goals are reaching a broader audience (media coverage) �Conservation biology courses and curricula are expanding in academia. Graduate programs are generating new projects.

Growing field �The society for conservation biology with 10 000 professional members. �http: //www. conbio. org/

Class Assignment 1. Find a paper or news from your area that you consider as a conservation effort You have to argue why it is important for the area or the country or the planet. 2. What are the major environmental problems facing your local community ? 3. What do you do as an effort for conservation? What you can improve. 1.