Preventing Loss of Biodiversity in Ecoregions of Georgia
Preventing Loss of Biodiversity in Eco-regions of Georgia Matthew Marsh Terry College of Business November 26 th, 2018 Warnell Building # 1, Room # 306
Background Information • The biomes of the Southeast and coastal regions should be areas of focus due to their unique sensitivity. The importance of biodiversity in general, however, should also not be ignored; the most impactful effects of biodiversity loss include ecosystems/organisms becoming less resilient and potential unforeseen side effects. • The Carolina bay, coastal plain, and river scour ecosystems of Georgia—among others—face increased vulnerability due to increased human activity and fragmentation. • Vulnerability depends heavily on a species or ecosystem's ability to respond to disruptors such as climate change or human development and adapt to those changes.
Literature Review Ø The United States Geological Survey assessed 12 of the unique ecosystems in the Southeastern U. S. and found that five of the ecosystems displayed high vulnerability and were in high need of conservation and protection. Ø In a synthesis of research in support of biodiversity protection, empirical investigations were done to gauge the impact of climate change and human activities on insular ecosystems in the Southeast. Long-term management of these ecosystems should be prioritized to sustain biodiversity.
Research Objectives 1. Highlight and assess regions of sensitivity and vulnerability in Georgia and the Southeast. 2. Interpret data to explain and quantify losses of biodiversity. 3. Target Georgian zones of conservation as well as areas with high species richness. 4. Consider alternatives for mitigating biodiversity loss in the near and long-term future.
Methods/Data Sources • U. S. Geological Surveys Open-File Report • U. S. Geological Survey Professional Paper • American Midland Naturalist • Southeastern Naturalist • Methods Used • Vulnerability assessment conducted on eco-regions • Significant variables involved in biodiversity maintenance identified • Synthesized sources to note conservation strategies used to support the resilience of unique Georgian/Southern ecosystems
Results (1 of 3) • Climate-Sensitive Ecosystems and Organisms • The Southern Cypress Dome eco-region makes up much of Georgian land; The US Geological Survey has identified the following threats: sea level rise, more frequent hurricanes, and human activities. • Riverscour ecosystems in much of the Southeast have been stressed by recreational and construction activities that generate sediment. Urban development and resulting runoff threaten the habitats of a variety of flora/fauna. • To illustrate, results of species observation related to the Southern Dusky Salamanders have supported the notion that the salamanders have gone from historically "common" to statistically uncommon.
Results (2 of 3) • Species Richness • Amphibian Distributions taken from the three seasonal wetland types in Georgia—Marsh, Cypress Savanna, and Cypress/Gum-yielded 25 amphibian species; this is comparable with some of the most biodiverse wetland habitats in the nation. • Documented species richness in the Pine Mountain/Fall Line sandhills of Georgia point to herpetofaunal richness approaching levels comparable to the tropics. • Thus, the Pine Mountain/Fall Line region has been emphasized as one of the most important areas for conservation in North America.
Results (3 of 3) • Conservation Strategies and Mitigation Efforts • In insular ecosystems such as the riverscours, urban development interferes with natural patterns of sediment accumulation/removal. Protection of these lands is vital and can be paired with monitoring. • The National Park Service's protection of lands such as in the Great Smoky Mountains has maintained very high levels of species richness; Researchers call for increased protection of Fall Line Sandhills land. • Unique analysis on climate-sensitive ecosystems in and around Georgia demonstrates the need for more research on the potential impacts of climate change in the regions.
Discussions • How much potential do non-climate threats have to disrupt ecosystems? • What are policies that can be pursued to protect sensitive ecosystems and species? • What are conservation efforts that can be pursued to maintain the biodiversity of the unique eco-regions noted?
- Slides: 9