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How many tigers does the world need?. Human Population Growth. CB 52.22. CB 55.2. Genetic Diversity. Biodiversity - number of species within an area. Ecosystem Diversity. CB 50.19. Ecosystems on Earth.
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Human Population Growth CB 52.22
CB 55.2 Genetic Diversity Biodiversity- number of species within an area Ecosystem Diversity
CB50.19 Ecosystems on Earth
Have we overstated the tropical biodiversity crisis?William F. LauranceTrends in Ecology & EvolutionVol. 22: 65-70 February 2007
Are we on the verge of a massive die-off of tropical species?
Are we on the verge of a massive die-off of tropical species?
This is because rural slash-and-burn farmers cause most forest loss.
The good news? About 21–24% of species in the Asian tropics and 16–35% of species in the African tropics are threatened with possible extinction.
Substantial areas of agricultural land are likely to be abandoned, because the population growth rates of many developing nations are slowing and because of increasing urbanization. This could enable significant forest regeneration, which could help buffer species losses from deforestation.
Human vs Natural Disturbances CB 55.21
Extinction rates are likely to be higher in biodiversity hotspots
CB 55.17 Terrestrial Biodiversity Hotspots
the 16 hotspots that sustain tropical forest have already lost, on average, 90% of their forest cover
Rainforest clear cutting CB 55.15
CB 55.13 Not all habitats are equal
A third to a half of all old-growth species avoid younger (<30-year-old) regrowth.
In many tropical regions, future pressures on forests will be determined more strongly by industrial drivers, globalization and macroeconomic forces than by local population density.
Rural populations are expected to decline, but increased urban population will demand more resources.
The precautionary principle maintains that one should err on the side of caution in conservation matters.
We need to evaluate critically the degree to which regenerating and degraded habitats, which are increasing dramatically at the expense of old-growth forests, can sustain tropical biodiversity
Why are species going extinct? 2% 36% 39% 23%
Nearly Extinct Species:maybe only 100 individuals exist CB 55.3
Attwater Prairie Chicken As population declined, genetic diversity declined CB 55.10
Attwater Prairie Chicken Individuals brought from other populations increased reproduction and population CB 55.10
Why are species going extinct? 2% 36% 39% 23%
Habitat loss and fragmentation has been extensive in the US due to human modification of the environment
Many human tragedies have been a boon for native animal species: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=15362 Science v. 269 pg. 304 7/21/1995
Korean DMZ: Among the species making their homes in the DMZ are endangered Asian cranes, black-faced spoonbills, angora goats, Amur leopards, and even bears. http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=15362
Why are species going extinct? 2% 36% 39% 23%
Invasive species can disrupt an ecosystem by outcompeting native species for resources CB 55.6
Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) • Introduced to Lake Victoria in 1954 to increase fish yield • Caused extinction of 200+ endemic fish species through predation, and competition • Fish caused indirect increased erosion on land, causing higher nutrient levels in the lake.
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) • Introduced as ornamental plant around the world • Now in 50 countries on 5 continents including US • In California it replaced the native pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata) which occupies a similar habitat, leading to a marked decrease in invertebrate communities • Limits water transport, reduces oxygen and light levels in the water
Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) • Spread from its native range in the Baltic Sea via ballast water • Spreads in Europe and North America • Kills native molluscs, changes ecosystems, and damages infrastructure • Estimated annual damage in US $3 billion
The brown tree snake (Boigairregularis) • Its native in Australia and was introduced to Guam accidentally in the 1950’s • Overall responsible for the extinction of 3 out of 4 seabirds; 9 out of 13 forest birds; 3-5 out 12 reptile species on the Island of Guam. • This snake caused the extirpation or serious reduction of most of the island's 25 resident bird species on the main island of Guam.
How Many Invasive Species Are There in Texas? • 67 terrestrial plants • 12 aquatic/wetland plants • 10 mammals • 4 birds • 7 fishes • 11 insects • 11 mollusks and crustaceans
Hydrilla verticillata Aquatic invader covering nearly 100,000 surface acres of water in Texas. Spreads rapidly, in one Texas lake it covered 23 acres in 1999 but over 200 in 2000. Depletes water of oxygen and blocks sunlight killing off many native plants and animal species.
Why are species going extinct? 2% 36% 39% 23%
For Th, 6/26, please bring a laptop if possible. How many tigersdoes the world need?