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methods for maintaining biodiversity (conservation (preservation and…
methods for maintaining biodiversity
conservation
preservation and careful management of the environment and of natural resources
conserving natural habitat - organisms' chances of survival maintained - allow them to reproduce - species and genetic diversity safeguarded
ex situ conservation
out of the natural habitat
in situ conservation
within the natural habitat
sustainable development
economic development that meets the needs of people today, without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their needs
in situ conservation
maintains genetic diversity of species and evolutionary adaptations that enable species to adapt continually to changing environmental conditions e.g. changes in pest populations or climate
endangered species interacting with other species - preserves interdependent relationships present in a habitat - preserves interlinked species
generally cheaper than ex situ conservation
wildlife reserves
controlled grazing
allowing livestock to graze only on a particular area of land for a certain period of time - allow species to recover OR keep controlled number of animals in a habitat to maintain it
restricting human access
e.g. not allowing access to beach during seal reproductive season or providing paths to prevent plants being trampled
controlling poaching
creating defences to prevent access, issuing fines or drastic measures e.g. removing rhino horns
feeding animals
ensures more organisms survive to reproductive age
reintroduction of species
adding species to areas that have become locally extinct or whose numbers have decreased significantly
culling or removal of invasive species
invasive species - organism not native to an area and has negative effects on the economy, environment or health, they compete with native species for resources
halting succession
succession - natural process where early colonising species are replaced over time until a stable mature population is achieved e.g. piece of land turning into woodland over time, which can be prevented by controlled grazing
marine conservation zones
vital in preserving species-rich areas e.g. coral reefs - being devastated by non-sustainable fishing methods
does not prevent fishermen from visiting entire area - creates areas of refuge where populations can build up and repopulate adjacent areas
ex situ conservation
botanic gardens
plant species actively managed - provided with best resources to grow e.g. soil nutrients, sufficient watering and removal of pests
many wild relatives of selectively bred crop species under-represented amongst conserved species - potential source of genes for resistance to diseases, pests and parasites
seed banks
store of genetic material - seeds stored so new plants may be grown in the future
back up against extinction of wild plants
seeds stored for future reintroduction and research, breeding and genetic engineering
don't work for all plants - some seeds die when dried and frozen e.g. most tropical rainforest tree seeds
captive breeding programmes
produce offspring of species in a human-controlled environment
often run and managed by zoos and aquatic centres
several species solely represented by animals in captivity
aim to create stable, healthy population of a species then gradually introduce the species back into its natural habitat
provide animals with shelter, abundant supply of nutritious food, absence of predators and veterinary treatment
suitable breeding partners imported from other zoos if not available within the zoo
hard to maintain genetic biodiversity
only small number of breeding partners available - inbreeding problems can occur
overcome by maintaining an international catalogue - detailing genealogical data on individuals
mating arranged to ensure genetic diversity is maximised
e.g. artificial insemination, embryo transfer, long-term cryogenic storage of embryos
allows new genetic lines to be introduced without transporting adults to new locations
some organisms born in captivity not suitable for release into the wild
diseases
loss of resistance to local diseases in captive-bred populations
new diseases may exist in the wild which captive animals may not have developed resistance to
behaviour
much behaviour has to be learned through copying or experience
e.g. food is hidden in cages so animals learn to look for it
genetic races
genetic make-up of captive animals can be so different from original population that the two cannot interbreed
habitat
natural habitat must first be restored to allow captive populations to be reintroduced
small suitable habitats may support maximum number of individuals already - introducing new individuals can lead to stress and tension as organisms fight for limited territory and food
conservation agreements
International Union for the Conservation of Nature
publishes red list once a year - shows current conservation status of threatened animals
countries work together to conserve these species
assist in securing agreements between nations
involved in establishment of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
regulates international trade of wild plant and animal specimens and their products
trade of wild animals and plants crosses borders between countries - requires international cooperation to regulate it
countryside stewardship scheme
offered governmental payments to farmers and other land managers to enhance and conserve the English landscape
make conservation a part of normal farming and land management process
sustain beauty and diversity of landscape
restore neglected land and conserve archaeological and historic features
improve opportunities for countryside enjoyment
improve, extend and create wildlife habitats
The Rio Convention
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) - requires countries to develop national strategies for sustainable development to ensure maintainance of biodiversity
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) - agreement between nations to take steps to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations within the atmosphere
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) - aims to prevent transformation of fertile land into desert and reduce effects of drought through programmes of international cooperation