fragility of the fierce usually the least populous trophic level most prone to extinction ...

Fragility of the Fierce

Usually the least populous trophic level

Most prone to extinction

Susceptible to bioaccumulation

Picture source: http://tle.westone.wa.gov.au/content/file/bb27755a-6279-f6c4-46c4-8296295c7417/1/geography_unit_2b.zip/content/cell4_spatial_impact/html/d4_energy_circulation.html

Keystone Effects

Most apex predators promote biodiversity

Dingoes & the red fox in Australia

Dingo picture source: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/dingo/

Fox picture source: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/dingo/

Silent Springs & the Bald

Eagle

Use of DDT & bio accumulation

Public awareness

Extirpation of bald eagles in parts of the U.S.

Accidental tampering with environment

Picture source: http://birdnote.org/show/50th-anniversary-silent-spring

George R. R. Martin &

the Wolf

Author of A Song of Ice and Fire series

Uses of pop-culture to promote conservation

Picture source: https://twitter.com/_grrm_ Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Game_of_Thrones_title_card.jpgPicture copyright owner: Home Box Office Inc./BCKORS, LLC./GROK!, LLC./Generator Entertainment/Suction Productions, Inc.

Big Cats

Lions, hunting, and poaching

Continental decline

Proposals and research for maintaining a population

May not be enough

Picture by Kevin PluckSource: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lion_waiting_in_Namibia.jpg

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Pagel JE, Sharpe PB, Garcelon DK, Little AE, Taylor SK, Faulkner KR, Gorbics CS. 2012. Exposure of bald eagles to lead on the northern channel islands, california. J Raptor Res 46(2):168-76.

Platt, J. June 11, 2014. George R. R. Martin Wants to Kill You to Save Some Wolves. Takepart http://www.takepart.com/article/ 2014/06/11/george-rr-martin-wants-kill-you-save-some-wolves

Sergio F, Newton I, Marchesi L, Sergio F, Newton I, Marchesi L, Sergio F, Newton I, Marchesi L. 2008. FORUM: Top predators and biodiversity: Much debate, few data : Predators and biodiversity: Reply. J Appl Ecol 45(3):992-9.