Sustaining Biodiversity: Sustaining Biodiversity: The Species ApproachThe Species Approach

Chapter 9Chapter 9

J. Stewart- PresenterJ. Stewart- Presenter

The Passenger Pigeon: Gone The Passenger Pigeon: Gone ForeverForever

Once most common bird in N. Once most common bird in N. AmericaAmerica--

Extinct in 1914Extinct in 1914

Humans were responsibleHumans were responsible(huge flocks, narrow colonies = easy to (huge flocks, narrow colonies = easy to kill- stool pigeons)kill- stool pigeons)

Why they were huntedWhy they were hunted(food, feathers, fertilizer)(food, feathers, fertilizer)

ExtinctionExtinction

Types of Species ExtinctionTypes of Species Extinction

Local extinction- Local extinction- like it soundslike it sounds

Ecological extinction - Ecological extinction - too few to play ecological roletoo few to play ecological role

Biological extinction - Biological extinction - all gone everywhereall gone everywhere

Fig. 9-2, p. 185

Passenger pigeon

Great auk Dodo Dusky seaside sparrow

Aepyornis(Madagascar)

Some Prematurely Extinct SpeciesSome Prematurely Extinct Species

No one knows how many have gone extinct due to human activities.99% of all species that ever lived have gone extinct—5 major mass extinctions in geological time. Is this the 6th?

Endangered and Endangered and Threatened Threatened

SpeciesSpecies

Endangered speciesEndangered species could soon become extinct could soon become extinct over some or all of its range over some or all of its range (about1200 in US)(about1200 in US)

Threatened speciesThreatened species still abundant, but likely to still abundant, but likely to become endangered (about become endangered (about 300 listed in US)300 listed in US)

Fig. 9-3a-b, p. 186

Fig. 9-3c, p. 187

Florida manatee

Northern spotted owl (threatened)

Gray wolf Florida panther Bannerman's turaco (Africa)

Devil's hole pupfish

Snow leopard(Central Asia)

Black-footed ferret

Symphonia(Madagascar)

Utah prairie dog(threatened)

Ghost bat (Australia)

California condor Black lace cactus Black rhinoceros(Africa)

Oahu tree snail

More Endangered and Threatened SpeciesMore Endangered and Threatened Species

Characteristic Examples

Low reproductive rate(K-strategist)

Specialized niche

Narrow distribution

Feeds at high trophic level

Fixed migratory patterns

Rare

Commercially valuable

Large territories

Blue whale, giant panda,rhinoceros

Blue whale, giant panda,Everglades kite

Many island species,elephant seal, desert pupfish

Bengal tiger, bald eagle,grizzly bear

Blue whale, whooping crane,sea turtles

Many island species,African violet, some orchids

Snow leopard, tiger, elephant, rhinoceros, rare plants and birds

California condor, grizzly bear, Florida panther

Characteristics of Extinction-Prone SpeciesCharacteristics of Extinction-Prone Species

“The first animal species to go are the big, the slow, the tasty and those with valuable parts such as tusks and skins.”

E.O.Wilson

Fig. 9-5, p. 188

Fish

Mammals

Reptiles

Plants

Birds

34% (51% offreshwater species)

24%

20%

14%

12%

Percentages of Various Types of Organisms Percentages of Various Types of Organisms Threatened with Extinction by Human ActivitiesThreatened with Extinction by Human Activities

Problems Estimating Problems Estimating Extinction RatesExtinction Rates

Extinction not easily documented over timeExtinction not easily documented over time

Many species remain unidentifiedMany species remain unidentified

Little is known about most identified speciesLittle is known about most identified species

Estimating Extinction RatesEstimating Extinction Rates Estimates from records and fossilsEstimates from records and fossils

Species-area relationshipSpecies-area relationship: on average, a 90% habitat loss : on average, a 90% habitat loss causes the extinction of 50% of the species living in that causes the extinction of 50% of the species living in that habitathabitat

Models to estimate risks of extinction for a particular Models to estimate risks of extinction for a particular speciesspecies

Estimates of extinction rates can vary depending on Estimates of extinction rates can vary depending on available data and what assumptions are usedavailable data and what assumptions are used

Human Impacts on Extinction Human Impacts on Extinction RatesRates

Humans have greatly accelerated extinction rates Humans have greatly accelerated extinction rates (1,000 - (1,000 - 10,000x) remember 10,000x) remember CHIPPO !CHIPPO ! Conservative estimates of 0.1% to Conservative estimates of 0.1% to 1% per year. (There are around 8.7 million species + bacteria. 1% per year. (There are around 8.7 million species + bacteria. “Normal” extinction rate is 1 species per million per year).“Normal” extinction rate is 1 species per million per year).

Extinction rates higher in biodiversity Extinction rates higher in biodiversity ““hot spotshot spots””

Speciation crisis Speciation crisis (humans limiting long-term recovery of biodiversity via (humans limiting long-term recovery of biodiversity via impacts on ecosystems, colonization sites for emergence of new species)impacts on ecosystems, colonization sites for emergence of new species)

Inadequate estimations of extinction ratesInadequate estimations of extinction rates

Precautionary principal– “look before you leap”Precautionary principal– “look before you leap”

Concentration of rare species

Low Moderate High

Top Six Hot Spots1 Hawaii2 San Francisco Bay area3 Southern Appalachians4 Death Valley5 Southern California6 Florida Panhandle

4

5

2

6

3

1

Fig. 9-17, p. 199

Biodiversity Hot Spots in the USBiodiversity Hot Spots in the US

Importance of Wild SpeciesImportance of Wild Species May take nature 5 million years to replace the species May take nature 5 million years to replace the species

that may be lost in the 21st centurythat may be lost in the 21st century

Instrumental value/ Ecological servicesInstrumental value/ Ecological services-food, fuel, lumber, -food, fuel, lumber, paper, medicinepaper, medicine

Genetic information- Genetic information- better ability to adapt to changing enviro. conditionsbetter ability to adapt to changing enviro. conditions

Recreational pleasure and ecotourismRecreational pleasure and ecotourism- - lion living in Kenya generates > $.5 million over 7 years lion living in Kenya generates > $.5 million over 7 years elephant worth about $1 million over 60 yrselephant worth about $1 million over 60 yrs

Intrinsic or existence valueIntrinsic or existence value - Do species have an inherent right to - Do species have an inherent right to exist?exist?

Even small organisms can be important—Even small organisms can be important—EVERYTHING IS INTERCONNECTEDEVERYTHING IS INTERCONNECTED

Global Environment Outlook - CNN Video

Fig. 9-6, p. 189

NatureNature’’s Pharmacys Pharmacy

9 of 10 leading Rx drugs originated from wild species< 1% of flowering plants in tropical forests studied for medicinal properties

Found in Oceans too! Deep Sea Chemicals - PBS Link Feb. 6, 2005

Causes of Premature ExtinctionCauses of Premature Extinction ““CHIPPOCHIPPO””

CClimate Changelimate Change

HHabitat destruction and fragmentationabitat destruction and fragmentation

IInvasive (alien) speciesnvasive (alien) species

PPopulation growth (humans)opulation growth (humans)

PPollutionollution

OOverharvestingverharvesting

Extinction Threats from Habitat Extinction Threats from Habitat Loss and DegradationLoss and Degradation

Importance of habitatsImportance of habitats

Deforestation- Deforestation- particularly tropical forestsparticularly tropical forests

Destruction of wetlands and coral reefsDestruction of wetlands and coral reefs

Endemic speciesEndemic species- found nowhere else on earth- found nowhere else on earth

““Habitat islandsHabitat islands””- - surrounded by different habitat surrounded by different habitat (national parks, lakes,(national parks, lakes, mt. tops) mt. tops)

Habitat fragmentationHabitat fragmentation - - continuous area divided into small, scattered patchescontinuous area divided into small, scattered patches

““MessageMessage”” from the birds from the birds - - 70% are declining, 1/6 threatened with extinction 70% are declining, 1/6 threatened with extinction Birds are indicator speciesBirds are indicator species

Florida scrub jay

Sprague’s pipit Bichnell’s thrush Blacked-capped vireo Golden-cheekedwarbler

Cerulean warbler

California gnatcatcher Kirtland’s warbler Henslow’s sparrow Bachman’s warbler

Fig. 9-10, p. 192

Threatened Species of U.S. SongbirdsThreatened Species of U.S. Songbirds

70% of world’s bird species are declining in numbers

Fig. 9-8d, p. 191

Asian or Indian ElephantReduced RangesReduced Ranges

Former range

Range today(34,000–54,000 left)

Indian Tiger

Range 100 years ago

Range today(about 2,300 left)

Introduced SpeciesIntroduced Species• Some introduced species beneficial: corn, wheat, rice, cattle, poultry are critical to U.S. food supply

• Many introduced species lack natural predators, competitors, parasites, or pathogens that help control numbers in original habitats

• Invasive species: Outcompete native species, trigger ecological problems, human health problems, economic loss

Purple looselife European starling African honeybee(“Killer bee”)

Nutria Salt cedar(Tamarisk)

Marine toad Water hyacinth Japanese beetle Hydrilla European wild boar(Feral pig)

Fig. 9-11a, p. 193

Deliberately Introduced SpeciesDeliberately Introduced Species

Sea lamprey(attached to lake trout)

Argentina fire ant Eurasian muffleBrown tree snake Common pigeon(Rock dove)

Formosan termite Zebra mussel Asian long-hornedbeetle

Asian tiger mosquito Gypsy moth larvae

Fig. 9-11b, p. 193

Accidentally Introduced SpeciesAccidentally Introduced Species

KudzuKudzu

Fig. 9-12, p. 194

“The vine that ate the south” - grows up to a foot a day- engulfs everything in path, contributes to smog (emits NO): But, controls erosion edible, fiber for paper, medicinal (reduces desire for alcohol)

Fire Ant InvasionFire Ant Invasion

• Can wipe out 90% native ant population

• 2009 parasitic fly discovered as control: lay eggs in ant, maggots eat away ant brain causing their heads to fall off

Reducing Threats from Nonnative SpeciesReducing Threats from Nonnative Species Cost U.S. Taxpayers $137 billion /yrCost U.S. Taxpayers $137 billion /yr

Threaten 1/2 critical species in US (95% in Hawaii)Threaten 1/2 critical species in US (95% in Hawaii)

Prevention is bestPrevention is best

Identify the characteristics of nonnative speciesIdentify the characteristics of nonnative species

Identify vulnerable ecosystemsIdentify vulnerable ecosystems

Thoroughly inspect importsThoroughly inspect imports

Establish appropriate international lawsEstablish appropriate international laws

Discharge of ballast waters from ships Discharge of ballast waters from ships

Fig. 9-14, p. 195

Characteristics ofSuccessful

Invader Species

• High reproductive rate, short generation time (r-selected species)

• Pioneer species

• Long lived

• High dispersal rate

• Release growth- inhibiting chemicals into soil

• Generalists

• High genetic variability

Characteristics ofEcosystems Vulnerable

to Invader Species

• Similar climate to habitat of invader

• Absence of predators on invading species

• Early successional systems

• Low diversity of native species

• Absence of fire

• Disturbed by human activities

Characteristics of Successful Invader Characteristics of Successful Invader Species and Vulnerable EcosystemsSpecies and Vulnerable Ecosystems

Extinction Threats from PoachingExtinction Threats from Poaching

Profits of poachingProfits of poachingMt. gorilla = $150K; panda pelt = $100K; chimp = $50K; rhino horn = $28k /KgMt. gorilla = $150K; panda pelt = $100K; chimp = $50K; rhino horn = $28k /Kg(most live animals die in transit)(most live animals die in transit)

Causes of poaching: food, fur, pets, traditional medicines, Causes of poaching: food, fur, pets, traditional medicines, trophies, eliminating pests, etc.trophies, eliminating pests, etc.

BushmeatBushmeat

Illegal pets and decorative plantsIllegal pets and decorative plantsorchids can fetch up to $5K; saguaro cactus $15Korchids can fetch up to $5K; saguaro cactus $15K> 60 bird species are endangered or threatened due to wild bird trade> 60 bird species are endangered or threatened due to wild bird tradekeeping a bird indoors for more than 10 yrs doubles chances of getting lung cancerkeeping a bird indoors for more than 10 yrs doubles chances of getting lung cancerIrony of collecting exoticsIrony of collecting exotics

Attempts to control poachingAttempts to control poaching

Extinction Threats from Climate Extinction Threats from Climate Change and PollutionChange and Pollution

Climate change could contribute to extinction of 25-50% of Climate change could contribute to extinction of 25-50% of all land animals and plants by end of centuryall land animals and plants by end of century

Pesticide threats- Pesticide threats- decline in honeybees, birds & fishdecline in honeybees, birds & fish

DDTDDT = popular pesticide in 1950 = popular pesticide in 1950’’s & 60s s & 60s biomagnificationbiomagnification (bioaccumulation) (bioaccumulation) impacts predatory birds (osprey, pelicans, bald eagles, impacts predatory birds (osprey, pelicans, bald eagles, falcons, hawks) by making egg shells fragilefalcons, hawks) by making egg shells fragile

Where Have All the Honeybees Gone?Where Have All the Honeybees Gone?• Almost 1/3 of U.S. food supply comes from insect pollinated plants- honeybees responsible for 80% of food pollination

• Honeybee populations are in serious decline: In 2010 34% of all commercial bees in U.S. were lost

•Possible Culprits:pesticide exposure, virus, mites, fungal infection, poor nutrition (due to loss of forage plants), microwave radiation from cell phones & cell towers, invasion by killer bees,

•Pear orchards in China are now largely pollinated by hand $$$$

Fig. 9-16, p. 197

DDT in fish-eatingbirds (ospreys)

25 ppm

DDT in largefish (needle fish)2 ppm

DDT in smallfish (minnows)0.5 ppm

DDT in water0.000003 ppm,or 3 ppt

DDT inzooplankton0.04 ppm

BiomagnificationBiomagnification of DDT of DDT

Fat soluble chemicals increase in concentration at higher levels of food web

Note: Bioaccumulation = accumulation of these toxins in higher trophic-level organisms

Protecting Wild Species Protecting Wild Species International TreatiesInternational Treaties

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)Species (CITES)• • in force 1975: in force 1975: signed by 175 countries- lists 900 endangered signed by 175 countries- lists 900 endangered species that cannot be commercially tradedspecies that cannot be commercially traded• restricts international trade of 29,000 threatened species• restricts international trade of 29,000 threatened species• limited impact due to spotty enforcement, ability for countries to • limited impact due to spotty enforcement, ability for countries to except themselvesexcept themselves

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1993Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1993• • legally binds governments to reverse decline of biodiversitylegally binds governments to reverse decline of biodiversity• ratified by 191 countries (not USA)- No severe penalties• ratified by 191 countries (not USA)- No severe penalties

Protecting Wild Species - U.S. Federal LawsProtecting Wild Species - U.S. Federal LawsImportant on APES ExamImportant on APES Exam

Lacey Act (1900)Lacey Act (1900) - - prohibits transporting live or dead wild animals or parts across prohibits transporting live or dead wild animals or parts across state borders w/out federal permit.state borders w/out federal permit.

Endangered Species Act (ESA- 1973)- Endangered Species Act (ESA- 1973)- one of worldone of world’’s toughest & controversial enviro lawss toughest & controversial enviro laws

• goal is to identify & protect endangered species in USA & abroad• goal is to identify & protect endangered species in USA & abroad• NMFS / USFWS responsible for identifying and listing endangered & threatened species• NMFS / USFWS responsible for identifying and listing endangered & threatened species• illegal for Americans to buy any product made from protected species - • illegal for Americans to buy any product made from protected species - • species cannot be killed, collected or injured in US• species cannot be killed, collected or injured in US• $100k fines and 1 year prison terms for offenses• $100k fines and 1 year prison terms for offenses• protection extended to threatened & endangered foreign species• protection extended to threatened & endangered foreign species• In 2011 there were1,371 protected species (many critical species not yet listed) Up to date list: • In 2011 there were1,371 protected species (many critical species not yet listed) Up to date list: http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/pub/boxScore.jsp/pub/boxScore.jsp

Establishing critical habitats- Establishing critical habitats- ESA requries protection of critical habitat for recovery of listed species. ESA requries protection of critical habitat for recovery of listed species. Due to lack of funds, only 33% of listed species have critical habitat establishedDue to lack of funds, only 33% of listed species have critical habitat establishedSince 2001, gov has stopped listing new species & designating critical habitats unless mandated by court orderSince 2001, gov has stopped listing new species & designating critical habitats unless mandated by court order

Endangered Species Act Endangered Species Act (continued)(continued)

Habitat conservation plans- Habitat conservation plans- • • 1982 amendment to ESA allows landowners, developers or loggers to destroy 1982 amendment to ESA allows landowners, developers or loggers to destroy critical habitat if they take steps to protect members of species (set asides, paying critical habitat if they take steps to protect members of species (set asides, paying to relocate, or buying suitable habitat elsewhereto relocate, or buying suitable habitat elsewhere• criticized as loophole - many plans approved without scientific evaluation• criticized as loophole - many plans approved without scientific evaluation

ESA and commercial shippingESA and commercial shipping- all commercial wildlife shipments must - all commercial wildlife shipments must leave or enter US via one of nine designated portsleave or enter US via one of nine designated ports• 60 USFWS inspectors examine only 25% of 90,000 yearly shipments• 60 USFWS inspectors examine only 25% of 90,000 yearly shipments• violators often not prosecuted and pay only small fine• violators often not prosecuted and pay only small fine

Protecting Marine SpeciesProtecting Marine Species Role of the Endangered Species ActRole of the Endangered Species Act

Threats from litterThreats from litter- plastic threatens millions of marine species- plastic threatens millions of marine species““Pacific Garbage DumpPacific Garbage Dump”” - Nightline Video - click here - Nightline Video - click here

Pacific Gryre Video - Pacific Gryre Video - ““Great Pacific Garbage PatchGreat Pacific Garbage Patch””- click here- click here

Great Pacific Garbage Patch- click Great Pacific Garbage Patch- click Threatened sea mammals-Threatened sea mammals- whales, seals, sea lions whales, seals, sea lions

Threatened sea turtlesThreatened sea turtles- - • World• World’’s 8 major sea turtle species are endangered or threatened-s 8 major sea turtle species are endangered or threatened-•• Poaching and threats from fishing netsPoaching and threats from fishing nets

Need more knowledge of marine biodiversityNeed more knowledge of marine biodiversity

Difficulty enforcing international treatiesDifficulty enforcing international treaties

What Can You Do?

Protecting Species

• Do not buy furs, ivory products, and other materials made from endangered or threatened animal species.

• Do not buy wood and paper products produced by cutting remaining old-growth forests in the tropics.

• Do not buy birds, snakes, turtles, tropical fish, and other animals that are taken from the wild.

• Do not buy orchids, cacti, and other plants that are taken from the wild.

Fig. 9-21, p. 204

What Can We Do to Protect Species?What Can We Do to Protect Species?

Due to sparse $$ and inspectors, < 10% of illegal wildlife trade in US is discovered