Week 4: Biodiversity Loss & Conservation Science

1. Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity, encompassing species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity, is vital for sustaining life
on Earth and supporting ecosystem services:
 Provisioning Services: Resources like food, water, and medicines. For example, the
Rosy Periwinkle plant provides compounds for treating leukemia, showcasing
biodiversity’s pharmaceutical importance.
 Regulating Services: Healthy ecosystems regulate climate, air quality, and pollination.
The Sundarbans mangroves reduce cyclone impacts while supporting Bengal tiger
populations.
 Cultural Services: Natural landscapes offer recreation and spiritual value. In Costa Rica,
biodiversity-driven ecotourism generates $4 billion annually.
 Supporting Services: Foundational processes like soil formation and oxygen production.
Coral reefs support over 25% of marine species.

2. Significance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem functions and providing numerous benefits
to human societies. It ensures ecosystem resilience, food security, medical advancements,
industrial sustainability, and ecological balance. Below is a detailed exploration of these aspects
with case studies.
1. Ecosystem Resilience
Ecosystem resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances such as
natural disasters, climate change, and human activities. A diverse ecosystem with a variety of
species can adapt to changes better than a monoculture system.
 Example: Amazon Rainforest Regrowth Cycles
o The Amazon rainforest has experienced large-scale deforestation due to
agriculture, logging, and urbanization. However, secondary forests, which regrow
after deforestation, demonstrate nature’s resilience.
o Studies show that while some plant species take decades to return, certain pioneer
species help restore the ecosystem faster by improving soil quality and facilitating
the return of animal species.
o Despite this, the loss of keystone species such as jaguars and certain large trees can
have long-term negative impacts, demonstrating the importance of protecting
biodiversity proactively.
2. Food Security
Biodiversity in agriculture is crucial to food security, as it provides genetic diversity necessary
for crop resilience, resistance to pests and diseases, and adaptation to climate change.
 Example: The Irish Potato Famine
o In the 1840s, Ireland relied heavily on a single potato variety, the Lumper. This
lack of genetic diversity made the crop highly susceptible to Phytophthora
infestans, the pathogen causing potato blight.
o When the blight spread, the entire potato crop failed, leading to mass starvation
and the deaths of approximately one million people.
o This event underscores the importance of maintaining crop genetic diversity.
Today, seed banks such as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault preserve crop genetic
material to safeguard against future agricultural crises.
o Additionally, traditional farming practices, such as intercropping and crop rotation,
increase biodiversity and reduce the risk of large-scale failures.
3. Medicinal Discoveries
Many modern medicines originate from plant and animal species, showcasing the importance of
biodiversity in medical research and healthcare advancements.
 Example: Amazonian Plant-Based Cancer Treatments
o The Amazon rainforest is home to over 80,000 plant species, many of which have
medicinal properties.
o The Rosy Periwinkle, native to Madagascar but found in tropical forests, produces
vincristine and vinblastine, two compounds used to treat leukemia and Hodgkin’s
lymphoma.
o Indigenous knowledge has contributed significantly to drug discovery,
emphasizing the need to protect not only biodiversity but also traditional
knowledge systems.
o The loss of biodiversity could mean the extinction of species with undiscovered
medical potential. Pharmaceutical companies and researchers continue to explore
natural compounds for new treatments, particularly for diseases such as
Alzheimer’s and antibiotic-resistant infections.
4. Industrial Resources
Biodiversity provides raw materials for numerous industries, including construction, textiles,
cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Sustainable harvesting and conservation efforts are necessary
to ensure long-term benefits from these resources.
  Example: Bamboo as a Sustainable Industrial Resource
o Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, making it an eco-friendly
alternative to traditional timber.
o It is widely used for construction, furniture, paper, and textiles, especially in Asia
and Africa, where it supports local economies.
o Compared to hardwood trees that take decades to mature, bamboo grows within 3-
5 years, reducing deforestation pressure on slower-growing forests.
o Additionally, bamboo forests play a role in carbon sequestration, helping to
mitigate climate change. However, unsustainable harvesting practices can deplete
bamboo stocks, necessitating regulated cultivation efforts.
5. Ecological Balance
Biodiversity ensures that ecosystems function properly by maintaining predator-prey
relationships, nutrient cycles, and habitat stability. Removing a single species from an
ecosystem can disrupt the entire food web.
 Example: Yellowstone’s Wolf Reintroduction
o In the early 20th century, gray wolves were eradicated from Yellowstone National
Park, leading to an overpopulation of elk, which in turn overgrazed vegetation
along riverbanks.
o This led to soil erosion, the decline of beaver populations (as they rely on willow
trees), and a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem.
o In 1995, wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone, restoring predator-prey
dynamics. As a result:
 Elk populations became more regulated, allowing vegetation to recover.
 Beaver populations increased, improving wetland habitats.
 Songbird species returned due to healthier forests.
o This case illustrates how keystone species play a critical role in maintaining
biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

3. Threats to Ecosystems
1. Deforestation: refers to the large-scale clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, urban
expansion, and infrastructure development. It is one of the primary drivers of biodiversity loss
and contributes significantly to climate change.
Causes:
 Agricultural Expansion: Forests are cleared for cattle ranching, palm oil plantations, and
soybean farming.
 Logging: Both legal and illegal logging contribute to habitat destruction.
 Urbanization: Expanding cities and infrastructure projects require large areas of cleared
land.
 Mining: Extractive industries often destroy forests for resources like coal, gold, and oil.
Consequences:
 Loss of Habitat: Deforestation displaces millions of species, leading to extinction.
 Increased Carbon Emissions: Trees act as carbon sinks. Their destruction releases stored
carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.
 Soil Erosion and Desertification: Without tree roots to anchor the soil, deforested areas
suffer from land degradation.
 Water Cycle Disruption: Forests play a role in regulating rainfall; deforestation leads to
reduced precipitation and droughts.
Case Study: Amazon Rainforest Loss
 The Amazon, known as the “lungs of the planet,” has lost millions of hectares due to
deforestation.
 Satellite imagery shows extensive forest loss, particularly in Brazil, where land is cleared
for cattle ranching and soy production.
 Between 2000 and 2020, the Amazon lost over 17% of its forest cover.
 Deforestation in the Amazon has led to reduced rainfall, affecting local and global
climate patterns.
2. Pollution: occurs when harmful substances enter the environment, affecting air, water, and
soil quality. It can have devastating effects on wildlife, ecosystems, and human health.
Types of Pollution:
 Plastic Pollution: Non-biodegradable plastics accumulate in the ocean and landfills.
 Air Pollution: Carbon emissions from industries and vehicles lead to global warming and
respiratory diseases.
 Water Pollution: Chemicals, oil spills, and waste dumping contaminate freshwater and
marine ecosystems.
  Soil Pollution: Pesticides and industrial waste degrade soil quality, affecting agriculture
and biodiversity.
Consequences:
 Marine Life Threats: Over 100 million marine animals die annually due to plastic
ingestion or entanglement.
 Human Health Risks: Pollutants in air and water cause diseases such as cancer,
respiratory illnesses, and neurological disorders.
 Disruption of Food Chains: Toxins accumulate in organisms, affecting entire ecosystems.
 Acid Rain Formation: Industrial emissions can cause acid rain, damaging forests and
aquatic systems.
Case Study: Great Pacific Garbage Patch
 This massive accumulation of plastic waste spans over 1.6 million square kilometers in
the Pacific Ocean.
 It consists of microplastics that marine animals mistake for food, leading to poisoning
and starvation.
 Cleanup efforts are underway, but reducing plastic production and waste is the only long-
term solution.

3. Invasive Species: are non-native organisms introduced into an ecosystem where they cause
harm by outcompeting native species, spreading diseases, or altering habitats.
Causes:
 Human Transportation: Global trade and travel introduce species to new environments.
 Climate Change: Altered temperatures allow some invasive species to thrive in new
regions.
 Lack of Natural Predators: Invasive species often have no natural predators in their new
environments, allowing their populations to grow unchecked.
Consequences:
 Decline of Native Species: Invasive species compete for food and space, leading to
biodiversity loss.
 Economic Damage: Invasive species can damage agriculture, fisheries, and forestry
industries.
  Habitat Modification: Some invasive species alter physical environments, affecting
ecosystem structure and function.
Case Study: Cane Toads in Australia
 Cane toads were introduced to Australia in the 1930s to control pests in sugarcane fields.
 They lacked natural predators and spread rapidly, leading to a 90% decline in native
predator populations, including snakes and quolls.
 The toxins produced by cane toads poison many Australian animals, disrupting the food
web.
4. Climate Change: refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation, and weather
patterns, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Causes:
 Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide
(N₂O) trap heat in the atmosphere, raising global temperatures.
 Deforestation: Reducing the number of trees means less carbon is absorbed from the
atmosphere.
 Industrial Activities: Factories, transportation, and power plants release large amounts of
greenhouse gases.
Consequences:
 Rising Sea Levels: Melting ice caps contribute to coastal flooding.
 Extreme Weather Events: Increased hurricanes, wildfires, and heatwaves affect both
humans and wildlife.
 Coral Reef Bleaching: Warmer oceans disrupt symbiotic relationships in coral reefs,
leading to mass coral death.
 Species Extinction: Many species cannot adapt quickly enough to changing temperatures
and weather patterns.
Case Study: Great Barrier Reef Coral Bleaching
 The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s largest coral ecosystems, has experienced
severe bleaching events.
 Rising sea temperatures cause corals to expel their symbiotic algae, leading to their death.
 In 2016 and 2017 alone, nearly 70% of the reef suffered from bleaching, threatening
marine biodiversity.
5. Overexploitation: occurs when natural resources are harvested at an unsustainable rate,
leading to population declines and ecosystem degradation. This includes overfishing,
overhunting, excessive logging, and illegal wildlife trade.
Causes:
 High Demand for Natural Resources: Increased human consumption leads to
unsustainable extraction.
 Illegal Poaching and Fishing: Many species are hunted or fished beyond sustainable
levels.
 Weak Conservation Regulations: Some countries lack strict policies to prevent
overexploitation.
Consequences:
 Population Declines: Many species, such as elephants, rhinos, and sharks, are at risk of
extinction due to poaching and overfishing.
 Economic Losses: Fisheries collapse leads to job losses and food insecurity.
 Disruptions in Ecosystem Services: Overexploited species play crucial roles in their
ecosystems, and their decline can lead to imbalances.
Case Study: Collapse of the Atlantic Cod Fishery
 In the 1990s, the Atlantic cod population off Canada’s coast collapsed due to excessive
fishing.
 Overfishing depleted cod stocks, leading to the loss of an entire industry and ecosystem
imbalance.
 The Canadian government imposed a moratorium (ban or suspension) on cod fishing, but
populations have struggled to recover.

4. Conservation Strategies & Global Initiatives :

1. In-Situ Conservation: involves protecting species and ecosystems in their natural
environment, allowing organisms to live and evolve under natural conditions. This method
helps preserve entire ecosystems rather than just individual species.
Key Methods:
 Protected Areas & National Parks: Designated areas that restrict human activities to
protect biodiversity.
 Wildlife Sanctuaries & Reserves: Areas dedicated to conserving specific species or
ecosystems.
  Biosphere Reserves: Large, protected areas integrating conservation with sustainable
human activities.
Case Study: Yellowstone National Park (USA)
 Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the world’s first national park.
 It provides a safe habitat for species like wolves, bison, elk, and grizzly bears.
 The reintroduction of wolves in 1995 helped restore ecological balance by controlling
deer populations, preventing overgrazing, and promoting forest regeneration.

2. Ex-Situ Conservation: involves protecting endangered species by removing them from their
natural environment and preserving them in controlled conditions such as zoos, botanical
gardens, and seed banks.
Key Methods:
 Seed Banks: Preserving plant genetic material for future use.
 Captive Breeding Programs: Breeding endangered species in zoos for reintroduction into
the wild.
 Botanical Gardens & Arboretums: Cultivating and researching plant species.
 Cryopreservation: Freezing genetic materials like seeds, embryos, and tissues for future
conservation efforts.
Case Study: Kew Gardens Seed Bank (UK)
 The Millennium Seed Bank at Kew Gardens stores over 2.4 billion seeds from around the
world.
 It serves as a backup against plant extinctions caused by climate change, habitat loss, and
disease.
 Some seeds stored at the bank are from species that are already extinct in the wild.
3. Restoration Ecology: focuses on reviving degraded ecosystems by reintroducing native
species, restoring natural habitats, and mitigating environmental damage.
Key Methods:
 Reforestation & Afforestation: Planting trees in deforested areas to restore habitats.
 Wetland Restoration: Rehabilitating freshwater and coastal ecosystems to support
biodiversity.
 Species Reintroduction Programs: Returning locally extinct species to their native
habitats.
Case Study: Project Tiger (India)
 Launched in 1973, Project Tiger aimed to save India’s declining tiger population.
 By implementing anti-poaching measures, habitat protection, and relocation of human
settlements, tiger numbers have increased by 33% since its launch.
 Tiger reserves like Sundarbans, Jim Corbett, and Ranthambore have become safe havens
for tigers.

4. Community-Based Conservation: involves local people in conservation efforts, ensuring

that biodiversity protection aligns with their economic and cultural interests.
Key Methods:
 Ecotourism: Generating revenue from tourists visiting natural reserves.
 Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry: Encouraging eco-friendly farming and logging
practices.
 Traditional Knowledge: Utilizing indigenous wisdom to protect ecosystems.
Case Study: Maasai Mara Conservation Initiatives (Kenya & Tanzania)
 The Maasai people, traditionally cattle herders, partnered with conservationists to protect
the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
 They developed ecotourism-based wildlife conservation, where locals benefit financially
while preserving lions, elephants, and rhinos.
 These programs reduced poaching and habitat destruction by providing alternative
income sources for the community.

5. Global Conservation Efforts & Agreements

A. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
 Established in 1992, the CBD is a global agreement aimed at protecting biodiversity.
 The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022) was adopted by 196
countries to halt biodiversity loss.
 It includes goals such as protecting 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030.
B. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
 Regulates the trade of endangered wildlife species and their products.
 Has helped protect African elephants by restricting the ivory trade.
  Enforces legal action against wildlife trafficking and illegal poaching.
C. Ramsar Convention (Wetland Protection)
 A global treaty for the conservation of wetlands, signed in 1971.
 Chilika Lake in India, home to migratory birds, was restored under this treaty.
 Focuses on maintaining water quality, preventing habitat loss, and supporting
biodiversity.
D. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 14 & 15)
 Goal 14 (“Life Below Water”) aims to protect oceans and marine biodiversity.
 Goal 15 (“Life on Land”) focuses on forest conservation and combating desertification.
 Initiatives include coral reef protection projects in the Maldives and anti-deforestation
efforts in Africa.
E. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
(IPBES)
 A scientific panel that assesses global biodiversity trends.
 In 2019, IPBES reported that one million species are at risk of extinction due to human
activities.
 Urges governments to adopt strong conservation policies based on scientific research.