Biodiversity Conservation

The term ‘biodiversity’ is a contraction of ‘biological diversity’. Ecologists have long known that individual animal species and ecosystems are endangered not only by threats to particular creatures, but to the balance and interplay of the rich array of fauna and flora living in the world. Conserving animals is important not only so that species such as pandas can be saved for future generations to enjoy, but because every creature plays a role in maintaining the ecological health of the planet. HIPPO is an acronym coined by the biologist Edwin O. Wilson to describe the many threats to biodiversity today. It stands for Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population growth (human) and Over-harvesting.

Biodiversity is a word used in several different ways. It is often used to refer to the number of species of creatures living in a given environment or ecosystem. Modern agriculture, focusing on producing single crops (‘monoculture’) and using pesticides to control specific insects or plant predators, is a prime culprit in reducing biodiversity. Nature is a web of connections between plants and animals in the food chain. Losing one species of creature, even a humble insect, can have a ripple effect. The creatures it preys on may multiply, and creatures that feed on it may die out. The loss of a species can lead to a domino effect where many more animals in an ecological niche are affected. Low biodiversity can be a sign of an ecosystem on its knees.

Another way in which biodiversity is important is in relation to the size of the gene pool. Genetic diversity is important in the natural world as it increases the chances of survival. If a virus or some other threat strikes, the greater the genetic diversity, the better the chance that some individuals will survive it and perpetuate the species. It is also important because the larger the gene pool, the healthier the species is likely to be.

Cheetahs, for example, have very low genetic diversity, probably because of interbreeding when numbers were low in the past. Not only does interbreeding render them vulnerable to problems like low fertility, but if a feline virus came along, the chances are that all individuals would be vulnerable. Millions of people died in the 1840 Irish Potato Famine for a similar reason. Farming can create unusual conditions in nature, and in this case, planting two similar kinds of potatoes meant that both would be affected by the same potato disease, which had disastrous consequences for the Irish people.

Ecosystem diversity is another dimension of biodiversity. The world today has many different ecosystems and diverse environments, from desert to rainforest, coast to plain, and ocean to mountaintop. These work in tandem to maintain ecological harmony. For example, it is ecosystem diversity that has allowed such a rich range of plants to evolve, giving people many natural resources for food, medicine, and other purposes.

While it is still important for conservationists to run campaigns to save individual animal species under threat, such as orangutans or tigers, emphasis has shifted towards conserving habitats and systems as a whole. Saving pandas is important; however, the world would be in far graver danger if biodiversity amongst the insects that pollinate our plants were to plummet. Biodiversity is a matter of international concern and an issue that brings scientists and activists from around the world together to ensure its continued existence – and with it, our own survival.

Bats – Integral to the Environment

Bats are an essential part of the environment. It is estimated that they have existed for more than 50 million years. Approximately one thousand species of bats exist in the world today. A single group of bats is referred to as a colony.

Even though they are classified as mammals, bats are capable of flight. The scientific name given to bats, Chiroptera, translates to “hand-wing.” Bats are then classified into two separate categories. These two categories are Microchiroptera, which means “small hand-wing,” and Megachiroptera, which means “large hand-wing.”

Bats in the nectar drinking category help to pollinate a variety of plants. These plants include night blooming desert plants that would cease to flourish if the bats were not available to pollinate them. The giant Saguaro cactus, bananas, mangos, dates, cashews, agave, and figs owe their existence to nectar drinking bats. Additionally, bat guano is used as fertilizer due to its rich content.

Rainforest growth relies on bats. Fruit eating bats spread rainforest growth by depositing seeds through their bat droppings. Many of the accessible plants known today rely on bats for their existence.

Pest control is assisted by insect eating bats. The bats act as natural pest control that helps to keep the insect population down. This decreases the need to spray harmful pesticides in both the agricultural and residential communities. In fact, a single bat can ingest as many as 600 mosquitoes in a single hour. Bats also ingest countless numbers of rootworm, a pest that harms local farming communities.

In addition to nectar, fruit, and insects, different species of bats also eat frogs, fish, and small mammals. Some species of bats have even been known to consume other bats. In fact, three species of bats are known as Vampire Bats. These three species survive by drinking the blood of small mammals and birds. The Vampire Bats originated in Central and South America.

The smallest known bat is the Bumblebee bat. It originates from Thailand and only weighs as little as a penny, no more.

The natural roosts for bats are trees. However, as the human element takes over more and more of their natural habitat, bats have learned to adapt and relocate within buildings and caves. They have even taken up residence beneath bridges. Many of the bat species are now on the Endangered Species List.

Endangered Species

What is an endangered species? It is a group of individual organisms, known as a species, that are at risk of becoming extinct or are threatened by changing habitat parameters. Organisms include vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. Impact to the species can come through environmental or human influence. Almost 100 species become extinct every day according to the United Nations. The World Conservation Union estimates that 40 percent of all organisms are “endangered”. Research estimates that extinction rates over the last 150 years exceed the average background rate of the planet by 100 to 1000 times.

Legislation passed in 1973, called the Endangered Species Act, was designed to protect species of plants and animals from becoming extinct. The major species of endangered animals you typically hear conservationists discuss include giant pandas, elephants, gorillas, whales, and tigers. It is estimated only 800 giant pandas exist and less than 650 gorillas remain worldwide.

Animal species become endangered primarily due to human influences. Conservation groups, such as the World Wildlife Fund, work diligently to protect threatened animals and their habitats.

Primary reasons for endangerment include:

1. Habitat Loss – This is the primary cause of endangerment to a species. Each habitat goes through natural change, however, rapid change is hard for a species to endure. Humans are the main cause of rapid change and examples include rainforest deforestation, urbanization, land development, pollution, and climate change due to the release of greenhouse gases.

2. Exotic Species Introduction – Humans may accidentally, or in some cases, intentionally introduce foreign species into a sensitive habitat. New species compete for food, become new predators in the food chain, or bring disease.

3. Overexploitation – This category includes increased activities such as hunting, fishing, and gathering that may threaten a species. Examples include unrestricted whaling, hunting for rhino horns and tiger bones, and gathering of materials for medicines in parts of the world.

What can you do to help endangered species? The primary goal must be to protect the natural habitats where these plants and animals live.

Primary ways you can help include:

1. Protect – Help preserve natural habitats in parks, reserves, and the wilderness. Follow the rules when visiting government parks and be careful not to disturb sensitive areas in the wilderness. Educate people about endangered habitats and plant native species when possible.

2. Recycle – Reduce waste, reuse items, and use public transportation whenever possible to help reduce stress on threatened species and habitats.

3. Conservation Groups – Join a group to help promote the protection of endangered species. You will find others who are passionate about the subject that can provide guidance and resources that will help in your protection efforts.

4. Control Exotic Species – Obey laws regarding the transport of plants and animals as they are usually in place to help protect endangered species or human health. The introduction of exotic species should also be cared for in other situations as well; one example includes the movement of noxious weeds from one locale to another.

5. Be Heard! – Most important of all is to let your voice be heard. Contact your legislators and let them know your opinions regarding endangerment laws and protection, especially with the rapid, present-day increase of urbanization and land development.