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RKyes - Psych494
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Introduction to Conservation Biology
© R. KYES
© SLT
What is Conservation Biology?
Definition: “Conservation biology is a scientific discipline that aims to provide the sound knowledge and guidance necessary to maintain in perpetuity the natural diversity of living organisms.” (Cowlishaw & Dunbar, 2000 “Primate Conservation Biology”)
The “crisis-discipline” (Soule, 1991)
© R. KYES
Scientific Disciplines
Population BiologyEcologyGenetics Geography ForestryAnimal Behavior Veterinary MedicineSociologyConservation MedicineConservation GeneticsConservation PsychologyGlobal Health
Conservation Biology - A Multidisciplinary Science
ConservationPlan
Applied Disciplines
Wildlife ManagementNational Park ServiceZoological Parks Conservation NGOsCommunity Develop.Environmental PolicyPublic Health
Goals of Conservation Biology
1. To investigate and describe the diversity of the living world.
Bangkok Post - 2012 Goals of Conservation Biology
1. To investigate and describe the diversity of the living world.
2. To understand the effects of human activity on species,communities, and ecosystems.
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Goals of Conservation Biology
1. To investigate and describe the diversity of the living world.
2. To understand the effects of human activity on species,communities, and ecosystems.
3. To develop practical interdisciplinary approaches to protectingand restoring biological diversity.
Philosophical Background of Conservation Biology
Conservation ----- Preservation
Natural Resources - The management goal is to use natural resources for the greatest good of the greatest number of people for the longest time.
Ecosystem Management - places highest management priority on the health of the ecosystem and wild species.
Sustainable Development – The management approach is focused on sustainable use of natural resources to meet the long-term human needs in a way that does not harm biological diversity.
Philosophical Background of Conservation Biology
Conservation ----- Preservation
This concept of conservation and sustainable use & development is reflected in a number of the major conservation organizations
IUCN – International Union for the Conservation of Nature (since 1948)
not the International Union for the Preservation of Nature
CI – Conservation International (since 1987)
not the Preservation International
WCS – Wildlife Conservation Society (since 1895)
not the Wildlife Preservation Society
Etc.
Definition: Biological diversity is “the wealth of life on earth, the millions of plants, animals, and microorganisms, the genes they contain, and the intricate ecosystem they help build into the living environment.” (World Wildlife Fund, 1989)
What is Biological Diversity?
“Biodiversity”
Biological DiversityBiological diversity needs to be considered at three levels:
Genetic Diversity
Species Diversity
Community/Ecosystem Diversity
3. Community and Ecosystem Diversity
(adapted from R. B. Primack, 2000)
2. Species Diversity
1. Genetic Diversity - the genetic variation within a species, both among geographically separated populations and among individuals within a single population.
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3. Community and Ecosystem Diversity
(adapted from R. B. Primack, 2000)
2. Species Diversity - the entire range of species found on earth.
1. Genetic Diversity
3. Community and Ecosystem Diversity - variation in the biologicalcommunities in which species live and the ecosystems in which the communities exist.
(adapted from R. B. Primack, 2000)
2. Species Diversity
1. Genetic Diversity
Why Conserve Biological Diversity?
Ethics vs Economics
Ethics of Conserving Biological Diversity
Economics of Conserving Biological DiversityRole of the Conservation Biologist
1. Must become more effective as scientists, identifying the threats to biodiversity.
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Role of the Conservation Biologist1. Must become more effective as scientists, identifying the threats to biodiversity.
2. Must become more effective as educators, to the general public as well as in the classroom.
Role of the Conservation Biologist1. Must become more effective as scientists, identifying the threats to biodiversity.
2. Must become more effective as educators, to the general public as well as in the classroom.
3. Must become politically active. Involvement in the political process allows conservation biologists to influence government policy that could benefit biodiversity.
Role of the Conservation Biologist1. Must become more effective as scientists, identifying the threats to biodiversity.
2. Must become more effective as educators, to the general public as well as in theclassroom.
3. Must become politically active. Involvement in the political process allows conservation biologists to influence government policy that could benefit biodiver.
4. Must become motivators, convincing a range of people to support conservation efforts.
Role of the Conservation Biologist1. Must become more effective as scientists, identifying the threats to biodiversity.
2. Must become more effective as educators, to the general public as well as in the classroom.
3. Must become politically active. Involvement in the political process allowsconservation biologists to influence government policy that could benefit biodiver.
4. Must become motivators, convincing a range of people to support conser. efforts.
5. Must become effective managers and practitioners of conservation projects.
END