S3 BGE BIOLOGY Part 1 BIODIVERSITY1J: Conservation of Endangered Species

You will study the following topic at Level 4. A. Biodiversity, Ecosystems & Investigating Abiotic Factors (L3/4/5) B. Biomes (L4/N4) C. Investigating Distribution of Organisms: Sampling Techniques (L3/4/5) D. Identifying Organisms which have been Collected: Keys (L3/5) E. Interdependence, Food Chains & Webs (L4/5) F. Energy in Ecosystems - Pyramids (L5) G. Interdependence -Niche & Biotic factors (L4/5)H. Impact of Population Growth on Biodiversity (L4/5)I. Impact of Natural Hazards on Biodiversity (L4)J. Conservation of Endangered Species (L4)

L4 Learning Outcomes: You should be able to… Debate issues around conservation of endangered species to maintain

biodiversity nationally and globally.

Introduction: Conservation of Endangered Species.Biodiversity can be maintained or increased by conservation. Humans are attempting to conserve endangered species by using

1. Nature reserves2. Breeding programmes 3. Reintroduction schemes4. Protection laws

The conservation of Endangered Species is happening at a local level (e.g. in the UK or more locally in Scotland) or globally.

1. Conservation using Nature reserves A nature reserve is a protected area of land of importance to specific animals and plants in order to manage their conservation and provide special opportunities to research them so we can best help them in the future. Nature reserves are usually heavily protected by law and are owned by government, charities, and research institutions.

Scottish (local) example of conservation using a nature reserveThe following link will take you to a webpage which gives lots of information about “Scotland’s National Nature Reserves” https://www.nnr.scot/, should you wish to research this area in more detail.

Level 4 Planet Earth: Biodiversity and interdependence SCN 4-01a; Topical Science SCN 4-20a I can predict the impact of population growth and natural hazards on biodiversityNational 4: Unit 3: Key Area 3.2b Issues around Conservation of Endangered Species to maintain Biodiversity Nationally and Globally

The Scottish map opposite shows the location of Scotland’s nature reserves, as you can see, there are many.

As a specific example, The Cairngorms National Park which contains the Mar Lodge Estate Natural Reserve is which is Britain’s largest natural reserve and a wildlife wonderland in the heart of the Cairngorms. The exceptional size of this area and quality of its habitats mean there is opportunity to make a major contribution to national biodiversity targets on a large scale.The estate is one of the most important areas for nature conservation in the British Isles because it includes…

Heather-covered moorland, home to 80% of the Capercaillie population Remnants of the Great Caledonian Pine Forest is home to red squirrels,

pine martens as well as birds such as the crossbill and black grouse Mountains Quoich wetlands which is home to wading birds and otters.

The conservation work in this area is on a huge scale. As mentioned during our Human Impact Topic: Deforestation we learned about the decimation of the great Caledonian Rainforest and the ambitious plan to restore it. The Woodland Regeneration Programme which has already planted over 2 million native trees.In addition to the rewilding of the ancient Pine Forest action has been taken for priority species e.g. Capercaillie, Scottish wildcat, Aspen, freshwater pearl mussel and a variety of rare plants.

Tsavo East National Park in Kenya example of conservation using a nature reserve.There are Nature reserves of huge importance to preserving endangered species all around the world. The Tsavo East National Park has worked hard to protect its critically endangered species such as the black rhino, forest elephant and hirola.BLACK RHINOCEROUS

The Critically Endangered Black Rhinoceros is one of the world’s most endangered mammals, due to rampant poaching for their horn. Between 1970 and 1990, the number of black rhinos in Kenya fell from 20,000-350. In response the reserve has invested heavily in the conservation of this natural treasure. The focus has been moving rhinos from high-risk areas into secure confined sanctuaries. The increased protection in sanctuaries minimised poaching levels, allowing the population to begin rising slowly.

2. Conservation using Breeding programmes A breeding program is the planned breeding of a group of animals or plants, usually involving at least several individuals and extending over several generations. There are a couple of breeding methods, such as artificial and natural. The aim of a breeding programme is usually to restore the numbers of endangered species.

Scottish (local) Breeding programmes.The Aigas Scottish Wildcat Conservation Breeding Project

The Scottish Wildcat is the UK’s only native feline and most endangered mammal.The Scottish wildcats needs help as they were once found right across mainland Britain but a combination of persecution, habitat loss and breeding with domestic cats has driven them to the brink of extinction. Although now fully protected by law, they are still declining due to road-kill, illegal trapping and poisoning. Since 2011, Aigas Field Centre has been contributing to an important national programme to bring back the Scottish wildcat from the edge of extinction. There are efforts to protect what’s left in the wild and a conservation breeding programme led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Sumatran Tigers in Edinburgh Zoo.Sometimes countries work together to conserve a species. Zoos are particularly good at collaborating with each other across the world to help with specific breeding programs. The critically endangered Sumatran Tigers in Edinburgh Zoo are part of the European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP). It is estimated that only between 500-600 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild, and the actual number may be as low as 400. Since their population is dwindling rapidly it is essential that breeding programmes exist to boost the numbers of this tigers before it goes extinct.

Global Breeding Programmes.The Giant Panda in China (no longer classed as endangered).We can’t talk about endangered species with out talking about the Giant Panda, who has been the ‘poster child’ for endangered species for a very long time. China is the only natural home of giant pandas, and wild giant pandas can only be found in deep forests. China has 4 main breeding programmes which were created when their numbers dropped to approximately 1000. The latest census in 2014 found that there were 1864 giant pandas alive in the wild. However resent research in 2019 suggests there may be as many as 2,500–3,000 giant pandas in the wild, thanks to the success of reintroducing pandas born by captive breeding back into the wild.

Giant Panda in Edinburgh Zoo.The two giant pandas arrived in Scotland in December 2011 and are being rented by Edinburgh Zoo from the Chinese government for a decade for an annual fee of about £600,000. Tian Tian had previously given birth to twins in China. In Sept 2019 the zoo announced

that Tian Tian, has failed to produce a cub despite a sixth attempt to impregnate her through artificial insemination. The Statement from the zoo said “Giant panda breeding is an incredibly complex, unpredictable process, and we will continue to share our research with our colleagues in China. It is too soon to say what any next steps will be.”

3.Conservation of Species by Reintroduction SchemesThe reintroduction of species to the wild is the latest step in the effort to preserve animals, birds, insects, and plants that are endangered or extinct in the wild. Although captive breeding programs increase populations, they do not restore wild environments. Species reintroduction plans attempt to create biodiversity.

Global Reintroduction SchemesSpecies reintroduction programs are an important feature of global conservation efforts. The reintroduction of native species is essential to the long-term environmental health of a region.

Canada and the Karner Blue ButterflyThe Karner Blue butterfly is being reintroduced because the species supports the Prairie thistle, the Blue racer, the Frosted elfin, and the Antenna-waving wasp. The restoration of oak savanna is dependent upon the restoration of the Karner Blue. Each level in the food chain is critical, with the removal of one level resulting in environmental damage or chaos.

Mexico and the Mexican Gray WolfReintroductions of some predators have proved enormously controversial. Historically when the numbers of native prey species, such as deer and elk, dropped because of human predation, these wolves turned for food to the large numbers of cattle that had newly arrived in the West. Because the wolves were preying on farmed animals the wolves were trapped, shot, and poisoned to the point of extinction. The Mexican Gray Wolf, was one of the first species to be reintroduced to the wild, however human residents typically feared once again for loss of their livestock and insisted that the federal government to pay ranchers for livestock losses due to wolves.

Scottish Reintroduction Schemes.The Scottish Government understands that the reintroduction of species can have both positive and negative effects on the environment and requires a great deal of careful research, as well as taking into account the views of anyone who would be affected. Conservation interests must be considered alongside those of farmers and landowners.

Scotland has successfully reintroduced white-tailed eagles to Scotland in recent decades and are in the process of reintroducing beavers. There have been controversial debates about the

reintroduction our native large carnivores which are currently extinct in the wild such as the lynx, wolves and bears back into Scotland. Many of these debates have centred around keeping deer populations in check and restoration of the natural ecosystem, however this has been challenged as not being in the best need of farmers, and that people should be free to enjoy nature without fearing predators. The Scottish Government states that it has no plans to reintroduce lynx, wolves, bears or any other large carnivore species into Scotland.

Reintroduction of Scotland’s BeaversNative Scottish beavers were hunted to extinction in the 16th century. In 2009 a reintroduction programme set out to reintroduce this keystone species to the ecosystem for the first time in 400 years. The ecosystem will benefit because beavers are one of the world's best natural engineers. Their ability to create new wetlands and restore native woodland is remarkable and improves conditions for a wide range of species including dragonflies, otters and fish. The return of beavers also has great potential for education and wildlife tourism. Farming leaders have raised concerns about the damage caused to agricultural land from their dam-building despite this the beavers will be allowed to remain, breed and have been given protected status.

4.Conservation of Species by Protection lawsIf conservation of endangered species is to be successful it needs to be embedded in law. The law will ensure that it is known that if a person is to damage a habitat (e.g. by setting a forest fire) or protected species (e.g. by poaching), then they have broken legislation which is punishable by law. This serves to deter criminals and bring offenders to justice. There are various Acts and legislation that protects wildlife and wild places in the UK

A full list of UK wildlife laws can be found here https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/uk-wildlife-law

Wildlife crimeWildlife crime can take many forms and it can be difficult to know what constitutes a crime. Wildlife crime is a global issue and varies from poaching rhinos and elephants for horns and tusks to wildlife ‘trafficking’ (4th largest illegal trade behind drugs), or trophy hunting. To find out more visit the WWF

site https://www.wwf.org.uk/what-we-do/projects/tackling-international-wildlife-crime.

Wildlife crime can range from organised crimes to people shooting at birds with air guns. In the UK Wildlife Crimes include… Badger, bat, bird of prey persecution. Illegal trade (especially endangered species), UK wildlife can be in demand, such as

wild birds that can be sold overseas.  Freshwater pearl mussels, it is an offence to kill, take

or injure these mussels. Poaching, Coursing, hunting with dogs (exempt in

some cases). Theft or disturbance of wild birds, their eggs and/or

nests. Theft or disturbance of wild animals, plants or

habitats. Animal cruelty. Introduction of invasive species.