Lecture biodiversity

Biological diversity –
why, what and how?
Anna Bratt
Environmental Sc Programme, Lnköping University, Sweden
Lecture disposition
Why should we preserve species?
What species should we preserve?
How should we preserve?
Why?
Arguments supportive of maintaining biodiversity?
Ethical
Economical
Estetical
Educational
Arguments not supportive of maintaining biodiversity?
Ecosystemservices
May have higher value than timber
erosion control
air purifier
water purifier
influence climate (temp. and precip.)
secure water source quality
?
Natural vs unnatural extinction
Human impact increase extinction of species 100-1000 times.
Education and research
By studying stable and safe ecosystems we can learn how to manage endangered areas in a sustainable way.
Red lists – endangered species
Global and national lists
Extinction < 50 genetic individuals
Normal pop. > 500 genetic individuals
Less buffer capacity for change
What?
Concept of biological diversity:
Variety of nature types
Richness in species of animals, fungi and plants
Genetic variation within species
Classification
Indicator species
Signal species
Keystone species
Threatened species in Sweden
Predators
Species dependent on certain land-use or management
Wood dependent
Fish species
How is biodiversity influenced?
Positively?

Negatively?

Distance
Size
Ability to spread out
How?
What has happended?
Which species are worth protection?
What do these species need?
Inventories
Keystone biotope
Value points
Giant trees
?
Fragmentation
Treshold values
Minimum viable population
Extinction depth
Landscape types that promote diversity
Varied types, as mosaic
Flexible land-use over time
More diversity in unproductive areas
Missing structures and processes?
Localities that promote diversity
Warmer temperatures
More energy
Great surface area
Disturbances
Variation in species combined w variation in plant ages
Preserve
When worth it – exists in other area?
When habitat can be recreated
When specie can be distributed
National parks
Nature reserves
Natura 2000

Certification (FSC)
Regulations
1992 UN conference in Rio
Convention on Bio-diversity 190 countries
Wetlands
Migratory animals and birds
Trade with threatened species
2002 UN conference in Johannesburg
National Programs of measures
The 16 environmental quality objectives
Reduced Climate Impact
Clean Air
Natural Acidification Only
A Non-Toxic Environment
A Protective Ozone Layer
A Safe Radiation Environment
Zero Eutrophication
Flourishing Lakes and Streams
Good quality groundwater
10.A Balanced Marine Environment
11.Thriving Wetlands
12. Sustainable Forests
13. A Varied Agricultural Landscape
14. A Magnificent Mountain Landscape
15. A Well Built Environment
16. A Rich Diversity of Plant and Animal Life
Ecological sustainability must function in connection with economical and social sustainability
Swedish Parliament
What is meant by ecological sustainability?
Promote human health
Protect biodiversity and nature values
Protect cultural historical values
Monitor long term production of ecosystems
Ensure a sound natural resource management