Submitted to Professor Klimova

National University

September 1, 2001

Facing the Problem of Biodiversity Loss

Our global society has lost biodiversity to the point of having a major species crisis. Are humans, by their own actions, in danger of eventually becoming one of those lost species?

Introduction

The loss of biodiversity, which results in species extinction, is a serious global problem, which has escalated in recent years. Our global society has lost much of its biodiversity to the point of having a major species crisis. Over the past 20 years, researchers have gone to great lengths to find the main causes of biodiversity loss and extinction of species. These researchers have found that the activities of human beings have contributed the most to this problem, mainly through lack of education, both in the importance of biodiversity and in what they can do to help prevent the loss of biodiversity. The key solution in preventing further biodiversity loss, which could even threaten human existence if not stopped, is through education. As people are educated, both in the causes and prevention of biodiversity loss, they will find how they can help reverse the process, which has brought on this crisis. This paper will explain how important biodiversity is, not only in our immediate surrounding environment, but also in our global environment. It will also explain what role biodiversity plays in maintaining our existence as human beings. The causes and processes of biodiversity loss will be addressed, as well as discussing many of the species of plants and animals that are on the brink of extinction and what their loss will mean to our global community. Finally, this paper will outline the steps humans can take in helping reverse the effects that have caused the global crisis of biodiversity loss and species extinction.

The Importance of Biodiversity

Biodiversity is essential to our existence. We depend so much on the existence and biological functions of “plants, animals, fungi, and micro-organisms that share the world with us,” for our own survival (Web - The Value of Biodiversity). We should be doing everything we can to preserve biodiversity, yet far too often, our activities destroy that same biodiversity that is so necessary for our survival. If people could only understand how valuable biodiversity is, they would think twice before doing something that would compromise its precious and essential existence. As stated in The Value of Biodiversity, “biodiversity is not just some benign backdrop for hiking holidays, but the very substance and foundation of our survival, whether we realize it or not” (The Value of Biodiversity). It is true that people, in general, don’t realize the importance of maintaining biodiversity. Biodiversity is important in that it “is required for the recycling of essential elements, such as carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen” in our surrounding atmosphere (The World Wildlife Fund, 1997). It goes to battle for us against pollution, soil erosion, and it also protects watersheds (The World Wildlife Fund, 1997). Biodiversity offers us food, drugs and medical products, industrial products and “the promise of sustainable economy – productivity that the Earth can support on a continuing basis, so our children and, in turn, their children will survive and be able to live peaceful lives of abundant splendor” (The Value of Biodiversity). Biodiversity is so valuable, and to lose it little by little would eventually be devastating to the world we now know.

What the Loss of Biodiversity Could Mean

The loss of biodiversity in the world interrupts the balance that is so vital to our world in order to have a sustainable future. At this moment, our biodiversity is threatened, and there are many species, both plant and animal that are in danger of becoming extinct. In fact, A. J. Darnay said that by the year 2000 one plant or animal species per hour will become extinct (Statistical record of the environment, 1994). The year 2000 has come and gone, and as each new year comes and goes, the number of species lost will multiply. The biodiversity of the world will diminish at alarming rates unless something is done to help slow down this rate of decline, and hopefully begin to recover the ground we have lost. One point that is important to note, is that the loss of one species can have a definite effect on the remaining species left behind. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game states, “it has been estimated, for example, that a disappearing plant can take with it up to 30 other species, including insects, higher animals, and even other plants” (ADF&G, 2000). An example of this is occurring in the tropical rainforests. As the tropical rainforests are slowly disappearing, other species populations that live within the rainforests are also declining, or even disappearing. As biodiversity decreases, we lose precious resources that help supply us with the things necessary to sustain us in the world in which we live.

Causes

Increased population growth over the last hundred years has more than tripled and has led to dramatically increased resource consumption. Population growth and increased resource consumption can have a negative effect on the environment and cause biodiversity loss in two ways. First, “they create pressure to convert wildlife habitat into agricultural and urban land, and” second, “they produce wastes that pollute habitat and poison wildlife” (Root Causes of Biodiversity Loss, 1). For example, as population has grown and resource consumption has increased, ecosystems that provide habitat to many different species have shrunk in large proportions. The World Resources Institute states that “ninety-eight percent of the tropical dry forest along Central America’s Pacific coast has disappeared,” 22 percent of Thailand’s mangrove forests were lost between 1981 and 1985, “dams have destroyed large sections of river and stream habitat,” and coral reefs have been destroyed through coastal development (World Resources Institute, 1992). The Value of Biodiversity also states that, “up to a quarter of the species on Earth may be lost in the course of the next three decades - within the lives of the majority of us alive today, and a majority of biodiversity is likely to have perished by the middle of next century” (The Value of Biodiversity). This is a frightening thought to those of us who may be still alive in fifty years.

Changes in agricultural practices, such as plantation growing in developing countries, have also contributed to the loss of plant species. Farmers in these countries are pressured to produce single plantation crops in order to have sustainable income, such as cocoa, coffee, bananas, sugar cane, and pineapple. However, as these crops are produced, fewer of other species of plant life are cultivated and the system that supports these species, along with its many pollinators, is lost. Plantation agriculture has grown and become successful, but it “has often been at the expense of species-rich forests, wetlands, and diverse small-scale agricultural lands” (Root Causes of Biodiversity Loss, 2). In forests, as Foster relates, where trees are allowed to grow naturally and uninterrupted in their native surroundings, the forest floor is “a lush carpet of vegetation” (Foster, 112). In areas where plantation agriculture is practiced, such as with tree plantations and food crop plantations, the surrounding vegetation is “almost barren by comparison” with little or no other biodiversity (Foster, 112). The use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and other chemicals compounds the problem, and the area becomes unfit to sustain native plant and animal life.

The introduction of exotic or “alien” species into areas native to other species is another cause of biodiversity loss. Through history, as people have migrated from Europe to other countries, they have brought different species with them and introduced them into their new land. As they have done this, certain exotic species have taken over the habitats of existing native species, many times exterminating them to the point of extinction. For example, according to the World Resources Institute, the native Stephen Island wren, which doesn’t fly, was “driven to extinction by a single cat owned by a lighthouse keeper on an islet off New Zealand” (World Resources Institute, 1992). Incidents like this have happened all over the world and sometimes the results are even in reverse, with the introduced species being killed off by native species. Another factor in the cause of biodiversity loss, is that many times when a native species that is a predator, becomes extinct because of the introduction of a new exotic species, those prey that are left behind, in many cases begin to take over and cause problems for other native species. If an alien species is an invasive type, as with many varieties of weeds, it may spread unchecked and invade other geographical or political areas away from its home zone (IUCN, 1995-2000). If left to spread unchecked, this type of invasion smothers the desirable types of plant life, leaving only the weeds.

Global warming and climate change have a definite effect on biodiversity. As the temperature rises on the Earth, many species are affected. For example, the coral reefs of the world are easily affected by variations in temperature. They are home to millions of species of marine life, both large and small, that desperately need the reefs to exist. Yet, as the climate warms, algae and pollution grow, and the reefs die from lack of sunlight and coral bleaching, as well as other unknown diseases. When the reefs die, the marine ecosystem becomes unbalanced, bringing on biodiversity loss. The river systems are also affected by changes in temperature.

Pollution is yet another cause of biodiversity loss. Everywhere you look, there is pollution of some sort. It is either in the sky, the fresh water, on land, or in the sea. There are so many toxins and chemicals that humans have introduced into the environment, that it is no wonder, that the future of biodiversity is threatened so much. These compounds have brought on changes in our ecosystem that produce negative effects.

Over-exploitation of many different species has resulted in the extinction of these wonderful creations of nature. Both plant and animal varieties are dwindling in numbers because humans are more interested in their own personal gain than in the well being of native species. Excesses in hunting animals and harvesting plant crops have brought extinction to many birds, mammals, and plant varieties. The bison or buffalo, for example, was hunted to near extinction between 1830 and 1880, when they were being used for meat and their hides were made into leather for commercial purposes. They had become a commodity as the West transformed into “an urban marketplace” (Foster, 74). Many animals have been driven to the brink of extinction because they are nuisances or because they are attacking livestock. Other measures could be taken to solve these problems, but those affected by the problem feel that just getting rid of the “culprits” is the only answer. These actions have brought mountain lions and cheetahs to the brink of extinction as well.

A very sensitive area of biodiversity loss, and one that has brought much attention and many cries of help from public intervention groups in recent years, is poaching. Many hunters, both native and visitors, have hunted the great apes, chimpanzees, elephants, and tigers for food, medicine, trinkets, and sometimes, for the added strength it gives them. Animal parts off these animals and “medicines made from items like tiger bone and rhino horn” bring high profits, especially in Asia, where the demand is high for these types of commodities (Solcomhouse, 1). Poachers go into the habitats of these endangered species in large hunting parties, killing great numbers of these unsuspecting species in single expeditions. The meat is then sold to fancy restaurants, where they serve chimpanzee and gorilla steaks on their menus (Solcomhouse, 6). Some hunters prepare their own cuisine, making “smoked monkey” or “barbecued gorilla” (Solcomhouse, 5). Other body parts like elephant tusks, skins for furs, tiger claws, and teeth are taken from the dead animals, while their carcasses are left to rot.

Species in Danger of Extinction

To understand how we can help save the biodiversity that is so quickly waning, we must first understand the definition of endangered and threatened species. “An ‘endangered’ species is one that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A ‘threatened’ species is one that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future” (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). William Kern states in his brief overview of the status of endangered or threatened species that there are also “species of special concern” (Kern, 2001). He states,

“Species of special concern may become threatened unless protective management strategies are employed. Species that are restricted to specific habitats that are being rapidly lost to development are often classified as a species of special concern” (Kern, 2001).

According to the World Wildlife Federation, the top ten species that are in the most immediate danger of extinction are the black rhino, the giant panda, the tiger, the beluga sturgeon, goldenseal, the alligator snapping turtle, the hawksbill turtle, the big-leafed mahogany, the green-cheeked parrot, and the mako shark” (WWF, 2000). The mountain gorilla, the cheetah and the northern right whale are also among the list of the most endangered species. These plants and animals have all been over-harvested, over-hunted and killed to the brink of extinction, and efforts have been made recently to save these valuable creatures.

The cheetahs, for example, are large cats that have become endangered and risk threat of extinction, and their “survival depends on a total ecological system of farmland management, prey species management, and habitat stability” (The WILD Foundation, 1996-2000). They have been hunted and killed because ranchers see them as pests who bother their livestock. The true facts are, however, that these beautiful creatures have been driven from their protected habitat by larger cats, like the “lion and leopard, which will steal their kill and kill their young” (The WILD Foundation, 1996-2000). This causes them to be driven into the farm areas to search for food. They seek out the oryx and kudu, which are the cheetahs’ main prey species, of which 70 percent of their population, “live wild on these commercial farmlands” (The WILD Foundation). As they seek out these prey species for food, they are shot and killed by farmers trying to rid their farms of what they consider to be predators of their livestock.

The northern right whale lives in the northern hemisphere near Alaska and grows to a length of about 56 feet. It is so named because whalers have deemed it the “right” whale to be hunted. It is considered to be the right whale because of its high blubber content and because it swims so slowly. Because of this, right whales have been hunted to the brink of extinction (Shaw, 2000). The northern right whale is not only an endangered species, but is actually the most endangered of the whale species and one of the most endangered species in the world. Elaine Robbins, in an E/ The Environmental Magazine article wrote of the northern right whale:

“Only 295 remain-so few that biologists have named each of them. The greatest current threats to its existence are not hunting but human encounters. The right whale faces collisions with cargo ships and entanglement in fishing nets as it commutes up and down the eastern U.S. coast between New England and northern Florida” (Robbins, 2001).

The obstacles faced by the northern right whale today are brought about by accidental means, whereas the original means, whereby, the population of the northern right declined were brought on through over-hunting by humans. Positive measures have been taken by prohibiting the hunting of these whales. This has slowed the decline of the whale population, but because of their involvement in occasional accidents with fishing and boating companies, their decline slowly continues.

Many endangered aquatic species, such as the mako shark, the beluga sturgeon, the alligator snapping turtle, and the hawksbill turtle, are also facing obstacles as their populations decline. These obstacles, are human generated, and are causing the population numbers of the species mentioned above to drop drastically, threatening them with extinction. The alligator snapping turtles are harvested for their meat, which is considered a delicacy. The hawksbill turtle is harvested for their beautiful tortoise shell, which is used commercially. The problem with the hawksbill turtle, which grows to a diameter of about three feet, is that they have a slow rate of reproduction. When these turtles are killed in large numbers, it takes a long time to regenerate their lost population. The beluga sturgeon lives in the Caspian Sea, and is harvested for its excellent caviar. Poachers are the primary culprits, and they are driving these ancient creatures to extinction. As all of these aquatic species are disappearing, humans are thriving off their resources.

The mammals listed among the 10 most endangered species, such as the black rhino at a population of less than 3000, the giant panda at less than 1000, and the tiger at less than 6000, are experiencing their population declines through being hunted and killed for their body parts. The black rhino is sought after because of its horns. The giant panda is sought after for its beautiful coat. It has also suffered greatly because of habitat destruction where it lives. The tiger is being killed for its coat, bones, teeth, and claws. Most of these tigers lose their lives to poachers. These three species will face extinction unless something is done to stop their declining populations.

The plant species that are on the 10 most endangered species list are the goldenseal herb and the big-leafed mahogany. Both of these species are threatened because of over-harvesting. The demand for the goldenseal herb has skyrocketed, because of its medicinal value. It is now illegal to harvest it in the wild in many areas, so people have resorted to trying to grow it domestically (Eidus, 1). It has been found that internal use of large amounts of goldenseal for longer than ten days can cause organ damage in humans, but controlled use over a short period of time can help fight off colds and infections. The big-leafed mahogany is one of the tallest trees in the Amazon Rain Forest. Its rich deep red wood is used in making very beautiful, durable, and expensive household furniture. It has been harvested so much to fill the demands of a mainly U.S. market, that the trees now risk extinction. Only through proper conservation efforts can this tree continue to flourish and provide an economical benefit to South America, where it is grown, and to the United States where it is marketed.

There are many more species in the world that are endangered and need immediate attention and concern in order to prevent their extinction. The mountain gorilla, the orangutan, the blue whale, and all other endangered and threatened species have reached this point of crisis because of the many human activities mentioned above. There is an urgent need to prevent further biodiversity loss. It is through prevention and conservation that the world can find the solution to the species crisis.

The final example of species that are in danger of extinction, are humans. By their own actions, humans are slowly depleting resources, both renewable and non-renewable, that will insure their own sustainable future. The atmosphere is experiencing ozone depletion, which causes global warming. Eventually the Earth will warm to a point where humans can no longer survive on its surface. Before that happens, however, resources that sustain human life may be depleted to a point where human life will no longer be able to exist. Professor Michael Boulter, a UK paleontologist at the University of East London states, “we are making ourselves extinct” (BBC News, September, 2000). He goes on further to say:

“My theory is that the Earth and life on it needs, from time to time, culls. The last and best-known cull was of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. I reckon from the evidence that we have that there is reason to believe that we humans are interfering with the environment so much that we are making ourselves extinct” (ibid.).

This interference has already caused a biodiversity loss that will probably never be regained. However, with prevention efforts, there could be hope of a brighter future.

Prevention of Further Biodiversity Loss

In preventing further biodiversity loss, global citizens need to be educated so they may know their “ethical responsibility for protecting plant and animal species” (World Wildlife Fund, 1997). They need to know that they have a stewardship over those things that they can control and help. The World Wildlife Fund states that, “as a society, we can all move to curb our use of energy, eliminate our consumption and use of threatened species, and support the transformation of national and international policies to those that are more sustainable and less harmful to biodiversity” (The World Wildlife Fund, 1997). Groups and organizations have been formed in different areas of the world to lend support to the preservation of various species. Two examples of organizations like these are the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), and Reef Relief.

The Cheetah Conservation Fund has been organized to help work with farmers and establish habitats away from farming communities where cheetahs can survive on a long-term basis without risking threat of destruction from ranchers’ guns and predators. The CCF educates local people to the “awareness of the cheetah’s endangered status” (The WILD Foundation, 1996-2000). Education in this awareness encourages people throughout the world to support the efforts of the CCF and other organizations dedicated to preservation of the cheetah.

Reef Relief is an organization that has dedicated its efforts to preserving coral reef ecosystems. It has initiated several programs dedicated to preserving the coral reefs of the Florida Keys, and the efforts of this organization have benefited the coral reefs throughout the rest of the world as well. In Reef Relief, “the group designs and implements coral reef educational programs, supports the creation of marine protected areas and coral nurseries, surveys coral reefs, and is active in policy development to improve water quality for coral reefs” (Reef Relief, 2001). Reef Relief has established programs like the “Clean Water Campaign,” “Key West Reef Mooring Buoy Program,” “Jamaica Coral Reef Protection Program,” “Coral Reef Awareness Campaign,” “Coral Nursery Project,” and “The Abacos, Bahamas Project” (Reef Relief, 2001). All of these programs have produced positive results in helping conservation efforts in around the concentrated areas of the coral reefs.

Like the Cheetah Conservation Fund and Reef Relief, there are many other organizations dedicated to helping prevent further biodiversity loss. Some of these organizations are the World Wildlife Fund, the Animal Planet, Defenders of Wildlife, Rainforest Action Network, Sierra Club, and the National Audubon Society. These environmental and wildlife conservation organizations have had a tremendous impact through their efforts by educating, increasing awareness, and promoting species preservation.

One way to really help stop species loss is for all global citizens to boycott the purchase of any item or product that was fabricated from the remains of a dead animal or endangered plant. More that citizens can do is to support “local, national, and international conservation efforts” (BCN, 2000). Participation in projects geared at educating people about biodiversity loss is a great help. Practice of environmentally friendly activities will no doubt help further the efforts against biodiversity loss as well.

Conclusion

Biodiversity loss has become a very serious problem and one that endangers, not only the lives of the animals or plants involved, but the future of the whole human population as well. Human activities have been the major contributors to the loss of biodiversity. They are gradually taking up more and more space, while other species are being allowed less and less. This global crisis must be solved in order to insure sustainability for future generations. Through proper education, which is the key to solving the problem of biodiversity, people can learn about the importance of biodiversity, and they can also learn how important their contributions are in preserving its sustainable future. Action must be taken now to do whatever one can to preserve the biodiversity that still exists, and attempt to reverse what has been done in the past. Many steps have already been taken to slow the pace of biodiversity loss and help it recover, but much still needs to be done. As global citizens, we owe it to our future to help save biodiversity and plan for a healthy and happy environment.