Life sciences & Environmental Issues

Oxford University Museum of

Natural History

Biodiversity is Short for

BiologicalDiversity

The presence of air and water makes life possible on the earth.

How do we Define Biodiversity?Biodiversity includes all organisms, species, and populations; the genetic variation among these; and all their complex assemblages of communities and ecosystems. communities and ecosystems.

It also refers to the interrelatednessof genes, species, and ecosystems and their interactions with the environment.

Usually three levels of biodiversity are discussed—

Genetic, Species, and Ecosystem diversity

Biodiversity is studied in three different levels :

Genetic

SpeciesSpecies

Ecological

Genetic diversityIt is the variation in Genes in a particular Species.

This difference has given us beautiful Butterflies, Roses etc.

Species diversity

It refers to the variety of

living organisms on the Earth

Ecosystem diversityThis refers to the variety of habitats which includes includes climate, vegetation and geography of a region.

Genetic diversity is all the different genes contained in all individual plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.

Species diversityis all the differences within and between populations of species, as well as between different species.as between different species.

Ecosystem diversityis all the different habitats, biological communities, and ecological processes, as well as variation within individual ecosystems.

Just how many species do we reallyhave?

Global Biodiversity [All figures in thousands]

S.No. TAXASpecies described

Estimate [High]

Estimate [Low]

Working Figure

1 Viruses 4 1,000 50 400

2 Bacteria 4 3,000 50 1,000

3 Fungi 72 2,700 200 1,500

4 Protozoa & 80 1,200 210 6004 Protozoa & Algae

80 1,200 210 600

5 Plants 270 500 300 320

6 Nematodes 15 1,000 100 400

7 Insects 950 100,000 2,000 8,000

8 Mollusks 70 200 100 200

9 Chordates 45 55 50 500

Global Biodiversity

Evolution & Biodiversity?

Natural Processes can put species at risk from Extinction

Logically the species evolve, and are ultimately destined to die out to extinction. Species with small populations and with limited ranges are more vulnerable.

Extinction of widespread species is caused following Extinction of widespread species is caused following Environmental first strike and favored by stresses outside normal ranges.

But the current rate of extinction of species is much higher than that existed in the past.

What are the Threats to Biodiversity?

The loss of biodiversity is a significant issue for scientists and policy-makers and the topic is finding its way into living rooms and classrooms. Species are rooms and classrooms. Species are becoming extinct at the fastest rate known in geological history and most of these extinctions have been tied to human activity

MAN-MADE CAUSESFOR LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY

• Destruction of Habitat• Pollution• Pollution• Hunting• Indiscriminate use of Toxic chemicals• Genetic Erosion

Threats to Biodiversity: Deforestation 1

Usually as a direct result of human activity and population growth, is a major force in the loss of species, populations, and

Habitat loss and destruction:usually as a direct result of human activity and population growth, is a major force in the loss of species, loss of species, populations, and ecosystems.

force in the loss of species, populations, and ecosystems.

Threats to Biodiversity 4

The over-exploitation (over-hunting,over-fishing, or over-fishing, or over-collecting) of a species or population can lead to its demise.

Threats to Biodiversity 5

Trade in wild lifeTimber - 100,000 Billion $

Fisheries - 50,000 Billion $

Mammal Furs - 750 Million $

Ornamental Plants-250 Ornamental Plants-250 Mil. $

Edible snails - 460 Million $

Illegal Trade5 to 8,000 Billion $/Y

Industrialisation

Anthropogenic

Threats to Biodiversity 6

Anthropogenic pollution and contamination can affect all levels of biodiversity.

UrbanisationDevelopmental activities Results in to continued Urbanization Urbanization causing adverse affects on

Bio Diversity

Threats to Biodiversity 2Alterations in ecosystem composition

such as the loss or decline of a species, can lead to a loss of biodiversity.

Elimination of coyotes in the Elimination of coyotes in the canyons of southern California are linked to decreases in song bird populations.

Threats to Biodiversity 3

The introduction of exotic (non-native) species can disrupt entire ecosystems and impact populations of native plants or animals. These invaders can adversely animals. These invaders can adversely affect native species by eating them, infecting them, competing with them, or mating with them.

Genetic Erosion

Threats to Biodiversity 7

Global Warming induced Climate change can alter environmental conditions. Species and populations Species and populations may be lost if they are unable to adapt to new conditions or relocate.

Rate of Extinction of Species• 90 vertebrate species have become extinct in

every century.• 1 species of higher plants has become extinct

in every 27 years.• 75% of birds & mammals have become

extinct in recent years were island dwelling extinct in recent years were island dwelling species.

• It is estimated that ¼ th world’s biodiversity is under risk of extinction in next 20-30 years.

• In last 40 yrs, 120 species of mammals & 225 of birds have become extinct in the world.

Some Endangered Birds & Animals

• Lesser florican• Great Indian bustard• Nilgiri tahr• Nilgiri tahr• One horned rhino• Lion-tailed macaque• Asiatic lion• Tiger

Lesser florican

Saras crain

Great Indian bustard

Nilgiri tahr

One horned rhino

Lion-tailed macaque

Asiatic lion

Tiger

�Medicine�Ecosystem Services�Biotechnology�Environmental Monitoring��Food & Crop Security�Recreation & Aesthetics�Pets & Domestic animals�Political & Social issues�Ecosystem Security & Resilience

Biogeographic region that is both a

significant reservoir of Biodiversity significant reservoir of Biodiversity

and is threatened with destruction

�One of the 12 Mega biodiversity country� Has 02 World’s Biodiversity Hot Spots� 8% of World’s Biodiversity� 81,000 Animal Species� 81,000 Animal Species� 45,000 Plant Species (6000 endemic)� 50% of World’s Tigers �100% Asiatic Lions

Environmental Ethos & Concerns are inherent to Indian Psyche

Our religious scriptures , our customs &traditions, and code of conduct [Dharma]are richly entwined with love, concern & compassion to all the fellow living beings compassion to all the fellow living beings with whom we share this beautiful Planet

Biodiversity conservation Treaties�Ramsar Convention, 1971 [Wetlands] -146 countries�World Heritage Convention (WHC), 1972

[Cultural & Natural Heritage] -180 countries�Convention on international Trade in endangered

species of Wild flora & Fauna (CITES), 1973species of Wild flora & Fauna (CITES), 1973[endangered species ] -166 countries

�Convention on conservation of Migratory species of wild animals (CCMS), 1979 & 2005 [Migratory species ] -90 countries

�Convention on Law of the Seas (UNCLOS),1971 [Marine Life] -146 countries

• Article 48 – A:• Imposes constitutional obligation on state “ to protect &

improve the natural environment and to safeguard the forest & wild life of the country”.

• Article 51 – A (g):• Enjoined a duty on the citizens of India “ to protect &

improve the natural environment and to safeguard the forest, lakes, rivers & wild life & to have compassion for living creatures”.

1.Total Land mass - 2973,000 Km2

2.Total Cropland - 1694,610 Km2 [57% Area] Year2000

3.Total Pastures - 118,920 Km2 [04% Area]

4.Total Forest Cover - 641,000 Km2[21% Area] per capita0.07 %

5.Dense Forest - 367,260 Km2 [57.3% Forest Area] Canopy<40%

2 6. Open Forest - 261,310 Km2 [40.7%Forest Area] Canopy10-40%

7. Mangrove - 4827 Km2 [0.75% Area]

We had in 1947 about 34 % area under forestMajor conflicts are logging for sake of timber and Pulp, and also the requirements of Fuel wood, Fodder and Agricultural

land to support the deprived Local Tribal Communitieswhich are often marginalised

“ Provides for the protection of wild animals, Birds, and plants connected therewith or ancillary or incidental

thereto with a view to ensuring the Ecological & Environmental security of the Country”

Restricts the killing of the Endangered Species, and

Possession & Trade of the Trophies of Wild animals &

Plants. Looks after the Zoo’s Management

87 National Parks - 4.06 Million ha.485 Wildlife Sanctuaries - 11.54 million ha.Total protected areas - 15.60 Million ha.23 Tiger Reserves spread over - 3.3 million ha.23 Tiger Reserves spread over - 3.3 million ha.12 Biosphere Reserves 780 Forest Divisions63,618 JFM – 14.09 Million ha.

Just a Thought

Dinosaurs & Reptiles 1 year agoMammals 8 months agoHumans evolved 4 hr. ago

This 1 minute is critical in extinction of 100’s of animals, mortality and morbidity, global warming

and various environmental problems

Humans evolved 4 hr. agoAgriculture 1 hr. agoIndustrial revolution 1 min. ago

When will We Realize?Till when last river is pollutedTill when last lake is dried-upTill when last game is hunted downTill when last tree is chopped off

We will not realize that We will not realize that The money can’t be eaten

What do we leave for our children?