Loss of biodiversity

Hello. I am Kripa Thapa Magar, Public Health Professional. This slide was prepared when I was in BPH 4th semester, National Open College as an assignment of environmental health subject by compiling information from different sources.

1. Presented by: Kripa Thapa Magar BPH 4 th Semester National Open College 11/16/2014 Loss of

2. Biodiversity The Global Convention on Biological Diversity, signed in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, describes biodiversity as: “ T he variability among all living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystem and other ecological complexes of which they are part, this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.”

3. Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth. The term biodiversity is commonly used to describe the number, variety, and variability of life form, levels and combinations existing within the living world. Biodiversity underpins life on Earth, and refers to the variety found in biota from genetic make up of plants and animals to cultural diversity . Biodiversity also underpins ecosystem function and the provision of ecosystem services.

4. It is a practice now to define biodiversity in terms of genes, species & ecosystem. Species diversity : numbers of species within an area Ecosystem diversity : variation among ecosystems, communities, landscapes Genetic diversity : genetic variation within population or species

5. Why biodiversity is important? Biodiversity importance Learn more about earth by exploring diverse ecosystem Variety of food Help to stop global warming It is beautiful and should be enjoyed Recover from natural disasters Medicinal drugs come from plants Wood products come from nature Tourism Boosts ecosystem productivity

6. “Human health is strongly linked to the health of ecosystems, which meet many of our most critical needs .” - Maria Neira , Director of WHO's Department for the Protection of the Human Environment Biodiversity is the life support system of our planet- we depend on it for the air we breathe, the food we eat, medicine we take and the water we drink. Wetlands filter pollutants from water, trees and plants reduce global warming by absorbing carbon, and bacteria and fungi break down organic material and fertilize the soil. It has been empirically shown that native species richness is linked to the health of ecosystems, as is the quality of life for humans.

7. Biodiversity is not evenly distributed, rather it varies greatly across the globe as well as within regions. Among other factors, the diversity of all living things depends on temperature, precipitation, altitude, soils, geography and the presence of other species. Distribution

8. Estimated number of species on Earth vary from 5 million to 3 million. The UN Convention on Biological Diversity says there are some 13 million species, of which 1.75 million have been described. Seventy per cent of the world's species is found in just 12 countries: Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico and Peru. 

9. Number of described species on Earth Source: UNEP/Global Environment Outlook Species Number Bacteria 4000 algae, protozoa 80,000 Animals – vertebrates 52,000 Animals – invertebrates 1,272,000 Fungi 72,000 Plants 270,000 Total described species 1,750,000 Possible total of all species (including unknown species) 14,000,000

10. Nepal’s biodiversity at ecosystem and habitat, species and gene levels is a reflection of its unique geographic position and wide altitudinal and diverse climatic conditions. The latest physiographic data shows that Nepal harbors 29% forest area, 10.6% shrub land and degraded forest, 12% grassland, 21 % farmland, 2.6% water body, 7% uncultivated inclusions, and 17.8% others. The country is a part of biodiversity hotspot, among four hotspots occurring in the Himalayan region. Biodiversity of Nepa l

11. There are six biomes occurring in Nepal, i.e. only two less than India . In terms of Global 200 Eco regions, Nepal hosts nine important eco regions among 60 eco regions found in the Himalayan region . As many as 35 forest types and 118 ecosystems have been classified on the basis of altitudinal, climatic variations and vegetation types. In the view of the species diversity in wild habitat, Nepal occupies 25th position and 11th on the global and continental basis respectively.

12. Types of species and their number found in Nepal

13. Nepal has established a network of 21 protected areas since 1973, consisting of 10 national parks, 3 wildlife reserves, 3 conservation areas and 1 hunting reserve. National parks: Chitwan National Park Sagarmatha National Park Langtang National Park Rara national park Khaptad National Park Shey Phoksundo National Park Bardiya National Park Protected areas of Nepal

14. Makalu National Park Shivapuri National Park Banke National Park Wildlife reserve Koshi tappu wildlife reserve Parsa wildlife reserve Sukla phanta wildlife reserve Hunting reserves Dhorpatan hunting reserve

15. Conservation areas: Annapurna conservation areas Api nampa conservation areas Gaurishankar conservation areas Kanchenjunga conservation areas Makalu- barun conservation areas Manaslu conservation areas Blackbuck conservation areas

16. Loss of biodiversity A major report, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, released in March 2005 highlighted a substantial and largely irreversible loss in the diversity of life on Earth, with some 10-30% of the mammal, bird and amphibian species threatened with extinction, due to human actions.  The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) added that Earth is unable to keep up in the struggle to regenerate from the demands we place on it .

17. The average lifespan of a species is approximately 1-10 million years, but that recorded extinctions correspond to a average lifespan of only 10,000 years, while rough calculations suggest that current trends may lead to average lifespan of only 200-400 years. Thus extinction rates are up to 10,000 times the natural rate of extinction of one species per year.

18. Causes of loss of biodiversity Threats to biodiversity loss are numerous and human activity is responsible for most of them. Habitat loss and degradation affects 86% of all threatened birds, 86% of the threatened mammals assessed and 88% of the threatened amphibians . Introductions of  Invasive Alien Species  that establish and spread outside their normal distribution. Some of the most threatening invasive species include cats and rats, green crabs, zebra mussels. Introduction of Alien Species can happen deliberately or unintentionally. Over-exploitation of natural resources . Resource extraction, hunting, and fishing for food, pets, and medicine .

19. Pollution and diseases . For example, excessive fertilizer use leads to excessive levels of nutrients in soil and water. Human-induced climate change . For example, climate change is altering migratory species patterns, and increasing coral bleaching. Globally , we now require the equivalent of 1.4 planets to support our lifestyles. This is humanity’s current  Ecological Footprint  - the demand people place upon the natural world.

20. Facts Since 2000, 6 million hectares of primary forest have been lost each year. More land was converted to cropland in the 30 years after 1950 than in the 150 years between 1700 and 1850. Between 1960 and 2000, reservoir storage capacity quadrupled and, as a result, the amount of water stored behind large dams is estimated to be three to six times the amount held by rivers. 35% of mangroves have been lost in just 20 years. Roughly 20% of the world’s coral reefs have been destroyed and an additional 20% have been degraded.  

21. In 2009, humanity used 40% more resources than nature can regenerate in a year.  75 % of genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been lost 75% of world’s fisheries are fully or over exploited Up to 70% of the world’s known species are at the risk of extinction if the global temperature rise by more than 3.5 degree centigrade Over 350 million people suffer from severe water scarcity

22. The rapid loss of species we are seeing today is estimated by experts to be between 1,000 and 10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate. Some scientists estimate that as many as 3 species per hour are going to extinct and 20,000 extinctions occur each year. Of the world’s 5490 mammals, 78 are extinct, with 188 critically endangered, 540 endangered and 492 vulnerable 1895 of the planets' 6285 amphibians are in danger of extinction, making them the most threatened group of species known to date. At least 803 species have become extinct since the year 1500, according to the IUCN's 2009 Red List of Threatened Species.

23. Species extinct (or extinct in wild) Extinct Extinct in wild Total Vertebrates Mammals 76 2 78 Birds 133 4 137 Reptiles 20 1 21 Amphibians 37 2 39 Fishes 90 13 103 subtotal 356 22 378

24. Extinct Extinct in wild Total Invertebrates Insects 60 1 61 Crustaceans 7 1 8 Molluscs 295 14 309 Other 1 1 subtotal 363 16 379

25. Extinct Extinct in wild Total Plants Mosses 2 2 Ferns 3 3 Gymnosperms 4 4 Dicots 77 22 99 Monocots 2 2 4 Subtotal 84 28 112

26. Number of species threatened with extinction The 2008 Red List of Threatened Species states that the number of species threatened with extinction is 16,928. T his includes: 1 out of 8 birds 1 out of 4 mammals 1 out of 4 conifers 1 out of 3 amphibians 6 out of 7 marine turtles

27. Threats to biodiversity in N epal The main threats to Nepal’s biodiversity are (Nepal Biodiversity Strategy, 2002): Fragmentation and degradation of habitat Illegal trade of key wild animals and plants Unsustainable use of natural resources Spread of invasive alien plant species Human-wildlife conflict Climate change Overgrazing by livestock Fire, flood and landslide Large infrastructure development Pollution of aquatic environments and changes in river flows

28. The GoN has imposed restrictions on the export of 12 plant species and one forest product under the Forest Act (1993). Similarly, 27 mammal species, 9 bird species , and 3 reptile species have been given legal protection under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act ( 1973). The most notable fauna among endangered species are The Greater One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Snow Leopard, Arna , Musk Deer, Red Panda, Black buck, Swamp deer, Gaur, and Gharial  . Endangered species of N epal

29. Threat of biodiversity loss at three major levels: The threat of ecosystem loss: due to conversion of natural environment into agriculture or residential areas, environmental pollution etc. The threat of species loss: due to deforestation, habitat degradation, high commercial values in local and international markets for specific plants and animal parts. The threat of loss of genetic resources: due to destruction of natural habitat, overgrazing, land fragmentation, indiscriminate use of pesticides, etc. Threats of biodiversity loss

30. Biodiversity preservation is about saving life on Earth in all its forms and keeping natural ecosystems functioning and healthy. Biodiversity preservation

31. National biodiversity strategy and actions plans Nagoya protocol on ABS Cartagena protocol on biosafety N agoya – Kaula Lumpur Supplementary protocol Global Strategy for Plant Conservation International Day for Biological Diversity – 22 May Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011 – 2020 Some actions taken by CBD

32. The Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, in 2010 in Nagoya, Japan, adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 with the purpose of inspiring broad-based action in support of biodiversity over the next decade by all countries and stakeholders . The Strategic Plan is comprised of a shared vision, a mission, strategic goals and 20 ambitious yet achievable targets, collectively known as the Aichi Targets. Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

33. A biodiversity action plan (BAP) is an internationally recognized program addressing threatened species and habitats and is designed to protect and restore biological systems. The original impetus for these plans derives from the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity  (CBD). As of 2009, 191 countries have ratified the CBD, but only a fraction of these have developed substantive BAP documents. Biodiversity action plan

34. The principal elements of a BAP typically include: Preparing inventories of biological information for selected species or habitats; assessing the conservation status of species within specified ecosystems ; Creation of targets for conversation and restoration; and establishing budgets, timelines and institutional partnerships for implementing the BAP.

35. Establishment of Department of National park and wildlife conservation areas Translocation and reintroduction (rhino from Chitwan to Bardiya ) Given legal protection status to 13 plants, 26 mammals, 9 birds and 3 reptiles Use of alternative energy sources Ecotourism (symbiotic relationship between Environment and Tourists) Action taken by GoN

36. Under the Forest Act 1993, the Government of Nepal has banned the collection use, sale, distribution, transportation, and export of three species effective from February 12, 2001. They are the Pancha ounle ( Dactylorhiza hatagirea ), Okhar ko bokara ( Juglans regia bark) and ‘ Kutki ’ ( Neopicrorhizascrophulariflora ). Likewise, the government has banned transportation, export, and felling of seven tree species for commercial purposes. In addition, 26 mammal species, nine bird species, and three reptile species have been listed as protected under the 1973 NPWC Act.

37. Forest Act 1993 and regulation 1995 Environment protection act and regulation 1997 National biodiversity strategy 2002 National wetland policy 2003 Working policy on wildlife farming, breeding and research 2003 Agriculture policy 2004 Nepal biodiversity strategy implementation plan 2006 Biotechnology policy 2006 National biosafety framework including biosafety policy 2007 Major policies and legal framework related to biodiversity conservation

38. Low level of public awareness and participation, High population pressures and prevailing poverty, Weak institutional, administrative, planning and management capacity, Lack of integrated land and water use planning, Inadequate data and information management and Inadequate policies and strategies for biodiversity conservation. Challenges in the preservation of biodiversity

39. Thank you

40. Define Biodiversity. [2012 S, 2010 S] Causes of loss biodiversity. [2010 S] Threats of loss of biodiversity. {2010 S] Importance of biodiversity. [2013 S] Preservation of biodiversity. [2012 F] Challenges in the preservation of biodiversity. [2013 S] Questions: