HUMAN ECOLOGY
The great obstacle is simply this: the conviction that we cannot change because we are dependent on what is wrong. But that is the addict s excuse, and we know that it will not do. Wendell Berry
What species? What ecological issues?
What species? What ecological issues?
What species? What ecological issues?
What species? What ecological issues?
Endangered vertebrates: What are the IUCN categories? What are the patterns; what are the reasons?
Maximum sustainable yield concept
Yosemite Toad, Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog and Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog to Get Federal Protections Under the Endangered Species Act
Threats to species survival: Know threats to individual species.
Susceptibility to Extinction Original carrying capacity Size of organism Position in food chain Specialization in food needs Habitat specialization Reproductive habits K-selected species Genetic diversity Relationship to humans
Sierra Bighorn Now recognized as a separate subspecies from California ssp. Population decline to 100 individuals in 1990s Decline due to Increase to current 500 individuals Capture & transport; reintroduction to extend range and establish new populations
Sierra Bighorn
Sierra Bighorn Now recognized as a separate subspecies from California ssp. Population decline to 100 individuals in 1990s Decline due to Increase to current 500 individuals Capture & transport to extend range and establish new populations
Sierra Bighorn
Sierra Bighorn Now recognized as a separate subspecies from California ssp. Population decline to 100 individuals in 1990s Decline due to Increase to current 500 individuals Capture & transport to extend range and establish new populations
Value of Biodiversity Reasons for Concern Ecosystem function Agricultural systems Pharmaceutical resources Ecotourism Intrinsic value Religious values
Are humans the only object of God s redemptive plan or is all creation part of the great story? Colossians 1: [Christ] is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Biblical visions of shalom Isaiah 11: 6-9 The wolf shall lie with the lamb, the leopard with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as waters cover the sea.
What lessons are found in the Genesis story of Noah and the flood? http://www.noahmovie.com/videos
Sustainability
Costa Rican lowland TRF
Banana plantation agriculture: example of unsustainable practices
Meseta Central: home to expanding population
total population 4 million 26% live in area of San José Growth rate 1984-2000 4%/year
Deforestation: a significant challenge
Montane cloud forest
Biodiversity and threatened species
Costa Rican Coffee production: promoting sustainable agriculture
Bio-diverse systems; IPM or organic methods of fertility & pest control; sustainable energy inputs & outputs; soil & water conservation; human considerations
Natural areas and benefits
Costa Rican ecotourism
Costa Rican ecological research
Documenting biodiversity & potential benefits
Costa Rica & Sustainability Universal health care Universal education Abolished the military in favor of a smaller national guard. Established a system of national parks and protected areas comprising over 25% of the Costa Rica. Historically more equitable distribution of land and wealth. Promote sustainable agriculture Hydro-power Promote eco-tourism Seek profits from biodiversity
Preserving California Native Plants - California recognized as a unique biologically rich region: CA home to 6000 native spp. (25% of continental US plant spp.) Over 1500 spp. endemic to CA Over 1500 spp. Considered rare, threatened or endangered
100 spp. worldwide 80 CA taxa 11 rare & endangered 3 endangered in CA only 15 of limited distribution 1 of unknown status 3 presumed extinct Genus Mimulus: Monkeyflowers Mimulus bicolor
100 spp. worldwide 80 CA taxa 11 rare & endangered 3 endangered in CA only 15 of limited distribution 1 of unknown status 3 presumed extinct Genus Mimulus: Monkeyflowers Mimulus whitneyi
100 spp. worldwide 80 CA taxa 11 rare & endangered 3 endangered in CA only 15 of limited distribution 1 of unknown status 3 presumed extinct Genus Mimulus: Monkeyflowers Mimulus cardinalis
100 spp. worldwide 80 CA taxa 11 rare & endangered 3 endangered in CA only 15 of limited distribution 1 of unknown status 3 presumed extinct Genus Mimulus: Monkeyflowers Mimulus primuloides
100 spp. worldwide 80 CA taxa 11 rare & endangered 3 endangered in CA only 15 of limited distribution 1 of unknown status 3 presumed extinct Genus Mimulus: Monkeyflowers Mimulus floribundus
100 spp. worldwide 80 CA taxa 11 rare & endangered 3 endangered in CA only 15 of limited distribution 1 of unknown status 3 presumed extinct Genus Mimulus: Monkeyflowers Mimulus torreyi
This curious world we inhabit is more wonderful than convenient; more beautiful than it is useful; it is more to be admired and enjoyed than used. Henry David Thoreau