Biodiversity Conservation Issues - Essay Example

Conservation of biodiversity has been threatened by air pollution and climatic changes. The need to review management strategies has been necessitated by these threats as it can lead to losses in biodiversity. The policy strategies are supposed to be reviewed for the process of biodiversity to be effective. Assessment depends on the reliable evidence and comprises of the results of monitoring to detect and quantify the climatic changes which are occurring from time to time. The impacts of climate change on biodiversity have called for improved monitoring and better integration of the existing initiatives. Environmental Change Network was established to monitor the impacts of climate changes. According to studies, climate changes and air pollution affects the effectiveness of biodiversity. When undertaking any survey, it is important to propose a series of measurements which encompasses all aspects of biodiversity such as vegetation, birds and butterflies. It should also include aspects of physical environment such as climate and aspects of soil chemistry (Fabbio, 2004). Introduction Beinn Eighe is a biosphere reserve which displays a suite of habitats that are affected by ocean and upland influences. It is characterized by bare rock, heathland, scree and wet grassland. Dwarf shrub heath and western variants moss heath are species that attracts national interest. This biosphere has Loch Maree which is found in isolated gorges which is characterized by holly, rowan, oak and juniper. The site is managed for conservation purposes. It was first establish as an open laboratory which was then used later as a site for managing environmental change (Franco, 2003). Location of the National Reserve The site is close to Kinlochewe village and it covers about 5,000 hectares. It is surrounded by Loch Maree and Glen Torridon. The site rises to the top of Meall Ghiubhais. It is one of the most spectacular ranges in Scotland and is regarded to be the most attractive reserve for climbers and geologists. The reserve is characterized by various types of rocks such as ancient grey Lewisian gneiss, torridonian sandstone that forms the bulk of mountain. Another distinctive feature is the present of Cambrian quartzites. What makes the reserve more superior are glaciers that sculpted quartzites rocks during ice ages. Monitoring of pollution and climate around the world have been done under separate programs distinct from biodiversity on particular group of species such as Butterfly Monitoring Scheme and Breeding Bird Survey. Aspects of physical environment and biodiversity is under the watch of three major schemes.The Forestry, manufacturing, agriculture and urbanization among others contribute enormously to growth and development of a nation. These major contributors of economy have significant impact on the natural systems. The maintenance of the pristine ecosystems has been affected by the growth of population which has led to increase in demand for goods. There has been a conflict between the economic development and conservation of the pristine ecosystems so as to sustain wildlife populations. The cost of industrial pollution and maintenance of integrity of environment should be a critical factor in the running of the economy (Drewitt, (2005) Species found in Beinn Eighe The site has an outstanding scenery and wildlife. It has various plant and animal species which makes the site very fantastic. According to the Beinn Eighe manager concerning the wildlife highlights of the site, the reserve is home for rare plant and animal species. Some of animal species are pine marten, Scottish crossbill, white tailed sea eagle, golden eagle mountain hare and ptarmigan. Some of the major plant species found in the site are scots fine, hard fern, alder, butterwort, willow, heath rush, holly, rowan, birch, cowberry, heather and boggy plants such as asphodel and wispy seeds. As the most distinguished botanic site, the reserve ahs higher plants such as saxifrage dwarf juniper and marsh club moss among others. Lower plants such as oceanic mosses and liverworts are found in this site as revealed by survey conducted (Balharry, 2002). Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey According to Phase 1 habitat survey, the site contains semi-natural vegetation and wildlife habitat over large areas. Phase 1 method of classification is hierarchical and is based on vegetation in reference to topography and substrate features of the site. The site has its habitats divided as follows as shown by phase 1 map. The area is surveyed and the vegetation is mapped on to a large scale map. Using colour codes system as specified by Nature Conservation Committee, rapid visual assessment of the site is done to find the extent of distribution of various habitats. It is important to use codes to find distribution of the dominant species hence compile the target notes. Group Description A Grassland and marsh B Scots fine C Heathland D Woodland and scrub E Coastland F Boggy Effects of climate on biodiversity Climatic changes have a lot of impact on biodiversity. The effects of climatic changes exacerbate threats to the existing ecological systems. Changes in climate may be accompanied by atmospheric disposition of nitrogen or phosphorous rich nutrients which are been carried by floods. This can then alter competitive relationships that existed between plant species or animal species in the terrestrial community. Climatic changes have impacts on the community composition as it might be completed changed leading to extirpations of certain flora and fauna. Different species respond differently to the changes in climatic changes hence some may not resist. Climatic changes can lead to elimination of a population species. When a lot of nitrogen is present in the water carried during time of floods, species that are in position to respond to the extra nutrients will achieve higher rates of biomass production hence dominating the vegetation. Animal and plant species that are less active in nutrient rich in a lot of nutrients may be eliminated as they are unreliable to respond to the changes. Climatic changes have lead to shift in species distribution. 'Climatic space', a term used to refer to the exact climatic conditions that plant or animal species require in order to survive is very crucial to species. If changes occur in the climatic space, animal species are likely to disappear from the site. Animals that are used to low temperatures will move when the conditions changes to maximum temperatures. Changes in climatic conditions may also lead to decline in the population of some species. Some will die due to changes in climatic space while others will shift to more favorite conditions. Fishing Fishing and other related jobs provide a lot of revenue to most countries around the world including UK. It creates a lot of jobs for the country. Fishing activities have a lot of impacts on biodiversity since it affects the aquatic ecosystem through aquaculture, introduction of exotic species of fish, over harvesting of fish and alterations of habitat. Overfishing is a common phenomena and it has major impact on decline and extinction of fish species. Atlantic cod species, rare blue walleye and Lake Erie have been extinct through overpopulations in countries such as China. Overharvesting has changed the community composition and reduced number of fish. According to studies, there was a sharp decline of over 40 per cent in the number of cod species harvested in George Banks between 1960 and1980 and there was a sharp contrast of undesirable dogfishes which its population increased from 3 percent to 40 percent. Non-native Fish species have been hybridized with native populations. When unhealthy fish or non-native species are released into the habitats of native species, biodiversity of fish is affected. Aquaculture is the term that is used to refer to this human activity and it has pressured the biodiversity of fish. This is one of the challenges that should be considered deeply in designing policy and management strategies that are aimed at conserving the ecosystems. Habitat removal and Alteration Ecosystem has been affected adversely by human activities. Habitat fragmentation is human activity that leads to loss of habitat as result of subdivisions of already existing habitats. It leads to increase in corresponding in other habitats in the geographical position. This has posed a lot of threats to biodiversity especially in countries such as Canada and UK. In these countries, human activities have caused a lot of harm to the natural environment. This has put most ecoregions to high risk for loss of biodiversity. Agriculture has lead to conversion of lands and this has resulted decrease prairie habitat. Approximately 80 % of shortgrass prairie habitat and 85% of the native mixed grass has been lost through the conversion of land for agriculture. Increase in population has increased demand for food which is a very unfortunate incident to the ecological system. This has accelerated the rate of conversion of lands where most of it is reserved for farming activities. The prairie habitats are exceptionally rich in different kind of species which are part of the natural areas. Soil quality has been degraded by poor agricultural practices that are common around the world. The top soil, the most important part for natural habitat has been lost. Scrublands birds and grasslands birds and wild pollinating insects have been reduced or extirpated due to agricultural activities (Forys, 1998). It is imperative to understand that habitat fragmentation has adverse impacts on the processes that drive biodiversity on top of effects on species. Larger populations of species are broken down into smaller proportions which might get extinct due to isolation. Large population might loose viability when broken down to smaller group. If local extinctions of species occurs a times and this affects the potentiality of the population. Human activities such as agriculture have impacted negatively on biodiversity due its prevalence over the landscape. Agriculture has led to habitat alteration, introduction of exotic pests and soil pollution by pesticides and fertilizers. Agriculture can be very effective to biodiversity if it aids in conservation of certain plant species which could be extinct in the process of urbanization. Cultivation process is useful if it integrates wild species into the agricultural landscapes. Some of the major impacts of habitat alteration include: Habitat alteration leads to global changes in concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere It has changed plants stocks genetically The established ecosystem have been changed by habitat alteration Disruption of natural flood regimes and erosion of soil due to modifications of the large-scale drainage systems Introduction of non-native species Globalization Globalization does not affect natural environment directly. Aspects such as increased in transportation network, increased in oceanic shipping traffic are detriments to the natural ecosystem. It has lead to strain on the natural systems where species have been forced to migrate to new habitats. The proliferation of international trade treaties has led to movement of goods and services between countries. The effect of these activities is introduction of pollutant into the aquatic system and the destruction of the coastal habitats. Hybridization has occurred due to industrialization. Native habitats are introduced to exotic species as a result of release of ballast waters from ships which are transporting goods of international trade. Ships transporting goods for international trade often take up water in their ballast from the parent country for stabilization purposes when they are crossing the ocean. This ballast water may carry plants and animals species which are native to the country of destination (Schleuning, & Vadillo, 2000). Ecologists Plant hybridization as mentioned earlier; affects the ecology and evolution of plant species as agreed by ecologists. Ecologist ignored this idea in the past as they belief that hybrid among animals were freaks of nature hence had no ecological consequences. Hybridization is an important evolutionary process hence these events have been advocated for by biologists and the ecologists. Their activities have a lot of impacts on the process of biodiversity. Several studies conducted showed that hybridization of plant species have direct influence on the community structure and biodiversity. A study was conducted in Australia, where 38 insect taxa and two fungal taxa were distributed in hybrid and pure zones. The results revealed that 72 % were abundant in hybrid zone than the pure zone. 26% showed no differences and 2% were abundant in pure zones. This indicates that hybridization can lead to extirpations of certain species (Lian, & Gardner, 2000). Importance of deer management to biodiversity The aim of biodiversity is to create a balance of natural habitats, species and genes. It is also concern with conserving habitats that are of national interest taking into consideration the objectives of deer management. Enhancing biodiversity can be achieved if desirable strategies are used to maintain. Deer grazing management is very paramount as it leads to management of deer densities and the way they are distributed. Beinn Eughe is a biosphere with a lot of deer and its management is very crucial to the biodiversity. High number of deer grazing impacts the key natural habitats present in the Eughe reserve. These key habitats include blanket bog, woodland and heather moorland. Deer Management actions which are of great influence to the biosphere should consider the role of grallochs in the natural habitat, minimize the spread of sika deer genes into the red deer gene pool because the later are of great beneficial to biodiversity (Becker, 2001). Deer management should priorities on national and international interests for specific habitats and species. Deer management is also aimed providing networks for fragmented habitats. Deer grazing can cause a lot of damages to the indigenous forests. Deer graze selectively on young and palatable seedlings leading to disruption of regeneration process. The disturbances of the regeneration process changes the composition of the forests. The indigenous birds, lizards and insects will not be comfortable with the changes that occur in the natural habitat due to effects of forest-floor browsers. These species feed on fruits and seeds of trees. As a way forward, there should be an intensive deer control programme so that there are abundances of seedlings in the natural habitats. (Becker, 2001). Rhododendron control Alien species such rhododendron is very detrimental to species that live in freshwater since it cast heavy leaves which might prevent light from reaching the aquatic systems. This limits bio-production of the aquatic system which may lead to extirpation of these species. The native trees might not regenerate as usual. The shrubs and ground flora may get extinct. The Burans (rhododendron) are also affected by the changes in climate. The plant blooms very well during wet days. This sharply contrasts with the global warming period. According to Dr. Uday of Ghorakhori School, the flowers used to boom very well in February when the climate is moderately wet but due to climate changes i.e. global warming, the plant does not augur very well which endangers these flora and fauna. Plant species are generally affected by climatic changes (Franco, 2003). SNH Management It is very strong and it has enhanced the development of the site. According to recent speeches by the Chief Executive, has the responsibility of protecting the Scotland' National Heritage. This body has enabled the people of the country to understand the importance of the national heritage hence people are very active in ensuring that Beinn Eighe is very sustainable. This site is progressing very well due to the SNH management. It has provided opportunities for people to be very responsible in caring of the natural habitat. It has also managed to improve the quality of life by protecting the natural environment that surrounds the urban areas. The management is very effective in promoting care of Scotland, marine and fresh water resources that are very beneficial to the public. SNH has made the site to be known by many people around the world. The site gets over 30,000 visitors every year. It has vast facilities which include trails of varying length and of different abilities. Tourist have been attracted so much by the facilities such as reserve center which was completed in 2002.The SNH source funds from European and Heritage Lottery funding. The management of the site has been very successful and it has contributed to the local economy. It is tourist attraction center and it is a source of employment to the local people. Measures that SNH are taking to enhance sustainability SNH is committed to promoting the site. It promotes environmental education through formal education and many schools have supported the process. It secures maximum commitment from both national and international bodies towards sustainable use of resources. SNH is supports Scottish Executive's Policy by publishing desirable strategies for agriculture and tourism. In this way, the managing body is able to secure maximum commitment from both private and governmental organizations hence it will not lack funds to develop further (Ghazoul, & Butler, 1996). SNH has also created strong bond between the natural heritage and tourism considering the economic value of wildlife to the local economy. The projects that are been supported by SNH has enabled it to win the minds of many people who then drum up support for sustainability of the site. People are attracted by the way the site is been developed and are willing to support SNH in its management. The body will managed the site to the later since it is involved in partnership with other local authorities such Forestry Commission and Enterprise Networks. SWOT Analysis of Beinn Eighe. Strengths Biodiversity process requires a lot of funds. Funding determines the capabilities of the site in its process of conservation. The site has received a marshal support from other organizations. It has enough resources that can enable it to achieve its objectives of conservation. Heritage Lottery Fund contributed '210,000 to the site. The site also received '150,000 from Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme, and '50,000 from Ross and Cromarty Enterprise, and '90,000 from SNH. The biosphere is situated in the most impressive landscapes. It is characterize by series of mountains which has been an international interest to the rest of the world population (Ghazoul & Butler, 1996). There are weakness which limits the activity of the biodiversity and these includes lack of expertise who can identify the diverse taxonomic classes Possible threats Biodiversity and other ecological aspect are affected adversely by human activities. The functions of SNH have faced a lot of challenges which is threatening to sabotage its effective functioning. Some of the possible threats are habitat loss, invasion of other species, population increase which may lead to population pressures and climatic changes which has direct impact on the nature of the ecosystem. It is imperative to establish ways of combating these threats. There are numbers of steps that can be taken to achieve the objectives of biodiversity. The establishments of the conventional bodies are aimed at controlling habitat loss References Fabbio, G. (2004). Forest Maintenance Biodiversity. Journal of Environmental Management, Vol. 6 (1), pp 60-90. Franco, M. (2003). Biodiversity. Centre for Biological Studies, Perth College, pp. 100-390. Zurich, D. (2000). Terrestrial Ecosystems and Biodiversity. Professor Ecosystem Management., Universitaestrasse, Switzerland, pp. 120-167. Becker, T. (2001). Clonal Biodiversity and Gene Differentiation. Journal of Molecular Biology, Vol. (3). Pp. 290-450. Schleuning, R. & Vadillo G. (2000). Climatic Changes and Biodiversity. Journal of Ecological Management, pp.180-236. Drewitt, J. (2005). Plant Conservation in Scotland. Ecological Adviser's Unit, Edinburgh. 100-211. Koh, P. (2003). Biodiversity Legislation and Policy. Botanical Journal of Scotland, Vol. 50(2), pp. 200-220. Lian, P. & Gardner, T. (2000). Plant Conservation in Human Modified Landscapes. In Biology Conservation, Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K. 23-79. Forys, E. (1998). Community Change in Beinn Eighe: Biological Invasions. Environmental Science, St Petersburg, USA. 122-243. Ghazoul, J. & Butler, R. (1996). Management of Beinn Eighe. Botanical Journal of Scotland, Vol. 21(3), pp. 60-90. Balharry, D. (2002). Population Density of Martens in Beinn Eighe. Scottish Natural Heritage Commissioned Report NO. 140. 102-320 Read More