ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM OF THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY IN THE THROUGH CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED

Ndubuizu, Chinelo L. and Okara, John O.

Abstract are plant/ species in numbers or small range, but not a threatened immediate danger of becoming extinct. There species. are four direct consequences of species Many countries have laws offering : loss of species as a biological special protection to these species or their entity, destabilization of an ecosystem, : for 'example, forbidding , endangerment of other species, and loss of restricting land development or creating irreplaceable genetic material. Studies have preserves. Only a few of the many endangered implicated certain human activities in this species actually make it to the lists and obtain ecological malady. These include tropical , coral loss, other legal protection. Many more species become destruction, overexploitation of species, extinct, or potentially will become extinct, introduction of alien species into without gaining public notice and pollution (such as soil contamination and According to Harwell (1997), a declining greenhouse gases). This paper, therefore, species, in the USA, has to be added to the reviews the circumstances threatening official list of endangered species before it biodiversity in the ecosystem, and receives any federal protection. But just getting emphatically highlights some candidate enlisted can be the hardest part. The fish and species officially listed as endangered. It is wildlife service maintains a current list of expected that with the concerted effort of endangered species on line. Any person may government, educators at all levels, as well as other stakeholders, preservation of all species petition the government to list a species as either of wildlife would be possible. endangered or threatened. Unfortunately many species sit on the candidate list for and Introduction years owing to adverse political pressure or An endangered species is a population of funding constraints. In this regard, this paper organisms (usually a taxonomic species), which reviews the circumstances that threaten because it is either (a) few in number, or (b) biodiversity within the ecosystem, ' while threatened by changing environmental or emphatically highlighting some candidate predation parameters, is at risk of becoming species officially listed as endangered. extinct (Wilcove, 1998). A 'threatened species', on the other hand, is any species which is likely to The Problem of Species Extinction become an endangered species within the Studies indicate that more than one-half foreseeable future; while an 'extinct species' is million species exist on the earth today. one that is no longer living (Molles, 1999). The However, recent estimated state that, at least, 20 passenger pigeon, the , the dinosaur, and the times this number inhabited the planet Stegosaurus are examples of extinct species. (Cunnngham and Saigo, 1997). In the USA, 735 These no longer exist on Earth. Flather species of plants and 496 species of animals are (1998) defined vulnerable species as a species listed as endangered or threatened (Wilcove, particularly at risk because of low or declining 1998). Tangley (1999), estimated that there are more than 1,000 animal species endangered worldwide, with more than 3,500 protected areas in existence. These areas include parks, wildlife responding to these genetic instructions refuges and other reserves. They cover a total of (Primack, 1998). For example, in the valleys of nearly 2 million square miles (5 million square central China, a fernlike weed called sweet Km), or 30% of our total land area. wormwood grows. This plant is the source of The greatest factor of concern is the rate artemisinin, a drug that is nearly 100% effective at which species are becoming extinct within the against malaria (Rice, 1997). If this plant were last 150 years. While species have evolved and lost to extinction, then the ability to control become extinct on a regular basis for the last malaria, even today a potent killer, would several hundred million years, the number of diminish. There are countless other examples of species becoming extinct since the Industrial chemicals unique to a certain species, whose Revolution has no precedent in biological only source is the species whose genetic factory history. If this rate of extinction continues, or makes that given substance. The number of more accelerates as now seems to be the case, the chemicals that have not yet been discovered and number of species becoming extinct in the next could vanish from the planet when further decade could number in the million (Flather, species become extinct cannot be determined, but 1998). While most people readily relate to it is a highly debated and influential point. endangerment of large mammals or birdlife, Though extinction can be a natural effect some of the greatest ecological issues are the of the process of , the current threats to stability of whole ecosystems if key extinction crisis is not related to that process species vanish at any level of the food chain. (Cox, 1997). At the present, the Earth has fallen According to Alper (1998), species from a peak of biodiversity, and is undergoing extinction in the ultimate concern, but there are the mass extinction period (Mader, four direct consequences of species extinction to 2001). Molles (1999), stated that, though these be considered: loss of species as a biological periods have occurred before without human entity, destabilization of an ecosystem, intervention, the current extinction period is endangerment of other species, and loss of unique. Previous periods were triggered by irreplaceable genetic material and associated physical causes, such as meteorite collision and biochemicals. volcanic eruption, all leading to climate change Chapin (1998), identified the loss of a (Cunningham and Saigo, 1997). The current species in and of itself as an important factor, extinction period is being caused by humans and both as diminution of the enjoyment of nature, began appropriately 100,000 years ago with the and as a moral issue for those who believe diaspora of humans to different parts of the humans are stewards of the natural environment. world. By entering new ecosystems which had Destabilization is a well understood outcome, never experienced the human presence, humans when an element of food or predation is removed disrupted the ecological balance by hunting and from an ecosystem (Harwell, 1997). Examples also possibly bringing disease. From this time up abound that other species are in turn affected, to approximately 10,000 years ago is known as such that populations increases or declines are 'phase one' of the sixth extinction period forthcoming in these secondary species. Drastic (Wilson, 1992). change or an unstable spiral can ensure, until Phase two of the period began other species are lost and the ecosystem structure approximately 10,000 years ago with the birth of is changed markedly and irreversibly. agriculture (Rice, 1997). With the birth of The fourth outcome is more subtle, but agriculture, humans did not have to rely on perhaps the most important point for mankind to interaction with other species for survival and so grasp. Each species carries unique genetic could begin to domesticate them; and they also material in its DNA, and in its chemical factory did not have to adhere to the limitations of the ecosystem's carrying capacity. Thus, humans Endangered Mammals became the first species lo be able to live outside Table 1 A: list of a very small local ecosystem (Alper, 1998). With the ability to Fraction of live outside of a local ecosystem, humans have known Endangered Mammals been free to breach the carrying capacity of areas Asian elephant (Elephax Banteng (Bos javanicus and overpopulate, putting ever more stress on the maxinnis) environment with destructive activities necessary Aye-aye (daubentonia Bonobo (Pan Paniscus) madagascariensis^ ) for more population growth. Today, those Bighorn sheep (o vi s Red fOaHi.? ntftix) activities include tropical deforestation, coral Canadensis) loss, other habitat destruction, overexploitation Eastern gorilla (gorilla Gray bat of species, introduction of alien species into beringei) (Myoti.s ghsescens ecosystems and pollution (such as soil Blue whale (Balaenoptera Island contamination and greenhouse gases) (Flather, musculus) (Urocynn littoralis) Black rhinoceros (Diceros Leopard 1998). Among the various causes of pollution bicornis) (Panthera pardtts) (acid rain, eutrophication, ozone depletion), Ba lack- footed ferret (Mustela ni Kouprey (Bos sauveli) global warming is expected cause the most gripes instances of extinction Sei Whale (Balaenoptera Red panda boreal is) (A'durus fulgens) Bornean orangutan (Pongo Sea otter (pvgmaetts) (Enhydra htttris) The conservation status is an indicator of Common chimpanzee (Pan Indri (Indri indri) the likelihood of thai endangered species troglodytes) continuing to survive. Many factors are taken Tin whale (Bolaenoptera Iberian (lynx pardinus) into account when assessing the conservation physahis) elephant (loxodonta Bonobo (Pan paniscm) status of a species; not simply the number cyclotis) remaining, but the overall increase or decrease in Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Fossa (Cryptoprocta the population over time, breeding success rates, sandaicus} ferox) known threats, and so on (Cox, 1997). In many Proboscis monkey (Nasaiis Snow leopard areas this is referred to as a red-listed species. larval us) (Uncia uncici) The best-known worldwide conservation status listing is the International Union for (Source: Tangley, 1999) Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Red list Endangered (Tangley,1999), but many more specialized lists Table 2: A list of a very small Fraction of exist. The following lists are examples of known Endangered Birds endangered species. It is important to stress that Alaotra Grebe (Tachybaputs Andean condor (Vultur ru/olavalus) zrypluis) the following lists are a minute fraction of the Balck-capped petrel Amamithrush (Zoothera total endangered species (Kaiser, 1998). It is also (Pterodroma hasitala) major) worth noting that the number of species Eskimo Curlew (Nuwenius Crested inis (Nipponia becoming extinct each is many times as borcalis) Nippon) large as the number of species classified as Hawaiian crow (corvus (jurney's pitta (pitta endangered (Flather, 1998). This fact arises from hawaiiensis gurnevi) Chinese crested tern (Sterna Kagu (Ryynochetos the extensive and slow review process for listing bernsteinii) jubatus) new species as endangered. It also arises from Long-billed vulture (Gyptis Laysan duck (Anas the number of yearly , often for indicus) lavsanensis) species about which little documentation exists. Night parrot (Geopsittacus Malso (Macrocephalon occidentalis) maleo) Socorro mockingbird Raso skylark (Alauda (Mimodcs gravsoni) razae) Puerto Rican parrot Mauritius fody (Foiidia

(Amazona vittata) rubra) Palmate newt (Triturus Helvetica) Mauritius parakeet Takahe (porphyrio Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (psittacula equues) hockslctteri) (Ambystoma Okinawa woodpecker( Whooping crane (Grus Sapheopipo noguchii) Americana) macrodactyhun croceum) Sociable lapwing (Vanelhis Spix's macaw Wyoming (Bufo baxteri) gregarious) (Cyanopsita spixii) (Source: Bavendam, 1998) Sao Tome' grosbeak Guam rail (CalHraUus (Neospiza concolor) owstoni) Endangered Fish Kiwi Apteryx australis, A. Ridgway's (buteo Table 4: A list of a Very small fraction of hastii, A. owenii) ridg\vayi) known Endangered Fish (Source: Wuethrick, 1998) Asian arowana (Scleropagesformosus) Bonylail (Gila elegams) Chinese paddlefish (Psephurus Endangered Reptiles gladius) Coelacanth (Coelacanthiformes) Table 2: A list of a very small Fraction of Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius) known Endangered Reptiles Cui-ui (Chasmistes cujus) Dwarf pygmy goby Blunt-nosed leopard liozard (Gmbetia Silus) (Pandaka pygmae) Gamhusia eurystoma, native Burmese star tortoise (Geochelone platynota) to , due to-very limited habitat Humpback California walking (Augusta squeamish) chub (Gila cypha) Virgin River chub (Gila Coachella valley fringe-toed lizard seminude) Source: Safina, 1995) (Uina inornata) Endangered Cuban crocodile Crocodylus rhombifer) Table 5: a list of a very small Fraction of Flat black turtle (Natator depressa) known Endangered Arthropods Grand skink (Oligosoma grande) ( alabamae) Green sea turtle (Chelonia myda) Delhi sands flower-loving fly Hawksbill turi\Q(Ertmochelys imbricata) (Rhaphiomidas Island night lizard (Xantusia riversiana) tenninatus abdominals), due to severely limited Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) range of habitat and development St. Croix ground lizard (Ameiva polops) cave shrimp (Palae monias ganteri) (Source: Mader, 1998) San Bruno elfin butterfly (Incisalia mossii Endangered bayensis), due to limited range of habitat and Table 3: A list of a very small Fraction of development encroachment. known Endangered Amphibians Spruce-fir moss (microhexura montivaga) Arroyo toad (Bufo californicus) Barton springs Tasmanian giant freshwater (Astacopsis salamander (Eurycea sosorum) Baw baw gouldi) (Philoria frosti) Califormia tiger Tooth cave spider (Neoleptoneta myopica) salamander (Ambystoma californiense) White-clawed crayfish Desert slender salamander (Batrachoseps aridus) (Austropotamobius Fleischmann's glass frog (Hyalinobatmchium pallipes) fleischmanni) (Source: Primack, 1998) Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) Italian spade-footed toad (Pelobates fuscus Endangered Plants insubricus) About 60% of the 300,000 identified Mississippi (Ranacapito sevosa) species are endangered due to over collection or Mountain yellow-legged frog (Rama muscosa) destruction of habitat, among other causes. Pollinator decline is also a factor for some species. The following is a very small fraction of 15. Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) of the endangered plants (Rice, 1997). , due to land clearance 1. African violet (Saintpaulia and overcollection. ionantha), due to forest clearance. 2. Baishanzu fir (Abies besshanzuensis) of Recommendation southeast China, three trees known on 1. Government should strengthen an isolated mountain summit. the 3. Baker's larkspur (Delphinium bakeri) of legislations offering special protection to California, due to very limited habitat. endangered species, and thus prescribe 4. Chilean wine palm (jubaea chilensis), tougher penalties for violation. due to land clearance. 2. There is need for government to increase 5. Dawn Redwood Metasequoia funding for wildlife conservation parks glyptoboides) though to be extinct until and preserves, for effective maintenance 1941, when a small stand of these facilities. was discovered in China. 3. The Ministry of Education 6. Hickman's potentilla should (potentilla hickmanii), though to be incorporate the subject of extinct until rediscovery in early 1990s. endangered 7. Kaka (Clianthus puniceus) of New species preservation into Zealand, due to introduced grazers and school competing plants curriculum, as so to inculcate the values 8. King of the paphs of wildlife in the younger generation. orchid (Paphiopedilwn roths 4. Government should equally childianwn) of Asia, due to provide overcollection grants to Universities of 9. Louisiana quill wort (Isoetes Agriculture, louisianensis) of Lousisna, due to very Colleges of Agriculture and limited habitat other 10. Madonna lily (Lilium candidum) research instinctive to facilities research of Europe, due to overcollection toward effective conservation techniques 11. Muiri tree (primus africana) of Kenya for our endangered species. and neighboring countries, because of 5. Finally, teachers at all levels should pay harvesting excessively and by improper s attention to field methods. tripe to 12. Pimts squamata of southwest zoological/botanical gardens and other China, about 20 trees known. wildlife conservation facilities. This will 13. Santa Cruz tarweed offer the students oppunity to observe (Holhcarpu macradenia), of and appreciate these plant/animal species California, due to limited in their natural habitats. This will further range of habitat and enhance students understanding 'of the encroachment by man. theoretical courses. 14. Tennessee coneflower' (Echinacea Conclusion tennesseesis) and Pyne's ground plum The direct valve of biodiversity is the (Astragalus bibullantus) of observable services of individual wild species. the Nashville Basin of Tennessee, due Wild species are the best source of new to limited cedar glade habitat medicines to treat human illnesses. Wild species and its destruction by urbanization. also have agricultural valve. Domesticated plants and animals are derived from wild species; and they are a source of genes for the improvement of their phenotypes. Instead of pesticides, wild species can be used as biological controls, and most flowering plants make use of animal pollinators. Much of our food, particularly fish,

and shellfish, are still caught in the wild. Mader, S. S. (2001). Biology 7th ed. Hardwood trees from natural supply us with McGraw-Hill companies Inc, New York: lumber for various purposes, such as the making of furniture. Molles, M. C. (1999). Ecology Concepts and The indirect services provided by Applications Boston WCB/McGraw-Hill. ecosystems are largely unseen but absolutely necessary to our well-being. These services Primack, R. B. (1998). Essentials of include the workings of biogeochemical cycles, Conservation Biology. Sinauer Associates, waste disposal, provision of fresh water, Sunderland, Mass. prevention of soil erosion, and regulation of climate. Many people enjoy vacationing in Rice, R. E. (1997). Can sustainable management natural settings. Various studies show that more save tropical forests? Scientific American, diverse ecosystems function better than less 276 (4), 44. diverse ones. In view of the enormous value of wildlife to humanity, we expect that with the Safma, C. (1995). The world's imperiled fish concerted effort of government, educators at all Scientific American, 273 (5), 46. levels, as well as other stakeholders, conservation of our endangered species would be Tangley L. (1999). How many species exist? attainable. National Wildlife, 37 (1), 32.

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