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Biodiversity

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Fast Facts about Biodiversity and Ecosystems

• Biodiversity refers to the variety living things (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, ect.) found in an ecosystem and the variation in their genetic makeup. Biodiversity can be used to measure the health of an ecosystem. Healthy ecosystems have greater variety and variation in life than unhealthy ones (Joint Nature Conservation Committee).
• Although an estimated 5 to 30 million species live on Earth, only 1.9 million species have been described, the processes in which scientists identify specimens they have collected (The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species).
• Over 50% of the world’s plant species and 42% of all terrestrial vertebrate species are endemic, native to that country and naturally do not exist anywhere else, to just 34 biodiversity hotspots (Conservation International).
• Tropical regions contain 50-90% of Earth's plant and animal species (World Resources Institute).
• Madagascar is considered a biodiversity hot spot 98% of its land mammals, 92% of its reptiles, 68% of its plants, and 41% of its breeding bird species exist nowhere else on Earth (Atlas of Population and the Environment).
• 15,589 species are currently threatened with extinction – 1 in 4 mammals and 1 in 8 birds. This number is increasing as habitats are continually diminished and degraded (The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species).
• A significant amount of biodiversity loss is due to agriculture. Much of this loss is occurring in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia (Biodiversity Economics).
• Many governments around the world have passed laws (e.g., the Endangered Species Act and CITES) designed to protect endangered species from going extinct. However, more than 300 critically endangered, 237 endangered and 267 vulnerable animal species have no legal protection in any part of their habitats (Conservation International).
• Oceans cover about 70% of the entire Earth’s surface. Forests currently occupy 1/3 of the Earth's land area, and deserts occupy another 1/4 (Defenders of Wildlife).
• Over 50% of wetlands in the lower 48 states have been lost in the United States. These losses are occurring at a rate of over 60,000 acres per year (Defenders of Wildlife).
• In the last several decades of the twentieth century about 20% of the world’s coral reefs were lost and an additional 20% were degraded due to warmer water temperatures, and water pollution and pollutants (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment).
• 35% of the world's mangrove area was lost in the last several decades of the twentieth century (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment).
• Habitat change, over-exploitation, invasive alien species, pollution, and climate change are the most important direct drivers of change in ecosystems (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment).

Quick Actions to Protect Biodiversity and Ecosystems

• Make your backyard wildlife friendly
  Plant native species in your back yard to provide shelter and food for native animals. To reduce pressures on watersheds, eliminate pesticide and herbicide usage on your lawn. Save time, gasoline, and native species by allowing grass to grow taller. Create bird feeders and bird baths from recycled materials to help encourage native birds to thrive in your backyard.
• Join a community restoration project
  Community restoration projects help reclaim land that has been abused through natural disasters, mismanagement, and development. Help restore parks, watersheds, and abandoned lots in your neighborhood to not only beautify the area, but also provide a safe habitat for native species.
• Buy organic and locally grown food
  Modern agriculture requires massive inputs of fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides. Tropical rainforests are often cleared to make way for new agricultural lands. By buying locally grown produce, you not only support nearby farmers and reduce your carbon footprint, but you also help protect biodiversity rich land.
• Become an informed consumer
  Buy products that support wildlife conservation and sustainable farming practices. Visit the Sustainability Store to find products that promote biodiversity.
• Support your local parks
  Parks and reserves provide great opportunities to view wildlife and provide habitat for native and migratory species. Parks and reserves are especially important in urban areas where habitat is fragmented.
• Minimize water use
  There are many easy ways to reduce the amount of water that you use on a daily basis. By reducing water waste you can protect aquifers, save energy, and reduce waste water, which in turn helps protect ecosystems.

Want More Information?

• Center for Biological Diversity
  The Center for Biological Diversity works through science, law, and creative media to secure a future for all species that hover on the brink of extinction.
• Conservation International - Biodiversity Hotspots
  View biodiversity hotspots around the world and their vital signs.
• Green Facts
  Find information about ecosystem changes that have happened in the past, that are occurring right now, and those that are expected to take place in the future. Learn how these changes are expected to affect people on a global scale.
• Facing the Future Resources
  • Additional Biodiversity Resources
• Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
  The United Nations’ Millennium Ecosystem Assessment analyzed the consequences of ecosystem change on human well-being. From 2001 to 2005 more than 1,360 experts worldwide assessed ecosystem changes and compiled this information into several reports that are available on their website for free.
• National Geographic - Habitats: Home Sweet Home
  This site includes a photo gallery, games, activities, video clips, maps, and lesson plans related to Earth’s habitats, including cities and suburbs, deserts and tundra, forests, fresh water, oceans and coasts, and prairies.
• NatureServe
  Visit NatureServe to find facts and projects about ecosystem restoration in addition to the NatureServe Explorer which features information about over 70,000 plants, animals, and ecosystems of Canada and the United States.
• United Nations Environment Program – Biodiversity
  Find global programs, activities, and events on biodiversity.
• World Resources Institute
  The World Resources Institute provides videos, information, and projects related to ecosystems and their protection.