Characteristics of Species Prone to

Extinction

Amphibians

•38% of US amphibian species in decline

Reasons:1. Habitat Loss2. Pollution3. Disease

Bird Statistics

• 9,800 known bird species• 70% are declining in number

10 Most Threatened Bird Species

• Ivory-billed woodpecker• California Condor• Whooping Crane• Gunnison Sage-Grouse • Kirtland’s Warbler • Piping Plover • Florida Scrub-Jay • Ashy Storm-Petrel • Golden-cheeked Warbler • Kittlitz’s Murrelet

Bird Migratory RoutesNational Refuges help to protect wetlands along bird

migration routes

Causes of Endangerment

Habitat Loss

#1 Cause

Habitat Loss

• Common problem: habitat fragmentation

Habitat Loss

Habitat Degradation - Pollution

Invasive Species

Role of Introduced/invasive Species

• Accidental• Food crops• Livestock• Control Pests• Pets• Game - Hunting• Ornamental

Modes of Transmission

• Stowaways on aircraft• In the ballast water of tankers• Hitchhikers on imported products

• Asian Carp http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS7zkTnQVaM

Kudzu Vine

• Beverages• Gourmet

Confections• Herbal

Remedies

Fire Ants

Overfishing - OverhuntingMarket Hunting

Bushmeat

The Rising Demand for Bushmeat

• Increase in African population

• Increase in logging road and access to remote areas

• Increase demand by high-end restaurants

• Source of income for poor people

Profit of Poaching• Mountain Gorilla - $150,000• Panda Pelt – $100,000• Chimpanzee - $50,000• Amazon Macaw - $30,000• Rhinoceros Horn - $28,000 (per kg)

Photographer: Nick Brandt

Sale of Exotics

Predator Control & Pest Control

Primary Root of all Causes of Endangerment

Rising Population GrowthRising Resource UseNo Environmental Economic AccountingPoverty