WHAT IS
BIODIVERSITY?The variety of diverse living beings in a specific area.
BIO means life.
DIVERSITY means variety or abundance.
WHERE IS THERE LARGER
BIODIVERSITY?
BIODIVERSITY
DIVERSITY OF
LANDSCAPES
DIVERSITY OF
ECOSYSTEMS
GENETIC
DIVERSITY
DIVERSITY OF
SPECIES
DIVERSITY OF
HABITATS
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO BIODIVERSITY?
According to the IUCN Red Data List, 1 out of 8 bird species is in danger
of extinction; 1 out of 4 mammals; and 1 out of 3 conifers.
Also 1 out of 3 amphibians, and 6 out of 7 sea turtles!!
WHY IS BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANT?
The extinction of one single species has plenty of noticeable consequences. Have
you ever thought about the importance of bees, for instance?
I carry the pollen
from one flower
to another.
Bee-
eaters live
mainly on
me!
... and thanks
to
fertilization, you
and many other
animals can
have fruit to
eat!
...would the previous reason not seem sufficient... think about how many
products bees provide us with somehow.
We keep the
honey in the
beehives,
and thanks
to wax...
... You can
make
candles and
ointment!
Honey, propolis,
candies, soaps....
WHY IS BIODIVERSITY IMPORTANT?
WHAT CAN WE DO IN FAVOR OF BIODIVERSITY?
Protect species and their areas.
WHAT CAN WE DO IN FAVOR OF BIODIVERSITY?
Specific centers, campaigns and plans to recover the wild fauna.
The Iberian wolf was a common animal until
the 20th century. In the 1970s it became a
threat and on the verge of extinction, because
it was regarded as an undesirable beast which
should be wiped out! Since the 1990s- when it
was regarded as a protected species-, its
population has recovered; however, it is still a
vulnerable and somehow endangered species,
whose hunting is permitted in some areas in
northern Spain.
106
384
805COUPLES
GRIFFON VULTURE IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
WHAT CAN WE DO IN FAVOR OF
BIODIVERSITY?Interconnect natural areas
Linking up natural areas by means
of green or wildlife corridors Fitting out wildlife crossings
for the animals
WHAT CAN WE DO IN FAVOR OF
BIODIVERSITY?
Educate and
get to know/
recognize
our surroundings
Stick to
the rules
and laws
Opt for more
sustainable
consumption
Not waste
natural resources
or raw material
DO YOU KNOW THE BIODIVERSITY IN YOUR
SURROUNDINGS?
Investigate a garden, a street, a
mount, a forest, an old wall, a few
trees... You will find more life that you
think.
REMEMBER! BEING FAMILIAR WITH THE
ENVIRONMENT YOU LIVE IN WILL HELP YOU
RESPECT AND CARE FOR IT!
.
“Man will never protect what he is unaware of or
what he cannot thoroughly comprehend.”
(Jean Dorst)
“Earth, air, water, fire: the elements of life,...
Biodiversity: the beginning of life’s richness”
(Karla Sanabria)