Biodiversity and conservation

Biodiversity and conservation

By Ci.k<> van Zkixt

S(<mnl 'ii »li»' Hii|ipnliiiimiK'ti Nit** TIh1 Center lor Huxliversity and Conservation and the American Mtwuni of Natural History define biodiversity as “the variety of all life on earth and the complex relationships among living things and lietweeii living things nnd their environment.' It include* "genetic variety, species diversity and variability hi communities, ecosystems and landscape*.

All living neat tires depend on the ecosystem for food, clean air and water. I Inmans, who creaU’ the largest threat to biodiversity by causing habitat loss, pollution and overexploitation, alxo depend on biodiversity for sources of medicine, fuel and other necessary gixxjs,

Biodiversity allows ecosystems, in which all species have an important role, to recover from disasters, Hpecies need genetic diversity to avoid genetic defects created by inbreeding and to ensure survival. In addition, each species depends on the contribution of other species to create a balanced ecosystem for their survival. Ecosystems become lees productive with the Iosh of specie* diversity.

When a species Is •comes extinct, we lose irreplaceable genes that may have made important future contributions to the survival of others, In the case id the Tarpon, such genetic material may have included that which mude the breed exceptionally hardy, with the ability to thrive in a harsh climate with little sustenance.

The American Livestock ('onservancy, founded in 1977, works to conserve historic breeds and thus preserve genetic diversity in a wide range of livestock. They do not recognize the recreat'd Tarpon its a species, holding to the general scientific Is'liel that, once extinct, it is impossible to truly recreate a breed with all of its original genetic muterial.

They do recognize as "critical" 'with an estimated global population of less than 'i.tXXn several other horse breeds, including the American ('ream, Caspian, Cleveland Bay, Kxrnonr. Florida < rocker and Suffolk.

The IvpiuH Survival Trust is also dedicated to conserving rare breeds, with an emphasis on North American breeds and populations. They define "critical" as having an estimated 100 to ’MM) active adult breeding mares and include on Uieir list, among others, the Mountain Measure, Colonial Spanish and Banker Wild Horses.

For more information, visit the American livestock Breeds Conservancy online: wwwallK dsa.org.