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Chapter Summary
This final chapter focuses on species that are threatened with extinction, endangered species, and the factors behind endangerment. The second main topic discussed is the designation and management of park systems as a response to endangerment to safeguard species and their habitats. The chapter begins with a discussion of how humans value biodiversity through extrinsic and intrinsic values, along with the ecological, economic, and ethical reasons for conservation. The main human pressures causing extinction are highlighted, with an emphasis on overharvesting, predator control, and the physical and chemical changes associated with habitat change, along with the introduction of alien species. However, not all species are equally vulnerable to extinction and the characteristics that make species more vulnerable are examined. Chapter 15 then shifts to examining responses to species endangerment, and the effectiveness of those responses. The international and Canadian responses to the loss of biodiversity and the use of protected areas as a key strategy to combat the erosion of biodiversity, both internationally and in Canada, are discussed. The chapter concludes with an overview of some of the generic management challenges being faced by parks in Canada, including development within parks, external threats, fragmentation, and governance.
Learning Objectives
After reading this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
- Explain why endangered species are important and the factors leading to endangerment
- Describe the extrinsic and intrinsic values of nature
- Explain why some species are more vulnerable to extinction than others
- Discuss the main responses to endangerment at the international and national levels
- Outline the many roles played by protected areas
- Discuss both international and Canadian perspectives on protected areas
- Identify some of the main management challenges faced by protected areas in Canada