| Abstract Detail
Healing the planet: Conservation of the world`s tropical forests Pimm, Stuart L. [1]. Conserving Tropical Forest: Where Things Stand. Conventional wisdom holds that tropical forests hold the great majority of plant species, that human activities are shrinking these forests rapidly,and that deforestation is the single most important driver of terrestrial extinctions. These three assertions require careful documentation. I will provide statistical estimates of the numbers of flowering plants missing from the taxonomic record. Overall, about 15% more species remain to be discovered. They will be found in biodiversity hotspots — areas where exceptionally high levels of habitat destruction collide with high levels of endemism. These facts predict that about 30% of all plant species are in danger of extinction.
To be effective, conservation efforts must greatly reduce the presentrate of deforestation and do so in key areas. Some recent efforts through REDD have started to reduce deforestation. However, given the already extensive losses of forests in key areas, conservation will need to restore presently degraded areas. I will provide examples of how this may be done effectively. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment, Box 90328, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
Keywords:
none specified
Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: SY09
Location: Maryland Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Time: 9:15 AM
Number: SY09004
Abstract ID:751 |
