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  Threat from deforestation to montane and lowland birds and mammals in insular South-east Asia »

  A reduction in forest area should result in a reduction of its number of species and, moreover, do so in a characteristic way according to the familiar species-area relationship. Brooks, Pimm & Collar (1997) applied this formula to the losses in forest area in the Philippines and Indonesia. Independently derived totals of the number of endemic bird species that are threatened with extinction broadly agree with these predicted losses. In some cases, however, predicted losses overestimate or underestimate the actual numbers of threatened species.

  Resource Type: Journal Papers
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  Synthesis of Effects in Four Arctic Subregions »

  An assessment of impacts on Arctic terrestrial ecosystems has emphasized geographical variability in responses of species and ecosystems to environmental change. This variability is usually associated with north-south gradients in climate, biodiversity, vegetation zones, and ecosystem structure and function. It is clear, however, that significant east-west variability in environment, ecosystem structure and function, environmental history, and recent climate variability is also important.Some areas have cooled while others have become warmer.

  Overall, the subregional synthesis demonstrates the difficulty of generalizing projections of responses of ecosystem structure and function, species loss, and biospheric feedbacks to the climate system for the whole Arctic region and implies a need for a far greater understanding of the spatial variability in the responses of terrestrial arctic ecosystems to climate change.

  Resource Type: Journal Papers
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  First indications of a sharp population decline in the globally threatened Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhuchus pygmeus »

  Spoon-billed Sandpiper Eurynorhynchus pygmeus is classed as globally Vulnerable, based on the only available population estimate, made in 1977, of 2,000-2,800 pairs. Surveys for breeding Spoon-billed Sandpipers were carried out in summer 2000 on the Anadyr estuary coast, the Chukotka autonomous region, Russia. Although six new breeding sites were found, only 16-17 breeding males/pairs were recorded on the northern coast of the Anadyr estuary and five males/pairs on the southern coast and more southerly lagoons. These numbers were much lower than expected, and the species was not recorded in several apparently suitable areas.

  Resource Type: Journal Papers
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  How much do we know about the current extinction rate? »

  Since about 1600, 486 animal species have been recorded extinct. This represents about 0.04 of all animal species so far described. In the same period, 600 plant species are known to have disappeared, about 0.25 of the total. These figures are much smaller than those of the Permian/Triassic and Cretaceous/Tertiary mass extinctions. One might therefore conclude that at present life on earth is at comparatively little risk of extinction. However, there is a growing body of data to show that the converse is true.

  Resource Type: Journal Papers
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  Future scenarios for tropical montane and south temperate forest biodiversity in Latin America »

  Chapter from Biodiversity Loss & Conservation in Fragmented Forest Landscapes. The Forests of Montane Mexico and South America.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  UK NEA: Synthesis of the Key Findings »

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  Priorities for Conserving Global Species Richness and Endemism »

  Substantial amounts of detailed biodiversity data exist for the world, and these data can be used to guide conservation priorities. WCMC compiled key data in order to identify areas of high species richness and endemism. This book is made available by kind permission of the UK Department for International Development for whom it was prepared.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Priorities for conserving global species richness and endemism »

  Projections indicate that species and ecosystems will be at maximum risk from human activities during the next few decades. Prompt action by the world community can minimise the eventual loss of species. Highest priorities should be to: (i) strengthen the management of ecosystems containing a large proportion of global biodiversity; (ii) help developing countries complete their biodiversity strategies and action plans, monitor their own biodiversity, and establish and maintain adequate national systems of conservation areas; (iii) support actions at the global level, providing benefit to all countries in managing their own biodiversity. Generally, resources will best be spent in safeguarding ecosystems and habitats that are viable and important for global biodiversity, and which are threatened by factors that can be controlled cost-effectively. Other important criteria are representativeness, complementarity and insurance.

  Resource Type: Journal Papers
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  Environment on the Edge 2004 - 2005 »

  This publication presents five of the lectures from the 2004-5 'Environment on the Edge' lecture series. It includes the following themes:

  •The Day After Tomorrow - Sir Crispin Tickell
  •Oceans on the Edge - Dr. Jane Lubchenco
  •Antartica on the Edge? - Professor Chris Rapley
  •Biodiversity on the Edge - Dr. Cristián Samper
  •Transport on the Edge - Dr. Bernard Bulkin

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Environment on the Edge 2007 - 2008 »

  This publication presents five of the lectures from the 2007 - 2008 'Environment on the Edge' lecture series. It includes the following themes:

  •Northern Ireland - An Environment on the Edge - Professor Sharon Turner
  •Travelling First Class on the Titanic - Baroness Young
  •The economics of climate change: governments, companies and households - Lord Adair Turner
  •Creating a healthy environment in China - Professor Sian Griffiths
  •Ocean acidification: the other CO2 problem - Professor Nick Owens
  •International environmental governance - Professor Robert T. Watson

   

  
   

  Resource Type: Reports