All Flashcards
Define 'Endangered Species'.
A species at risk of extinction because of a significant decline in its population or habitat.
Define 'Threatened Species'.
A species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.
What is 'Overharvesting'?
Removing individuals from a population faster than the population can reproduce.
Define 'Specialist Species'.
A species with a very specific niche, vulnerable to environmental changes.
Define 'Generalist Species'.
A species that can adapt to various conditions and has a broad niche.
What is 'Critical Habitat'?
Specific geographic areas that are essential for the conservation of a listed species.
Define 'R-selected species'.
Species with high reproductive rates, many offspring, and low survival rates.
Define 'K-selected species'.
Species with low reproductive rates, few offspring, and high survival rates.
Define 'Poaching'.
Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals, often for trade.
What does 'Extinct in the Wild' mean?
A species that only survives in captivity or other human-controlled environments.
What is the main goal of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
To protect and recover endangered and threatened species and their habitats.
What does the Lacey Act regulate?
Prohibits interstate transport of illegally harvested plants and animals.
What is CITES?
An international agreement to control trade in endangered species.
What are key provisions of the ESA?
Listing species, designating critical habitat, prohibiting harm, and authorizing recovery plans.
What impact does ESA have on land use?
It can restrict development in critical habitats to protect listed species.
What does the ESA do?
Lists species as 'endangered' or 'threatened', designates 'critical habitat', prohibits harming listed species and trade, and authorizes habitat purchases and recovery plans.
What does CITES do?
It establishes international controls over trade in endangered species, requiring permits for import/export.
What does the Lacey Act do?
It prevents the spread of invasive species and protects native plants and wildlife by prohibiting illegal trade.
What is the purpose of designating 'critical habitat' under the ESA?
To identify and protect areas essential for the survival and recovery of listed species.
What is the role of international agreements like CITES?
To ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of endangered species.
What is the main purpose of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
To protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.
What does the Lacey Act (US) regulate?
Prohibits interstate transport of illegally harvested plants and animals.
What is the goal of CITES?
International agreement to control trade in endangered species.
What are the key provisions of the ESA?
Listing species as 'endangered' or 'threatened,' designating 'critical habitat,' prohibiting harming listed species and trade, and authorizing habitat purchases and recovery plans.
How does the ESA impact land use?
It can restrict development and other activities in areas designated as critical habitat for listed species.
What is the role of recovery plans under the ESA?
To outline specific actions needed to help a listed species recover and eventually be removed from the endangered or threatened list.
What is the purpose of designating 'critical habitat' under the ESA?
To identify and protect the specific areas essential for the conservation of a listed species.
What is the 'take' provision under the ESA?
Prohibits harming, harassing, pursuing, hunting, shooting, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing, or collecting listed species.
What international agreements complement CITES in protecting endangered species?
Agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
How does the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) protect marine species?
Prohibits the take of marine mammals in U.S. waters and by U.S. citizens on the high seas, and regulates the import of marine mammals and marine mammal products.