12/8/2008 1 What is conservation biology? Micheal Soulé: Science of scarcity - Endangered species - Endangered populations - Genetic diversity - Endangered habitats (communities) - Endangered ecosystem services Pollination Flood protection Carbon sequestration - Enhanced global warming/pollution What is conservation biology Basic or Theoretical Ecology Conservation Biology Application New Knowledge Basic or Theoretical Ecology Conservation Biology Application New Knowledge Before Now What is conservation biology? Genetics- Evolution Sociology/Economics Ecology- Population Biology Ethics Example Why even give a Value of nature - Utilitarian Nature only has value if useful - Intrinsic Nature has its own value Judeo-Christian Perspective - Utilitarian Traditional and majority view - Intrinsic Stewardship Conservation Ethics Transcendental Ethic - Humans need wild places - “good for the soul” Resource Conservation - Nature can “do it all” - Provide natural resources, outdoor sports, place to hang Evolutionary-Ecological Ethic - Nature is a functioning whole - Aldo Leopold