Hobohm, C.; Barker, N. Centers of Endemism and The Potential of Zoos and Botanical Gardens in Conservation of Endemics. J. Zool. Bot. Gard.2023, 4, 527-548.
Hobohm, C.; Barker, N. Centers of Endemism and The Potential of Zoos and Botanical Gardens in Conservation of Endemics. J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4, 527-548.
Hobohm, C.; Barker, N. Centers of Endemism and The Potential of Zoos and Botanical Gardens in Conservation of Endemics. J. Zool. Bot. Gard.2023, 4, 527-548.
Hobohm, C.; Barker, N. Centers of Endemism and The Potential of Zoos and Botanical Gardens in Conservation of Endemics. J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2023, 4, 527-548.
Abstract
Knowledge about ecological conditions and processes in centers of endemism (CoEs) is still limited with respect to various systematic groups of organisms, ecosystem types, ecological conditions and ecosystem functions. Endemics and CoEs play a prominent role in nature conservation monitoring and management, and in the organization of zoos, aquaria and botanical gardens. We review the meaning of different groups of organisms and indicators for the characterization of endemic-rich regions, the importance of heterogeneity in space, continuity in time, isolation and ex-situ management for the survival of endemic and threatened species. Currently, conversion of land cover and land use change are the most important causes of biodiversity decline and extinction risk of endemic and endangered species concentrated in CoEs. These are followed by climate change, including severe weather, and then natural processes such as volcanism, landslides or tsunamis. For conservation purposes the management of zoos, aquaria, botanical gardens, of regional land use, and social aspects of the diversity of endemics and CoEs have to be taken into account as well. We need better answers to questions about the relationship between ecoregions, CoEs and regional awareness of biodiversity, which is linked with human culture including the management of zoos, aquaria and botanical gardens, aesthetics, wellbeing, health and trade.
Keywords
heterogeneity in space; spatial scale; land cover; continuity in time; isolation
Subject
Biology and Life Sciences, Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
