Central American Biodiversity

Author : Ingo S. Wehrtmann,Jorge Cortés
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 545 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 2008-12-28
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781402082788

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Marine Biodiversity of Costa Rica, Central America by Ingo S. Wehrtmann,Jorge Cortés Pdf

Life began in the sea, and even today most of the deep diversity of the planet is marine. This is often forgotten, especially in tropical countries like Costa Rica, renowned for their rain forests and the multitude of life forms found therein. Thus this book focusing on marine diversity of Costa Rica is particularly welcome. How many marine species are there in Costa Rica? The authors report a total of 6,777 species, or 3. 5% of the world’s total. Yet the vast majority of marine species have yet to be formally described. Recent estimates of the numbers of species on coral reefs range from 1–9 million, so that the true number of marine species in Costa Rica is certainly far higher. In some groups the numbers are likely to be vastly higher because to date they have been so little studied. Only one species of nematode is reported, despite the fact that it has been said that nematodes are the most diverse of all marine groups. In better studied groups such as mollusks and crustaceans, reported numbers are in the thousands, but even in these groups many species remain to be described. Indeed the task of describing marine species is daunting – if there really are about 9 million marine species and Costa Rica has 3. 5% of them, then the total number would be over 300,000. Clearly, so much remains to be done that new approaches are needed. Genetic methods have en- mous promise in this regard.

Author : Allen Blackman,Rebecca Epanchin-Niell,Juha Siikamäki,Daniel Velez-Lopez
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 180 pages
File Size : 40,9 Mb
Release : 2014-05-23
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781317906865

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Biodiversity Conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean by Allen Blackman,Rebecca Epanchin-Niell,Juha Siikamäki,Daniel Velez-Lopez Pdf

Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region is exceptionally biodiverse. It contains about half of the world’s remaining tropical forests, nearly one-fifth of its coastal habitats, and some of its most productive agricultural and marine areas. But agriculture, fishing and other human activities linked to rapid population and economic growth increasingly threaten that biodiversity. Moreover, poverty, weak regulatory capacity, and limited political will hamper conservation. Given this dilemma, it is critically important to design conservation strategies on the basis of the best available information about both biodiversity and the track records of the various policies that have been used to protect it. This rigorously researched book has three key aims. It describes the status of biodiversity in LAC, the main threats to this biodiversity, and the drivers of these threats. It identifies the main policies being used to conserve biodiversity and assesses their effectiveness and potential for further implementation. It proposes five specific lines of practical action for conserving LAC biodiversity, based on: green agriculture; strengthening terrestrial protected areas and co-management; improving environmental governance; strengthening coastal and marine resource management; and improving biodiversity data and policy evaluation.

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 110 pages
File Size : 42,6 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : Bioclimatology
ISBN : NYPL:33433087183806

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Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity in Central America, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic by Anonim Pdf

Author : Levente Hufnagel
Publisher : BoD – Books on Demand
Page : 212 pages
File Size : 50,7 Mb
Release : 2021-08-18
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781839684821

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Natural History and Ecology of Mexico and Central America by Levente Hufnagel Pdf

Natural History and Ecology of Mexico and Central America presents an interesting overview of the frontiers of biodiversity and ecological research in the geographical area of Mexico and Central America. Chapters cover such topics as biodiversity and ecology of plant communities, tropical subterranean ecosystems, floating Sargassum species, the endangered species Dioon edule, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, fish and fisheries, urbanization and bats, and food and sustainable diet.

Author : Falk Huettmann
Publisher : Springer
Page : 805 pages
File Size : 53,5 Mb
Release : 2015-08-04
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781493922086

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Central American Biodiversity by Falk Huettmann Pdf

This book highlights key results and lessons learnt from two field sites, La Suerte in Costa Rica and Ometepe Nicaragua. It provides long term data on species abundance and distribution. Primates receive specific attention in this book, as they are flagship species and good indicators for the “health” of an ecosystem, but as well a money maker. Many primate species are sensitive to habitat alteration, and are often hunted out first. But they play an important role as seed dispersal agents for the regeneration of the forest. The book then compares results from the two field sites with regional trends, and explores potential solutions such as REDD+. This book strongly calls for new approaches in conservation, it makes the case for looking beyond the pure species biology and classic conservation angle and to take into account the economic and political realities.

Author : Kirsten M. Silvius
Publisher : Columbia University Press
Page : 486 pages
File Size : 45,7 Mb
Release : 2004
Category : Nature
ISBN : 0231127820

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People in Nature by Kirsten M. Silvius Pdf

'People in Nature' highlights South and Central American approaches to wildlife conservation and management strategy and discusses threats caused by ranching, habitat fragmentation, fishing and hunting.

Author : Oecd
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 84 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2018-12-19
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 9264309608

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BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE IN LATIN AMERICA by Oecd Pdf

This report synthesises key findings on biodiversity and ecosystem services from the Environmental Performance Reviews completed for Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru between 2013 and 2017. The report aims to provide a sense of the common challenges facing these Latin American countries, the strategies being used to tackle them, the gaps that remain and how these can be addressed. Focusing on Latin America is particularly pertinent given the great wealth of biodiversity in the region and the growing pressures on its conservation and sustainable use.

Author : Anthony G. Coates
Publisher : Yale University Press
Page : 332 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 1999-01-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 0300080654

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Central America by Anthony G. Coates Pdf

Describes the cultural and natural history of Central America, covering such topics as the area's geological origins, natural corridors, native peoples, and conservation efforts.

Author : Aline Chiabai
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 220 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 2015-09-25
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9781317961505

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Climate Change Impacts on Tropical Forests in Central America by Aline Chiabai Pdf

The loss of biodiversity is a major environmental problem in nearly every terrestrial ecosystem on Earth. This loss is accelerating driven by climate change, as well as by other causes including agricultural exploitation, fragmentation and degradation triggered by land use changes. The crucial issue under debate is the impact on the welfare of current and future population, and the role of humans in the exploitation of natural resources. This is of particular importance in Central America, which it is amongst the richest and most threatened biodiversity regions on the Earth, and where the loss of ecosystems strongly affects its socio-economic vulnerability. This book addresses the impacts of climate and land-use change on tropical forest ecosystems in this important region, and assesses the expected economic costs if no policy action is taken, under different future scenarios and for different geographical scales. This innovative collection utilises both theoretical approaches and empirical results to provide a conceptual framework for an integrated analysis of climate and land-use change impacts on forest ecosystems and related economic effects, offering insight into the complex relationship between ecosystems and benefits to humans. This important contribution to forest ecosystems and climate change provides invaluable reading for students and scholars in the fields of environmental and ecological economics, environmental science and forestry, natural resource management, agriculture and climate change.

Author : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Publisher : Food & Agriculture Org.
Page : 77 pages
File Size : 43,7 Mb
Release : 2019-12-04
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9789251319918

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Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Synthesis for The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Pdf

The Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Synthesis for The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture summarizes the state of biodiversity for food and agriculture in the region, based largely on information provided in fourteen country reports submitted to FAO as part of the reporting process for the report on The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture. Biodiversity for food and agriculture is the diversity of plants, animals and micro-organisms at genetic, species and ecosystem levels, present in and around crop, livestock, forest and aquatic production systems. It is essential to the structure, functions and processes of these systems, to livelihoods and food security, and to the supply of a wide range of ecosystem services. It has been managed or influenced by farmers, livestock keepers, forest dwellers, fish farmers and fisherfolk for hundreds of generations. The report was originally prepared as supporting documentation for an informal regional consultation on the state of Latin America and the Caribbean’s biodiversity for food and agriculture held in Panama City, Panama, 8 to 10 March 2016. It was later revised based on feedback received from the participants of the informal consultation and on an additional country report. It also discusses the state of efforts to promote the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity for food and agriculture in the region, including through the development of supporting policies, legal frameworks, institutions and capacities.

Author : Gordon W. Frankie,Alfonso Mata,S. Bradleigh Vinson
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 352 pages
File Size : 43,5 Mb
Release : 2004-02-06
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780520937772

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Biodiversity Conservation in Costa Rica by Gordon W. Frankie,Alfonso Mata,S. Bradleigh Vinson Pdf

The beautiful tropical dry forest of northwest Costa Rica, with its highly seasonal rainfall and diversely vegetated landscape, is disappearing even more rapidly than Costa Rica's better-known rain forest, primarily because it has been easier to convert to agriculture. This book, based on more than thirty years of study, offers the first comprehensive look at the ecology, biodiversity, and conservation status of this endangered and fragile region. The contributors, from Costa Rica, Britain, Mexico, and the United States, and representing the fields of ecology, environmental education, policy, and the law, examine the major plant and animal groups living in the dry forest and present the first technical evaluation of Costa Rica's conservation efforts. As they assess the status of their area of specialty in the dry forest, the contributors also look beyond this particular region to show how its plants and animals are ecologically and evolutionarily connected to other geographic areas in Costa Rica and Central America. Their chapters cover topics such as watershed and coastal management, plant phenology, pollination, insects, birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. They also consider the socioeconomic, policy, legal, and political aspects of biodiversity conservation, giving the volume a wide-ranging perspective and making a unique contribution to our knowledge of the tropical dry forest. The book concludes with an important synthesis of the contributors' recommendations on future directions, policies, and actions that will better conserve biodiversity in Costa Rica and other neotropical forests as well.

Author : J.A. Comiskey,F. Dallmeier
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 798 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 1998-11-15
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 1850709645

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Forest Biodiversity in North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean: Research and Monitoring by J.A. Comiskey,F. Dallmeier Pdf

This is the second of two high-level, data-rich volumes from the massive Smithsonian/MAB Biological Diversity Program documenting the latest findings on forest biodiversity. In original contributions, some three hundred scientists from over forty countries discuss socioeconomic aspects, ecological monitoring and assessment, forest dynamics, growth trends, dry forests, species richness of woody regeneration and of vascular plants, hurricane impact, tropical cloud forests, Landsat-TM satellite mapping, and quantitative ethnobotany. The book covers first the research and monitoring methodologies for the New World and then the results of individual research and integrated studies on all aspects of forest biodiversity in North and South America and the Caribbean.

Author : Michael A. Mares,David J. Schmidly
Publisher : University of Oklahoma Press
Page : 496 pages
File Size : 44,9 Mb
Release : 1991
Category : Science
ISBN : 0806123435

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Latin American Mammalogy by Michael A. Mares,David J. Schmidly Pdf

In this volume thirty-six scientists from Latin American and the United States contribute substantially to our knowledge of Latin American mammals. Part 1 provides a history of the pioneers in collection-based mammalogy, which began only about two centuries ago. Chapters in Part 2 demonstrate the search for theories and methodologies that will help us understand how the fauna of this region came to be. Part 3 addresses conservation policy and management in light of recent enormous changes in the natural habitats of Latin America. Part 4 explores the need for conservation-education programs in Latin America as a critical step in the development of a sound land-use ethic. The preface of Latin American Mammalogy, overviews of the four sections, and summaries of the twenty-three chapters are given in Spanish as well as English.

Author : Andrew Nelson,Kenneth M. Chomitz
Publisher : World Bank Publications
Page : 39 pages
File Size : 41,6 Mb
Release : 2004
Category : Biodiversity conservation
ISBN : 9781027170440

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The Forest-hydrology-poverty Nexus in Central America by Andrew Nelson,Kenneth M. Chomitz Pdf

Abstract: "A "forest-hydrology-poverty nexus" hypothesis asserts that deforestation in poor upland areas simultaneously threatens biodiversity and increases the incidence of flooding, sedimentation, and other damaging hydrological processes. Nelson and Chomitz use rough heuristics to assess the applicability of this hypothesis to Central America. They do so by using a simple rule of thumb to identify watersheds at greater risk of hydrologically significant land use change: these are watersheds where there is a relatively large interface between agriculture and forest, and where this interface is on a steep slope. The authors compare the location of these watersheds with spatial maps of poverty and forests (for Guatemala and Honduras) and with maps of population and forests (for Central America at large). The analysis is performed for watersheds defined at different scales. The authors find plausible evidence for a forest-biodiversity-poverty connection in Guatemala, and to a lesser extent in Honduras. In the rest of Central America, there are relatively few areas where forest meets agriculture on steep slopes--either the forest or the slopes are lacking. And the ratio of these forest/agriculture/hillside interfaces to watershed area declines markedly as larger-scale watersheds are considered. This directs attention to relatively small watersheds for further investigation of the "nexus." This paper--a product of the Infrastructure and Environment Team, Development Research Group--is part of a larger effort in the group to understand the economics of conservation"--World Bank web site.

Author : Kenton Miller,Elsa Chang,Nels Johnson
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 62 pages
File Size : 42,7 Mb
Release : 2001
Category : Nature
ISBN : STANFORD:36105111615329

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Defining Common Ground for the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor by Kenton Miller,Elsa Chang,Nels Johnson Pdf

This work is intended to catalyze actions necessary to plan and implement the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. It introduces the MBC Initiative, examines its implications for stakeholder groups, and identifies the challenges that must be addressed if the MBC is to be effectively implemented.