Biodiversity hotspots

Conservation International

How wolves have helped sustain biodiversity in Yellowstone

Less elk on stream banksGrowth of aspens, cottonwoods, willow treesWater temperature lower for troutBeavers have returnedScavengers and Grizzly feed on leftoversCoyote population lower which allows

increase in smaller animal populationMore food for eagles and hawks

Ecosystem ServicesProvisions – goods that humans can

use directly

• Lumber• Food crops• Medicinal plants• Natural rubber• Recreation

Regulating services – natural ecosystems help to regulate

environmental conditions

• Carbon dioxide removal• Hydrologic cycle• Nutrient cycling• Temperature regulation• Water storage

Ecosystem ServicesSupport systems – natural ecosystems

provide numerous support services that would be extremely costly for humans to

generate

• Pollination of food crops• Natural pest control• Filter pollutants from air

and water

Resilience– ensures that an ecosystem will continue to exist in its

current state

• Species diversity• Genetic diversity• Ecosystem diversity

Ecosystem Services

• Aesthetic benefit• Scientific research• Education

Cultural services – provide cultural or aesthetic

benefits to many people