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Biodiversity

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It is necessary for life to thrive on Earth.

Aldo Leopold, one of the great thinkers of conservation, observed more than half a century ago the importance of protecting species. "To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering," he wrote. Losing species is like throwing away one by one the engine parts of an airplane while flying.

Biodiversity is a major initiative of Conservation International.

Biodiversity conservation provides substantial benefits to meet immediate human needs, such as those for clean, consistent water flows; protection from floods and storms; and a stable climate. 

Curated by mokiethecat

Protection for the Candy Darter and Habitat
November 27, 2018

The vividly colored candy darter has been protected under the Endangered Species Act, with over 300 miles of streams in Virginia and West Virginia also proposed for protection. This federal decision follows a petition and litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity and its allies.

The darter has vanished from at least half its range, primarily due to pollution, competition, or hybridization. Although first identified as needing federal protection in 1982, action was delayed. The Center sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2015 to secure a court-binding decision, ensuring this imperiled animal finally receives the help needed to avoid extinction.