THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 1

The Importance of Conserving Endemic Species:

The Role of Endemic Species in Our World

Frances Lu

Global Studies and World Languages Academy at Tallwood High School

Mr. Gregory Falls

December 16, 2018

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 2

ABSTRACT

Endemic (or native) species play a fundamental role in the ecosystem; they assist other

species and maintain the environment through the specialized functions they provide. These

species are often overlooked and taken for granted. Since they are confined to a certain region

the threat of pollution, climate change, and human development become a large factor in

determining their survival. It is essential to be educated upon the functions that these species

provide for the environment so that society can gain a better perspective on how to save these

species before it is too late. With the current rate of extinction, it would not be too long before

the terrestrial and marine communities start to exhibit signs of change. Many people do not

consider the importance species play the environment. Instead, they dismiss them as irrelevant

and of little value. The endemic species are important to their local area and to the world and

more efforts need to be made to ensure the survival of these species—no matter how big or how

small they are.

Keywords: e​ ndemic, native, species, conservation

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page…………………………...………………………………………………………..……1

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………….…...2

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………...………..3

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..4

Limitations……………………………………………………………...…………………………4

Literature Review…………………………………………………………………………………6

Discussion………………………………...……………………………………………………….7

Conclusion………………...……………………………………………………………………..15

References……………………………………………………………………………...………...16

Appendix I……………………………………………………………………………..………...19

Appendix II…………………………………………………………………………….………...19
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 4

INTRODUCTION

As modern society continues to flourish and develop at an exponential rate, resources are

negatively impacted and humans are forced to resort to exploring new areas in search of new

resources to fuel their ever-growing society. As a result, the massive destruction of habitats has

led to a problem that affects the abiotic and biotic factors of our world. From coral reefs to the

medicinal plants of the rainforest, nothing is spared. The continual degradation of earth’s

resources will inevitably result in mass eradication of species that are vital to the well-being of

the human race as well as nature. It has been recognized that five mass extinctions have plagued

the Earth’s history and humans are currently the ones held responsible for the sixth. Over the

years globalization, expansion, and industrialization played a large factor in the dramatic shift

the world has taken. Consequently, the continual strain humans have pushed upon the

environment has backfired on the human population. Medicinal plants that are critical for curing

ailments, coral reefs that house over hundreds of aquatic species, and other endemic species have

been threatened with the fate of extinction. With this in mind, it is essential to consider the

importance of conserving the endemic species of countries in order to sustain the planet and

further human development. As the earth’s species continue to fall into further endangerment, it

is imperative for the human race to learn about the importance of conserving such species

because without maintaining the local species within a country, catastrophic issues may result for

both the ecological and societal developments in the area.

LIMITATIONS

The author of this paper had a few limitations opposed on her as she researched the topic.

Among the countless limitations, the most prominent ones that hindered the research was the
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 5

limited amount of resources available, inability to conduct research, personal bias, and time

constraints.

Limited Resources.​ ​Due to the narrowness of the topic, the author experienced

difficulties when she was looking for resources. The resources regarding the topic were

specifically focused on an aspect of conservation, whether it be the conservation of a specific

plant or animal.

Inability to Conduct Research.​ ​Because of the lack of equipment available to the author

and lack of knowledge on how to conduct a personal experiment, the author was not able to

gather statistical evidence of the endemic species within the local area. Also due to the amount of

time necessary to conduct the experiment, self-research was simply impossible; therefore, the

author has decided to rely on online materials and books as resources for her research.

​ he author has formerly traveled to Perth, Australia for a study abroad

Personal Bias. T

program in which she learned about the importance of wildlife conservation. The program was a

three-week intensive course that involves traveling around Perth and spending time in a

classroom while interacting with peers and experts regarding the topic of endemic species and

the significance of protecting endangered species for the betterment of the world. With these

reasons in mind, she is inclined to lean towards advocating for the conservation of endemic

species that are being threatened and endangered.

Time Constraints. ​Given the amount of time to research, construct, and produce the

research paper, the author had a challenging time gathering all the viable resources she could to

create a professional paper. Despite the amount of time given, she was still able to write the

paper to the best of her ability.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 6

LITERATURE REVIEW

The world is comprised of a range of ecosystems both marine and terrestrial. As a result

of continuous environmental degradation in the form of deforestation and pollution—which are

both factors of climate change—vital endemic species of flora and fauna in areas of the world are

facing endangerment and overall, the imminent danger of extinction. As species are exposed to

the threat of extinction, it, in turn, affects us. Rare species have been found to be “highly

vulnerable to overexploitation, habitat loss, competitive interactions with exotic species, and

climate change,” which can greatly “affect local ecosystem processes” if they were to die off

(Mouillot, Bellwood, Baraloto, Chave, Galzin, Harmelin-Vivien, Kulbicki, Lavergne, Lavorel,

Mouquet, Pain Renaud, and Thuiller, 2013). Mouillot et al. (2013) sampled the number of

species and diversity of reef fishes, alpine plants, and tropical trees from coral reefs, alpine

meadows, and tropical forests, respectively. The results of the studies conducted concluded that

it is crucial to conserve rare species due to the benefits that they provide for the environment and

humans.

In the paper written by Bellwood, Hoey, and Hughes (2011), the importance of

parrotfishes for aquatic reef systems are highlighted. Parrotfishes play vital roles that aid in the

development of reef systems. These marine animals are crucial in keeping the reef system

healthy and alive, however, their population is dwindling due to overfishing and human

population pressures. Parrotfishes by playing a role in external bioerosion, coral predation,

grazing and sediment removal (Bellwood et al., 2011).

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 7

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explores the reasons

why coral reefs should be conserved. One of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems, coral reefs

provide shelter and food for hundreds of species. Reefs foster the development of larvae and

have been the source of many medicinal discoveries. They benefit the economy both directly and

indirectly as well as harbor biodiversity (NOAA, 2017)

The Amazon Rainforest is home to a variety of plants and animal species; a few of these

species have contributed to the development of medicine. For the past few decades, the rainforest

has experienced a loss of epic proportions. Deforestation had degraded the land and cause some

species to become extinct. The continual destruction of the rainforest has caused some plants to

become endangered and hard to find. It is necessary to conserve these plants because they can

possibly be the next cure for diseases like cancer (Shanley and Luz, 2003).

DISCUSSION

With the exponential growth in human development, the planet has fallen victim to the

continued deterioration of its natural resources as well as the endangerment of its species.

Endemic species are species that exist only in one geographical region, such as a continent, a

region, or an island (Encyclopedia, 2003). These native species have important ecological niches

in their respective environments and play a role in societal development and function. With the

loss of these unique species, the functioning of the ecosystem may be forever altered, especially

if other species are not able to replicate the role that the previous species had once played in the

environment (Mouillot et al., 2013). Because of the narrow range of living conditions endemic

species can tolerate, they are at a higher risk of endangerment compared to other well-adapted

species that exist in multiple settings. When analyzing historical data and comparing it to recent
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 8

data, the rate of extinction has been observed to be 100 to 1,000 times faster than the rate they

were before (Miller and Spoolman, 2015). Because of this rapid loss, the environmental change

can become more noticeable in some areas compared to others.

The rise in extinction rates can be directly correlated to human activities. As the human

population continues to flourish, the destruction and degradation of habitats come as a

consequence along with the rapid consumption of resources, which in turn causes issues for the

land and organisms (Miller and Spoolman, 2015).

Biodiversity Hotspots.​ Biodiversity hotspots are regions of the world in which there are

large numbers of endemic species that have lost significant amounts of its habitat or populations;

there are currently over thirty regions in the world that have been identified (Mississippi Land

Conservation Assistance Network [MLCAN], n.d.). According to a research paper written by

Myers, Russell Mittermeier, Cristina Mittermeier, Fonseca, and Kent (2000), it was found that

“15 of the 25 hotpots [that they had analyzed] contain at least 2,500 endemic plant species, and

10 of them at least 5,000.” The concept of endemism is important to understand because if

awareness is not brought upon the issue of the growing threat of extinction that faces the native

species, there would be an elimination of mass ecosystems. Around the world, each part of the

ecosystem is interconnected, playing roles that affect the functioning of the other parts; however,

it is in hotspots where the loss of a part of the ecosystem has a greater impact on the other.

Myers et al. hypothesize that if half of the endemic plant species in a hotspot were to suddenly be

exterminated, the effect would result in the possible disappearance of a half or more of the insect

species that are dependent on the plants. Over 133,149 plant species and 9,465 vertebrate

species only exist within these hotspots and can be found nowhere else.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 9

Coral Reefs. ​Over seventy percent of the world is comprised of oceans and other bodies

of water and more than eighty percent of our ocean remains unmapped, unobserved, and

unexplored (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA], 2018). A large

quantity of marine life depends on coral reefs for shelter and as a source of food. Despite the

broad amount of biodiversity that exists within coral reefs, scientists have found that over recent

years biodiversity has declined. As a result of this recession, reefs are less functionally diverse

and in turn affect the survival of local dependent species (Jones, Berkelmans, and Houston,

2011). Climate change has played a role in terrestrial and marine life. Sea level rises and the

rise in sea temperatures have majorly damaged the aquatic reef systems that are home to a

plethora of diverse species.

The Endemic Coral and Coral Diversity in the Keppel Bay Islands. ​The Keppel Bay

Islands are located near Rockhampton in Central Queensland, Australia and its diverse coral

reefs make up a portion of the Great Barrier Reef (see Appendix I). In this study, researchers

examine the coral diversity and the characteristics of an inshore reef system. Temperature

changes have impacted the mortality rates of the thriving coral species. As temperature rises,

they are more susceptible to lose the algae that live within their tissues, which then turns them

white—a phenomenon known as coral bleaching; however, coral bleaching can also occur when

temperatures drop below what they normally are (NOAA, 2018). The conclusive results of this

study performed by Jones, Berkelmans, and Houston, it was discovered that 6 of the 19 reefs

were biodiversity hotspots (Jones, Berkelmans, and Houston 2011).

​ ccording to Jones et al. (2011), “high

Importance of Conserving Coral Reefs. A

taxonomic diversity is implicated in ecosystem stability.” Although biodiversity has been

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 10

correlated with species resilience, it does not necessarily guarantee the survival of the species. In

an article by National Geographic, it was declared that half of the Great Barrier reef is dead, and

coral bleaching continues to be a threat to the species that depend on them (James, 2018). Reefs

accommodate over 4,800 species of fishes and coral, making them the most crucial and

biodiverse habitats compared to other marine environments. Scientists have utilized coral reef

animals and plants in their research for a new medicine that could possibly be a cure for various

ailments and illnesses that has stumped the medical industry for years. Without the coral and the

native species that reside there, some drugs that have been developed would not have existed

today (NOAA, 2017).

Coral reefs are not just invaluable for the biotic factors of the world, but also the abiotic

components. Reef systems support coastlines by preventing and slowing down erosion while

indirectly benefiting the economy through the ports and harbors they sustain. Without this

extraordinary ecosystem, economies of coastal countries would not be what it is now. The

coastal reefs attract millions of tourists each year, which contributes a substantial amount of

income to the economy as well as the people. With the increasing market for tourism, more jobs

are created and more revenue is earned, thus benefiting the country as a whole (NOAA, 2017).

​ ne of the main culprits behind the decline in

The Decline in Parrotfish Population. O

parrotfish population is overfishing. In the study conducted by Bellwood, Hoey, and Hughes

(2011), 18 reefs from the western Indian Ocean to Tahiti were sampled, each with various

densities of human population. The results had concluded that there is an indirect correlation

between the population of parrotfishes in a region to the severity of fishing that is occurring in
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 11

the region. In areas more heavily fished than others, there has been a larger reduction in

large-sized parrotfish numbers. (Bellwood et al., 2011).

​ arrotfishes populate tropical reefs around

Important Ecosystem Roles of Parrotfishes. P

the world, spreading throughout the Indo-Pacific ((Bellwood, et al., 2011). Currently, around 80

species have been identified (National Geographic, n.d.). Each species of parrotfish vary in

physical appearance, but they all provide the same basic function: aid in the growth of coral

reefs. The parrotfishes and coral reef systems form a mutualistic relationship where each species

benefit the other. Not only do parrotfishes maintain the coral reef, but their role in the natural

complex upholds the aquatic life that surrounds them.

Parrotfishes main help conserve the marine ecosystem by removing live and dead corals,

macroalgal cover (that could potentially be a threat to a reef’s health), and aiding in sediment

distribution (Bellwood et al., 2011). Its beak is used to break off pieces of coral for consumption

(see Appendix II). As parrotfishes consume portions of coral that are covered in algae, the

digestive process of converting these substances to sand begins (Monterey Bay Aquarium, n.d.).

These fishes are responsible for the production of white coral sand, which supports and

encourages the growth of new coral and helps sustain the current reef.

Parrotfish and endolithic sponges are the only species that are found to produce sand at a

faster rate than other reef-dwelling species according to statistics from a study conducted at the

Maldives. Parrotfish produce the majority of sediment on reef islands. The sand they produce

contributes to 85% of the existing sediment in these regions (Perry, Kench, O’Leary, Morgan,

and Januchowski-Hartley, 2015). Without the ecological niche that parrotfish provide for their

community, much of it would not exist.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 12

Threats to Amazonian Plant Species. ​The Amazon Rainforest has been a famous region

of South America that has intrigued scientists for years with its diverse population of flora and

fauna. As much as “40,000 plant species, 3,000 freshwater fish species, and more than 370 types

of reptiles” have been discovered in this territory (World Wildlife Fund, n.d.). The rainforest is

one of the main producers of oxygen due to the vast amount of plants that exist there; however,

the continuous demand for resources such as natural gas and oil has led to deforestation and the

extinction of animals and plants. Studies have confirmed that extinction rates tie in with habitat

loss (Feeley and Silman, 2009). The degradation of the Amazon does not only pose as a

prominent threat to the species that live within the rainforest but for humans as well. CO2

emissions from deforestation and human development have affected the world as a whole.

According to Dr. Asner (n.d.), “tropical deforestation contributes about 20% of annual global

greenhouse [gases].” It can be justified to say that all parts of the world are interlinked in some

way: the Amazon Rainforest and climate change is just one of the few examples.

​ s a result of deforestation and environmental degradation, the

Plants of the Amazon. A

endangerment of plant species (especially the ones used for medicinal purposes) has become an

imposing issue. It was found that “nine of the twelve top-selling medicinal plants are native

species, and eight are forest based.” The destruction of habitats in the Amazon is predicted to

result in the loss of new pharmaceutical drugs and in the ruin of the only health care option that

the poor and impoverished Brazilians have depended on for years (Shanley and Luz, 2003).

Amazonian plants have contributed a great deal to the medical industry. Plants in the

Amazon can be used to treat illnesses that do not currently have existing prescribed medications.

There are still many undiscovered plant species that can possibly be utilized for the cures to
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 13

diseases that exist in society. ​Tabebuia impetiginosa​, ​Himatanthus sucuuba​, and ​Ptychopetalum

olacoides​, are examples of plants used to treat modern ailments. The plants treat gastric ulcers

and internal inflammation, are used to combat herpes, and used to battle against the diseases of

the nervous system, respectively (Shanley and Luz, 2003).

The Future of the Amazon. I​ t is imperative to develop more sustainable methods of

gathering resources because as society continues to destroy the land in search of fossil fuels and

other assets, the natural environment is harmed and along with it, the native species. These plants

played a vital role in aiding the health of human populations and continue to aid scientists in

their discoveries for new cures. Conservation efforts of plant species through seed banks, tissue

culture, and creation of forest genetic reserves have been effective in maintaining the survival of

some species (Viera, 1999).

Local Issues Regarding the Chesapeake Bay.​ The oysters of the Chesapeake Bay had

been an icon of the east coast for centuries; however, the oyster reefs have been overexploited to

the point of endangerment. Not only did the native oyster population provide sustenance for the

residents of Chesapeake Bay, but it also helped filter its waters, and provided shelter for its

marine life. In the second half of the 20th century, the native oysters of the bay had been

exposed to disease, pollution, and continual overexploitation, which led to their population

decline (Chesapeake Bay Foundation [CBF], 2010).

Issues With Introduction of New Species.​ Researchers have studied possible methods

that can be implemented for the restoration of the bay, one of which being introducing Asian

oysters in the waters. The native oyster population of the Chesapeake Bay,​ Crassostrea

virginica​, provide habitats for over 300 species of plants and animals that live in the bay. With
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 14

the introduction of new Asian oyster species, “there are so many things unforeseen [when] a

non-native [species is introduced] to a habitat.” With the introduction of a non-native oyster

species, there is the risk of bringing “different diseases or parasites,” which could result in a

larger catastrophe for the species and the ecosystem as a whole than predicted (H. Lockwood,

personal communication, December 14, 2018).

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Importance of Endemism. ​The Chesapeake

Bay Foundation (CBF), founded in 1967, is the largest independent organization whose goal is to

save the Bay (Chesapeake Bay Foundation [CBF], n.d.). In an interview with Heather

Lockwood, a Virginia Oyster Restoration Specialist, it was found that the Bay is one of the only

areas that still grew their own native oysters—whereas in Europe and Asia, resorting to the

introduction of new oyster species was their only solution in saving their waters. She has also

stated that the endemic species of a region are vital to the health of a region: one example being

the oysters. Each component of the environment affects the other, either directly or indirectly;

take for example the wetland plants that are used to filter and prevent harmful runoff into the

water that harms the oysters and in turn, the oysters that filter the water for the terrestrial

specimens. The native species of the Bay has thrived here for centuries. It has shaped the way

of the ecosystem and in turn, the ecosystem has shaped it to function the way it does today; this

is why endemism is an essential component to the environmental functions and why it would be

baleful to introduce a new organism so suddenly. When asked the question regarding if she

thought all species matter, Heather Lockwood stated:

“Regardless if you would ever interact with a creature or sea creature to see something

become extinct because of human actions, you [have to] take a little ownership of that.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 15

Maybe you’ll never see one in person, but the fact that like you would talk a polar bear

like you talk about dinosaurs [as if] they’re not around anymore, it’s heartbreaking for

future generations. You take out one species and it really does impact everything,

whether it is from the bottom-up or top-down” (H. Lockwood, personal communication,

December 14, 2018).

CONCLUSION

Bringing awareness towards the issue of both endangered and threatened species is

crucial for not only for the benefit of species but for the world as a whole. Although there are

some species that provide the same function as the main species, loss of the main species can still

cause a major change in the environment. Every inch of the world is connected in one way or

another; removing a small part could possibly tip the whole ecosystem and drive it into chaos.

From coral reefs to the medicinal plants of the rainforest, all species must be considered for

conservation. Maintaining the natural complex of Earth ensures the survival of species and

habitats across the globe while providing the future generations a world they can thrive in.

Learning about the value of these species can bring the world one step closer to saving them.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 16

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Bellwood, D. R., Hoey, A. S., & Hughes, T. P. (2011). Human activity selectively impacts the
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CBF. (n.d.). Our Mission. Retrieved December 14, 2018, from

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Feeley, K. J., & Silman, M. R. (2009, July 28). Extinction risks of Amazonian plant species.
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Lockwood, H. (2018, December 13). Native Species and Their Importance [Telephone
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THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 17

Monterey Bay Aquarium. (n.d.). Parrotfish. Retrieved December 16, 2018, from
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THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ENDEMIC SPECIES 19

APPENDIX I

APPENDIX II