Transcript BCB_show-short

Biodiversity and Conservation
Biology Programme
Presented by
Dept. Biodiversity & Conservation Biology,
University of the Western Cape,
Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535
The birth of
civilization has seen
the unprecedented
destruction of
wildlife
Pharaoh Ramses hunted
and “killed 102 wild-eyed
lions” in a single hunt!
Emperor Trajan to
celebrate a victory
organized a circus
which saw 11 000
animals butchered!
Even today the killing
continues in the name
of sport hunting,
medical science or
during wars!
resulting in loss of
highly endangered
species.
So what does the
future hold for the
earth’s species?
Global deforestation
e.g. Exmoore used to be
forested
Air Pollution
CFCs have been linked to
the destruction of the
Ozone layer above
Antarctica.
Changes to global
weather patterns
e.g. 2001 floods of
Mozambique
Desertification – through
unsustainable grazing
e.g. Sahel
Invasions of introduced
species
e.g. Pampas Grass along
the Californian coast
Overpopulation
The human population
has doubled in the last
40 years.
Water Pollution
Deep Water Horizon - largest
marine pollution event
The Treasure – largest
successful evacuation of
marine birds
Rapid Urbanization
Cape Town is predicted
to have a population of
5.8 million by 2010!
Nuclear War
Both developed and
developing countries
have the potential to
unleash a nuclear winter
for the entire earth!
Or will an asteroid
destroy the earth before
mankind does so?
We need to plan for
our future!
This is why the
merged Botany and
Zoology departments
at UWC have
introduced the BCB
programme –
Biodiversity and
Conservation Biology.
Here are some
issues to
consider..
Almost 25 Million
people die each
year due to a lack
of clean water
and adequate
sanitation.
One-third of the world’s
population have no
access to commercial
energy.
In Africa, 340 million
people or half of the
population, live on
less than US$1 a day.
The richest 1% of
the world’s people
receive as much
income as the
poorest 57% in
1993.
The world has 600
million sheep and
goats, 360 million
cattle and 6.1
billion people!
The Earth’s
temperature could
increase by 6 degrees
Celsius by 2100!
37% of the world’s
population are
vulnerable to the
effects of rising
sea levels.
UK customs
confiscated some
1600 live animals
and 1800 plants
that are on the
endangered
species list!
A quarter of the
planet’s mammal
species are now at
risk of extinction.
One-third of global
biodiversity is
concentrated into
1% of the Earth’s
surface.
A quarter of all
plant species in
the world could be
extinct by 2025!
Half of the world’s
coral reefs are
now at risk of
extinction.
70% of fisheries
are depleted or
fully exploited.
The time has come
to leave the
crystal balls and
get out the silicon
chips to develop
conservation
plans…otherwise
Extinction is for
Keeps
Why study Biodiversity and
Conservation Biology at UWC?
The Biodiversity and Conservation
Biology Department has a
established excellent reputation
for teaching and research.
What degrees are offered in
the BCB programme?
• B.Sc. Degree – 3~4 years
•B.Sc. Hons. - 1 year
• MSc. Degree – 1~3 years
• PhD. Degree – 3~5 years
Main areas of teaching and research
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
sment and sustainable use
of biodiversity and its
management
Experimental Physiology
Information, communication
and training
Our Expertise is in…
• Biodiversity and Ecology of Marine and Coastal
Ecosystems
•
Reproductive Biology of ecologically and
economically important species
•
Experimental Nutritional Physiology
•
Systematics and Taxonomy
•
Nutritional Ecophysiology of Angiosperms
•
Landscape Ecology and Information
Management
• Biological Education
Career opportunities are as…
•Environmental Officers & Consultants
•Oceanographers
•Researchers - Academic & Government
•Educators – Universities, Colleges & Schools
•Curators – Museums & Herbariums
Contacts:
The Programme Leader
Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Tel: 021-959-2521
Fax: 021-959-1237
Email: [email protected]
Music Credits
King Crimson
Picture Credits
Alpha Centauri's Universe
Argus Newspaper
BBC Walking with Dinosaurs
Fred Voetsch – Clipartguide.com
South African National Parks
Thomas D. Mangelsen
Biodiversity and Conservation Biology,
University of the Western Cape,
Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535
http://www.bcb.uwc.ac.za