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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

How Ancient Horseshoe Crabs First Enter the World
May 30, 2024

Horseshoe crabs, ancient marine arthropods predating dinosaurs, face sharp decline. Habitat loss and harvesting by the pharmaceutical industry for diagnostic tests — despite existing synthetic alternatives — drive this needless and destructive practice.

The Center for Biological Diversity is fighting for federal Endangered Species Act protection for these creatures. We've also sued Maryland to obtain crucial data on the thousands of crabs killed, bled, or injured annually, which the state currently withholds.

Learn more about our work, watch a mind-blowing video of horseshoe crab eggs hatching, and take action at biologicaldiversity.org.