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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

Help Vanishing Wetlands and Their Wildlife

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U.S. wetlands are in crisis, with half of these vital ecosystems in the lower 48 states vanishing since the 1780s. A 2023 Supreme Court decision removed federal protections, leaving remaining wetlands vulnerable to draining and filling.

Wetlands are crucial for biodiversity; nearly 50% of threatened and endangered species rely on them, with over 33% living exclusively there. Their loss degrades water quality, increases flood risks, and accelerates extinction; many endangered wetland species lack critical habitat protection.

Urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect more critical habitat for wetland-dependent species. Learn more and act at www.saveourfreshwater.org.

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