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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

Quitobaquito Pupfish: Tough, Tiny Fish on the Border
November 18, 2019
Quitobaquito pupfish have been on the planet for 1.6 million years, once ranging across the U.S. Southwest and northern Mexico. Now only several thousand remain in the small desert oasis created by Quitobaquito Spring in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument — just feet from the U.S.-Mexico border. These tiny but tenacious fish can survive extreme temperatures and high salt levels, and males turn vibrant blue when defending territory or seeking a mate. Sadly for these amazing little fish, new border wall construction has begun in Organ Pipe — which takes a lot of water. The Border Patrol is pumping thousands of gallons daily to mix concrete for the wall. Right now construction teams are within miles of Quitobaquito Spring, heedless of draining this precious desert waterway and its endangered little denizens.