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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

Saving Life on Earth: A Discussion of Mountain Lions and Wildlife Crossings
October 16, 2020

The Center's Urban Wildlands program protects big cats and other wildlife by halting urban sprawl into adjacent wildlands, ensuring vital space and connectivity. Uncontrolled development in these areas heightens fire risk, increases car dependency, and isolates wildlife populations, particularly mountain lions. This year, significant progress was made in securing greater protections for California's mountain lions and stopping harmful projects.

Learn more about our efforts to safeguard California's mountain lions and wildlife corridors, and discover how you can contribute. The program features insights from Dr. Tiffany Yap, a senior scientist and wildlife corridor advocate, and J.P. Rose, Urban Wildlands Staff Attorney.