The Importance of Biodiversity

 My Personal Definition of Biodiversity:

Biodiversity is the measurable diversity of organisms within a given scope or area.

The Importance of Biodiversity:

    As many of us know, the continuous, critical function of our biogeochemical systems relies on the abundance of biodiversity throughout the world. There is no question that the human population exists because of the services we receive from a biodiverse planet. However, the importance of biodiversity locally is not often discussed. Rapid human development in past century has left habitats fragmented, and the disturbance of land has tipped the scales so that some species thrive while others struggle. In developed areas, the introduction of invasive species has allowed these species to out-compete many critical native species, leading to a landscape that is dominated by just a few species, rather than a wide variety of beneficial natives. 

    In Virginia, problematic invasive species include Tree of Heaven, Japanese Honeysuckle, Spotted Lanternfly, and Wooly Hemlock Adelgid. If you live on the Mid-Atlantic East Coast of the U.S., you will likely recognize these names and understand their prevalence as an invasive species. However, invasive species aren't the only problem; the lack of habitat available to native species dwindles as human development spreads, creating isolated pockets of habitat. The fragmentation of habitats in combination with invasive species competition and decreased habitat availability puts biodiversity in danger. Therefore, conservation of biodiversity locally is more important than ever. 

    Although the United States hosts a large variety of federally or state protected habitats, the areas between these large habitats are often free game for development, and therefore lack the necessary eco-corridor that would connect these protected lands. For this reason, locally protected habitats are just as important as our large landscapes dedicated to biodiversity. Local parks provide refuge for migratory animals, and small riparian forests provide immense ecosystem benefits. There is no question that biodiversity is of high importance, but its existence and protection locally shouldn't be ignored.