✓ Details There are many methods to deciding what aspects of nature to focus on, two methods are to focus on hotspots (areas of high biodiversity) and individual species, particularly those with wide impact. Today, you will have the opportunity to look at both. Details Go to the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund's list of hotspots, and choose the hotspot you want to research. You are welcome to choose any hotspot, but I recommend you choose a hotspot that CEPF has invested in or is planning to invest in soon, as there will be more information on the location. If a PDF exists for your hotspot, it is probably worth looking at. Additionally, you will research one species from the chosen hotpot on IUCN's Red List B. Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund List of Hotspots IUCN's Red List B Requirements Develop a report or Powerpoint presentation with the information listed below. Use CEPF and IUCN'S Red List as your sources. If you create a presentation, keep in mind that you must explain your ideas clearly. This may go against typical advice to keep information brief on a slide. You should be able to find everything you need from the two websites, but if you feel you need outside sources, get them approved by your instructor. • Describe your location • Where is it? 。 What type of specific ecosystems are there? • Provide an illustrative photo or map of the area Explain why the location is a hotspot. Give specific statistics. • How is biodiversity higher than average? • Discuss the parameters that define a hotspot ■ Endemic species (particularly producers) ■ Vegetation loss • Are there multiple monotypic species? (Monotypic species are the sole species in their genus. CEPF may tell you if they exist in the hotspot. If there are none listed, you are not required to research further.) • Why is this place threatened? What are the ongoing problems? • Pick at least one species listed in this location and look them up on the Red List. • Include the conservation status of the organism, as listed on the Red List. • Provide other information about the organism from the other sections (geographic range, habitat and ecology, etc.). If the Red List does not have much information on that species, choose a different one. • Include one photo. • What conservation efforts are taking place to protect or help the hotspot and/or the species in it? (You can get this information from both CEPF and IUCN. The Red List has more information on threats and conservation if you scroll down to "threats in detail" or "conservation actions in detail.") Your report/presentation should be very visual (map of the location, landscape, species that live there, etc.). Upload your project when you are finished. Note: Your submission will be checked for plagiarism. If you use the CEPF's or the Red List's wording, make sure you put it in quotation marks. Otherwise, paraphrase the information! Description of hotspot No Marks 6 to >5 pts 5 to >3 pts 3 to >1 pts Full Marks Above average Average 1 to >0 pts Poor O pts Both the location and It is clear where the hotspot is located and what type of ecosystems exist in the area. At least one informative picture is given ecosystem types are given but some information is unclear or missing (e.g., what type of forest?). The location is clear but the type of ecosystems are missing (or vice versa) OR both pieces of information are present but vague A vague location description is given OR a vague list of ecosystem types is given No description of the area is given Informative picture may be missing. Hotspot justification 6 to >5 pts Excellent 5 to >4 pts Average 4 to >2 pts Average 2 to >0 pts Poor O pts It is clear why the area is considered a hotspot because specific statistics are given A justification for why the area is a hotspot is given but it is not supported by statistics or other evidence A justification for why the area is a hotspot is given but the reasoning is vague It is vaguely mentioned that the area has high biodiversity, but the concept is unexplained No Marks No justification for why the area is a hotspot is given Threats/ongoing problems 6 to >5 pts Full Marks Threats or ongoing problems are well-explained. The reader gets a clear impression of why the area is in danger 5 to >4 pts Average A list of threats of given but 4 to >2 pts Below average A list of threats or ongoing 2 to >0 pts Poor One threat or problem is O pts No Marks No information about threats or ongoing BREN minor questions exist about why the area is in danger problems is given but it remains unclear why the area is in danger vaguely mentioned problems are listed. Species description 6 to >5 pts Full Marks One species from the area is described. The reader gets a good sense of what type of species is being discussed. Photo is provided 5 to >4 pts Above average One species from the area is described. The reader gets a good sense of what type of species is being discussed. Photo is missing. 4 to >2 pts Average 2 to >0 pts Poor O pts Information about a species from the area is given, but the reader is uncertain about the type of species being described A species from the area is vaguely mentioned, but the details are missing No Marks No species is described / 6 pts 1 6 pts / 6 pts / 6 pts Conservation efforts 6 to >5 pts Full Marks Conservation efforts for the area or chosen species are clear. This may include a succinct and informative list OR a few items thoroughly explained 5 to >4 pts Above average Conservation efforts are explained in either a short list or a vague description that leaves the reader with minor questions. 4 to >2 pts Average 2 to >0 pts O pts Poor No Marks Conservation Conservation efforts are explained in either a short list or a vague description that leaves the reader with important questions. efforts are only vaguely mentioned without explanation / 6 pts Total Points: 0