What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity (short for 'biological diversity'), is the term used to describe the whole variety of life on Earth including plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and all the habitats in which they live. Oak trees, orchids, tigers, dormice, inkcaps, micro-organisms, meadows and ponds all form part of global 'biodiversity'.
Life on Earth is incredibly diverse and our knowledge of it continually expanding. For example, the media often report exciting discoveries of new species; new animal behaviours are recorded and unsuspected ecological interactions come to light. Knowledge of these interactions is important because they contribute, at every level, to the balance of global ecosystems.
Even in an English county such as Suffolk, the range of biodiversity is extraordinary, making a significant contribution to the sum total of the Earth's biodiversity.
Further information
For more background and detailed information about biodiversity, try the Natural History Museum website.
People and biodiversity
Biodiversity is about people as well as wildlife. The environment around us is fundamental to our well-being, determining our quality of life and providing basic social and economic benefits. For example, we are dependent on the natural world to provide fresh water, clean air, fertile soil, food, building materials and medicines.
These benefits are ‘ecosystem services’, the economic value of which has now been recognised.
For further information, download The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology Postnote March 2007 Number 281 (PDF 121 KB).
Threats to biodiversity in Suffolk
Global biodiversity, in the UK, and locally in Suffolk has been depleted over many years and is threatened today for a range of reasons, such as:
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Pressures on space for new building developments, leading to loss or fragmentation of habitats.
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The presence of non-native invasive species which can have severe consequences for native species.
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Recreational pressure on habitats.
Whilst attention is generally focused on protecting our rarest plants, animals and habitats, we should also recognise the vital role of the 'commonplace' in maintaining our life support systems. For example, invertebrates often go unnoticed, yet play a crucial role in pollinating plants, breaking down dead material and providing food for larger animals. They are the building blocks on which the rest of the web of life depends for survival.
For further information on threats to biodiversity, the following websites may be helpful:
What are we doing to help?
Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership (SBP) works with more than 20 partner organisations and individuals to:
- Implement practical projects
- Improve communication between partners and with the public
- Support partners (e.g. providing training for local authority planners working with biodiversity issues).
For more information on the work of SBP, visit our ‘Delivery’ page.