OCR Text |
Show species. Many native species have also been established in previously unoccupied habitats both within and outside their native ranges Twenty- two endemic taxa have been transplanted into 1 to 23 formerly unoccupied habitats. Many of these introductions have been made to protect against extinction. Decreases in declines and extinctions of endemic aquatic fauna of the Great Basin over the past two decades indicates either that conservation programs are effective or that most of the more easily impacted habitats and species have already been affected. If only the most vulnerable taxa have declined, the next wave of decline and extinction will be caused by anthropogenic activities that have more regional impacts, rather than the comparatively local impacts that have characterized the past. Since almost all localized endemic fauna has been affected, the more widespread endemic fauna may be the next victims of environmental declines that accompany increased consumption patterns of increasing human populations. These challenges will require more innovative conservation programs to protect Great Basin aquatic ecosystems from further degradation. |