Peru’s Biodiversity: Importance, Diversity, and Responsibility
Biodiversity Significance
Biodiversity is crucial for current and future well-being due to:
- The current and potential use of biological resources for humanity.
- Maintaining the biosphere to support human life.
- Preserving all living species.
Biodiversity as a Resource
A certain level of biodiversity is essential for human life, providing the basis for the biosphere and utilitarian needs like agriculture. Biodiversity is vital for food, including crops, livestock, and fishing. In Peru, 787 native plant species are used for food, with some having global commercial importance. Numerous animal species are consumed, with a few managed domestically and globally.
Biodiversity is also crucial for pharmaceuticals. Thousands of plants and animals are used for medicine worldwide, with 80% of developing countries relying on them. Approximately 90 plant species produce 120 medicinal compounds used globally. In Peru, around 4,400 native plant species are used for 48 purposes, representing about 10% of the GDP.
Biodiversity and the Biosphere
Human activities impact the biosphere, and biodiversity loss contributes to these changes. CO2 accumulation and warming are serious effects, partly mitigated by forest conservation and reforestation.
Other Values of Biodiversity
Beyond its current value, biodiversity holds ethical and aesthetic significance. Recently, biodiversity resources have been termed “the gold of the future” due to their growing economic value.
Diversity of Plant Species
Around 25,000 plant species are recorded in Peru, including 17,143 flowering plants. Wildlife lists are incomplete, with over 5,000 known species and new discoveries annually. Microorganisms and seabed organisms are understudied.
Diversity of Genetic Resources
Peru has 128 domesticated native plant species, including numerous potato varieties. The potato is a major global food crop, with nine domesticated species and over 2,000 varieties grown at various altitudes. Peru also has 200 wild potato species, important for breeding. Four domestic animal species (alpaca, llama, Muscovy duck, and guinea pig) originated in Peru.
Ecosystem Diversity
Peru is recognized for its ecological diversity, with 11 ecoregions and 84 of the world’s 117 life zones. Notable ecosystems include the cold Peruvian Current, dry forests, highlands, and Amazonian rainforests. This diversity has fostered diverse human cultures and technological achievements.
Megadiversity and Responsibility
Peru is one of 15 megadiverse countries and a Vavilov Center due to its numerous domesticated species. Research, conservation, and economic development based on biodiversity should be national priorities.