Biodiversity and Conservation

Conservation initiatives: Project Tiger, Project Elephant

Introduction

  1. Conservation initiatives are aimed at protecting endangered species and maintaining ecological balance.
  2. Project Tiger and Project Elephant are flagship programs initiated by the Indian government to conserve these iconic species.
  3. These projects involve habitat protection, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and promoting sustainable coexistence.

Project Tiger

  1. Launched in 1973 by the Government of India to protect the dwindling tiger population.
  2. Aims to

Ex-situ conservation: Zoos, seed banks, botanical gardens

Introduction

  1. Ex-situ conservation refers to the conservation of species outside their natural habitats.
  2. It is a complementary approach to in-situ conservation, focusing on protecting endangered species in controlled environments.
  3. Key methods include zoos, seed banks, and botanical gardens.

Zoos

  1. Zoos serve as centers for the conservation and captive breeding of endangered species.
  2. They help protect species from threats like

In-situ conservation: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves

Introduction

  1. In-situ conservation involves protecting species in their natural habitats to ensure their survival and reproduction.
  2. It aims to maintain the natural processes and interactions within ecosystems, preserving genetic diversity.
  3. Key methods of in-situ conservation include the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.

National Parks

  1. National parks are protected areas established to conserve w

Poaching, invasive species, and climate change

Introduction

  1. Biodiversity is under constant threat from various human-induced activities and natural changes.
  2. Key threats include poaching, the spread of invasive species, and the impact of climate change.
  3. These threats disrupt ecosystems, reduce species diversity, and destabilize ecological balance.

Poaching

  1. Poaching refers to the illegal hunting, capturing, or killing of wildlife, often for commercial purposes.
  2. It targets species for their

Habitat loss and fragmentation

Introduction to Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

  1. Habitat loss refers to the destruction or degradation of natural habitats, making them unsuitable for species survival.
  2. Habitat fragmentation is the division of large, continuous habitats into smaller, isolated patches, disrupting ecosystems.
  3. These are major drivers of biodiversity decline globally, affecting species survival and ecosystem functioning.

Causes of Habitat Loss

  1. Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban
Biodiversity and Conservation