10. Conservation biology (3 hr)

10.1 Conservation Biology

Conservation biology is the scientific study aimed at understanding and protecting biodiversity, focusing on preserving species, their habitats, and ecosystems. This field addresses the challenges posed by human activities and seeks to develop strategies for sustaining biological diversity.

Concept of Biodiversity

• Definition: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including the diversity of species, ecosystems, and genetic variations within species.
• Importance: Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision of ecosystem services such as clean air, water, pollination, and food production.

Biodiversity Conservation

• Definition: The practice of protecting and managing biodiversity to prevent extinction and degradation of habitats.
• Strategies:
  • Protected Areas: Establishing national parks, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas to safeguard habitats and species.
  • Restoration Efforts: Rehabilitating degraded ecosystems and restoring native species.
  • Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fishing to minimize habitat loss and degradation.

Types of Protected Areas

1. National Parks:

   • Areas designated for the conservation of wildlife and natural resources while allowing for public enjoyment and education.
   • Examples include Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal.

2. Wildlife Reserves:

   • Areas set aside for the protection of specific species and their habitats, often with stricter regulations than national parks.
   • Focus on preserving endangered and threatened species.

3. Conservation Areas:

   • Regions where conservation efforts are integrated with local community development and sustainable resource management.
   • Aim to balance ecological health with the needs of local populations.

4. Biodiversity Hotspots:

   • Regions with a high level of endemic species that are under significant threat from human activities.
   • Recognizing and protecting these areas is crucial for global biodiversity conservation.

5. Wetland & Ramsar Sites:

   • Wetlands are critical ecosystems that provide numerous ecological functions, including water filtration and habitat for diverse species.
   • Ramsar Convention recognizes important wetlands worldwide for conservation efforts, emphasizing the significance of these ecosystems.

Wildlife: Importance, Causes of Extinction, and Conservation Strategies

• Importance of Wildlife:

  • Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem stability, resilience, and human well-being.
  • Wildlife provides economic benefits through ecotourism, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.

• Causes of Extinction:

  • Habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation.
  • Climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation of resources.
  • Human-wildlife conflict and poaching for illegal wildlife trade.

• Conservation Strategies:

  • Establishing protected areas and wildlife corridors to facilitate species movement and genetic exchange.
  • Legal frameworks and policies to protect endangered species and habitats.
  • Community engagement and education to promote conservation practices and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

IUCN Categories of Threatened Species

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies species based on their conservation status, helping to prioritize conservation efforts.

• Extinct (EX): No known individuals remaining.
• Endangered (EN): Very high risk of extinction in the wild.
• Vulnerable (VU): High risk of endangerment in the wild.
• Rare (R): Limited distribution and low population numbers but not immediately threatened.
• Threatened (T): Species that are likely to become endangered in the future.

Endangered Species in Nepal

Nepal is home to a variety of endangered species that require urgent conservation efforts. Notable examples include:

• Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris): Threatened by habitat loss and poaching.
• One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis): Conservation success story but still endangered due to poaching.
• Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens): Faces habitat loss due to deforestation and fragmentation.
• Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia): Threatened by climate change and livestock grazing pressures.