Studied by 2 people
conservation
the protection and management of an ecosystem so that the natural resources (biodiversity) can be used without running out and are still available for future generations
it is a dynamic process- needs constant adaption to changed within the ecosystem
involves:
maintaining genetic diversity within a species
the maintenance of habitats
reclamation
conservation also involves:
managing areas of land
taking steps to encourage new habitats (e.g. controlled burning to clear forests and increase biodiversity)
removing animals to captivity
growing plants in cultivation
reclamation of damaged or destroyed ecosystems
preservation
preservation is the protection of ecosystems so they are kept exactly as they are
nothing is removed from a preserved area
commonly used to preserve sensitive resources
visitation is limited
examples: newly discovered caves, Galapagos islands and nature reserves
reasons for conserving species
economic- trade and finance
ethical- morally right or wrong
social- affect lifestyle
ecological- for animals and plants
economic reasons
natural ecosystems provide services
ecosystems also provide goods such as wood and fish for free
ecotourism
ethical reasons
species become extinct as a result of human action
humans have a responsibility to maintain species, ecosystems and habitats for future generations
all organisms have a right to survive and live in the way to which they have become adapted
social reasons
people enjoy
visiting wild places
observing wildlife- the large animals are sustained by an interdependent web which includes a huge number of species
well-being- physical, intellectual and emotional health
sustainable management of ecosystems
in our quest to manage the ever increasing human population we have been using intensive methods to exploit the environment
such approaches can disrupt or destroy ecosystems, reduce biodiversity and even remove the resource- this is not sustainable
conflict can occur between out need for resources and conserving the resource e.g. wood and timber production and fish production
sustainable management allows the use of resources whilst maintaining biodiversity
small scale timber production
coppicing provides a sustainable supply of wood
the stem of a deciduous tree is cut back close to the ground
new shoots grow from the cut surface and mature into narrow stems
these narrow stems can be used for fencing, firewood and furniture
each cut back leads to new growth so the cycle continues
the Terai region
these groups created forest corridors between the national parks, which are essential to the dispersal and survival of tigers
they also started initiatives to counteract poachers nad
they also:
constructed waterholes
monitored endangered species
eradicated invasive species
it appears to have been successful due to the combined work of governmental and non governmental leadership
recent research shows rising numbers
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