Group no 5: Akhil Raj Atul Augustine Gayathri S. Koyal Y.

Gupta Ranjita Nair Shazeer Ahmad

What is biodiversity conservation? Need for biodiversity conservation. Conservation strategies.

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is the variety of all species on earth. It is the different plants, animals and microorganisms, their genes, and the terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems of which they are a part. Biodiversity is both essential for our existence and intrinsically valuable in its own right.

restoring, protecting, conserving or enhancing the variety of life ConservationIn-situ Conservation -conservation of plant and animals Ex-situ Conservation conservation of endangered species

The main threats to our biodiversity are: loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat the spread of invasive species unsustainable use of natural resources climate change inappropriate fire regimes changes to the aquatic environment and water flows.

NEED FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

 Bio

means life and diversity means variations. So in general term biodiversity means range of variations among all form of lives whether plants and animals. The genetic diversity leads to formation of a new species in the process of natural selection through chromosomal mutation in the process of sexual reproduction.

Darwin's theory of evolution of species says one species is lost when it can not cope up with the new surroundings. Another species is created. But this process is very slow and takes millions of years. But due to excessive action of the human being this process is manipulated.

Some of the major reasons of loss of biodiversity are : 1. Deforestation is the major cause of loss of biodiversity. 2. Shifting cultivation in forest area leads to destruction of forest biodiversity. 3. Destruction of mangrove forest for shrimp cultivation. 4. Diversion of forest land for industry.

Two issues which are currently of great ecological concern World wide deforestation Global climatic change

The human species now uses 40 per cent of the planet's annual net photosynthesis produce. This consumption of two fifths of the earth's net food resources by a single species is incompatible with biological diversity and stability and leads to loss of natural habitats, overexploitation of plant and animal species.

Biodiversity conservation is important for the maintenance of food, water, health and livelihood security as well as climate resilient food production system. With global warming and climate change posing threats to vegetation, plant and faunal diversity, the importance of conserving biodiversity is gaining momentum. Medicines originating from wild species, including penicillin, aspirin, taxol, and quinine, have saved millions of lives and alleviated tremendous suffering.

Biodiversity is the life support system of our planetwe depend on it for the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. Wetlands filter pollutants from water, trees and plants reduce global warming by absorbing carbon, and bacteria and fungi break down organic material and fertilize the soil.