: How do we conserve biodiversity? #IndiaNEWS #Education Today This article is in continuation to the previous articles that deal with various topics categorised as biological sciences. These series

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How do we conserve biodiversity? #IndiaNEWS #Education Today
This article is in continuation to the previous articles that deal with various topics categorised as biological sciences. These series of articles will help you understand topics under ‘Biodiversity’.
As discussed in the previous article, the threats to biodiversity include four major causes (the evil quartet) for accelerated rates of species extinction in the world: Habitat loss and fragmentation, Over exploitation, Invasion of alien species and Co-extinctions.
Let’s understand what co-extinctions are:
Co-extinctions
In an obligate association between a plant and animals, if a plant becomes extinct, the animal also becomes extinct as seen in a parasite and host association if the host becomes extinct, parasite meets the same fate.
Another association which explains co-extinctions in plant-pollinator mutualism where extinction of one invariably leads to the extinction of other.
Now, let’s move on to understand how to conserve biological diversity to maintain the right balance.
Conserving biological diversity
The conservation of biological diversity has become a global concern. There are basically two main types of conservation options: In-situ conservation (on-site conservation) and Ex-situ conservation (off-site conservation).
In-situ conservation (on-site conservation)
It is the process of protecting an animal species in its natural habitat. The benefit is that it maintains recovering populations in the surroundings where they have developed their distinctive properties. Conservationists identified certain regions by the name “Biodiversity hot spots� for maximum protection as they are characterised by very high levels of species richness and high degree of endemism.
By definition “Biodiversity hotspot� is a “biogeographic region� with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is under threat of extinction from humans. They are earth’s biologically richest and most threatened terrestrial eco-regions.
Biodiversity hot spots
The concept of biodiversity hotspots was proposed by Norman Myers. There are about 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world. As these regions are threatened by destruction, habitat loss is accelerated.
Example: Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Indo-Burma region and Himalayas in India. Ecologically unique and biodiversity rich regions are legally protected as in biosphere reserves 18 (18th is Panna in MP), national parks 90 and sanctuaries 448.
Biosphere reserves: An area which is set aside, minimally disturbed, for the conservation of the resources of the biosphere is biosphere reserve. The 17th biosphere in India is Seshachalam Hills. Latest biosphere reserve in India is “Panna� in Madhya Pradesh
National parks: A national park is a natural habitat strictly reserved for protection of natural life.

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