Biodiversity conservation
Species-Based Conservation
Conservation strategies that focus on protecting individual species at risk of extinction. It can be in-situ or ex-situ. The in-situ strategy is the conservation of species in their natural habitats, ensuring that they continue to evolve and adapt within their ecosystems. The ex-situ strategy is the conservation of species outside their natural habitats, often as a last resort when in situ methods are not sufficient. Sometimes a mixed conservation approach is adopted where both species and habitats are concerned.
ExampleZoos and botanical gardens are examples of ex situ conservation.
- Approaches:
- Captive Breeding Programs: Breeding endangered species in controlled environments to increase population numbers (e.g., California Condor).
- Reintroduction Programs: Returning captive-bred or rescued species to their natural habitats (e.g., Arabian Oryx).
- Legislation and Protection: Enacting laws to protect species from poaching and trade (e.g., CITES for elephants and rhinos).
- Species Action Plans: Developing specific strategies for species recovery (e.g., Tiger Recovery Program).
Habitat Conservation Strategies
Habitat conservation strategies focus on protecting ecosystems and habitats to ensure the survival of multiple species.
Methods:
- Protected Areas: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and nature reserves (e.g., Yellowstone National Park).
- Habitat Restoration: Reforestation, wetland restoration, and coral reef regeneration.
