Biodiversity and Its Conservation

Biodiversity Conservation refers to the protection, preservation, and sustainable management of biological diversity, including all living organisms, their habitats, and genetic variations.

It ensures that species continue to survive, reproduce, and perform their ecological roles, maintaining the balance of nature.

In simple terms, biodiversity conservation means saving plants, animals, microorganisms, and their ecosystems from extinction or degradation caused by human activities.

Biodiversity forms the foundation of life on Earth, and its conservation is vital for ecological stability, human survival, and sustainable development.

Levels of Biodiversity

Genetic Diversity

It refers to the variation of genes within a species. Greater genetic diversity helps species adapt to environmental changes.
Example: Different varieties of rice or breeds of dogs.

Species Diversity

It indicates the variety of species within a region.
Example: Tropical rainforests have higher species diversity than deserts.

Ecosystem Diversity

It involves the variety of ecosystems—forests, grasslands, deserts, and aquatic systems—found across different geographic regions.

1.0Distribution of Biodiversity on Earth

Global Biodiversity Patterns

Biodiversity is unevenly distributed — tropical regions near the equator have the highest diversity.
Latitudinal Gradient: Species richness decreases from the equator toward the poles.
Hotspots: Regions such as the Amazon rainforest and the Coral Triangle are biodiversity hotspots characterised by exceptional species richness and high endemism.

India as a Mega-Diversity Nation

India is recognised as one of the 12 mega-diversity countries in the world.
It hosts:

45,000+ plant species
90,000+ animal species
Diverse ecosystems ranging from the Himalayas to coastal mangroves

India also has four major biodiversity hotspots:

Himalaya
Indo-Burma
Western Ghats
Sundaland (Nicobar Islands)

2.0Threats to Biodiversity

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

Urbanisation, deforestation, and agriculture destroy natural habitats, forcing species into smaller, disconnected areas.

Overexploitation of Resources

Unsustainable hunting, fishing, and logging deplete resources faster than they can recover.

Invasive Alien Species

Non-native species introduced into ecosystems (such as Eichhornia crassipes, water hyacinth) outcompete native flora and fauna.

Pollution and Climate Change

Air, water, and soil pollution harm species and disrupt food chains. Rising global temperatures lead to coral bleaching and species extinction.

Poaching and Illegal Trade

Wildlife trafficking for skins, ivory, and exotic pets is a major threat to biodiversity, especially in tropical countries.

3.0Biodiversity and its Conservation Methods

Conservation means the management and protection of ecosystems and species to ensure their survival for future generations. It includes in-situ and ex-situ methods.

In-situ Conservation

Conserving species within their natural habitat helps maintain ecological integrity.

Protected Areas: National Parks, Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves

National Parks: Strictly protected regions (e.g., Jim Corbett National Park).
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Allow limited human activity (e.g., Bharatpur Sanctuary).
Biosphere Reserves: Larger zones combining conservation and sustainable use (e.g., Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve).

Hotspots of Biodiversity

These are regions with high endemism and threat levels. There are 36 biodiversity hotspots globally.

Ex-situ Conservation

Conserving species outside their natural habitat when in-situ methods fail.

Zoological Parks and Botanical Gardens

They preserve endangered plants and animals for educational and research purposes.

Seed Banks, Gene Banks, and Cryopreservation

Seed Banks: Store seeds under controlled conditions for future use.
Gene Banks: Maintain genetic materials like DNA.
Cryopreservation: Freezing cells and tissues at very low temperatures to preserve genetic diversity.

4.0Importance of Biodiversity

Ecological Importance

Ecosystem Stability: Diverse ecosystems can withstand environmental changes.
Nutrient Cycling: Biodiversity ensures the smooth functioning of cycles like carbon, nitrogen, and water.
Pollination and Seed Dispersal: Many insects and animals are crucial for plant reproduction.

Economic Importance

Food and Medicine: Nearly 80% of global food crops depend on biodiversity. Over 25% of medicines are derived from plants.
Industry and Livelihood: Forests provide timber, fibre, fuel, and raw materials.
Tourism: Ecotourism contributes significantly to the economy of biodiversity-rich nations.

Aesthetic and Cultural Significance

Biodiversity enhances the beauty of nature and is deeply linked with cultural traditions, art, and spirituality across civilisations.

5.0International and National Efforts in Conservation

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Adopted in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, the CBD promotes sustainable use, conservation, and equitable sharing of genetic resources.

IUCN Red Data Book

Published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, it classifies species by risk of extinction as Endangered, Vulnerable, Rare, or Extinct.

Indian Legislation and Conservation Initiatives

Wildlife Protection Act (1972)
Forest Conservation Act (1980)
Project Tiger (1973) and Project Elephant (1992) for species-specific protection.
India also runs numerous community-led initiatives like the Chipko Movement and the Silent Valley Project for local conservation.