Conservation Of biodiversity

Introduction

Biodiversity, a contraction of "biological diversity," generally refers to the variety and variability
of life on Earth. It is that part of nature which includes the differences in genes among the individual of
species.Approximately 600 million years ago, all life consisted of archaea, bacteria, protozoans and
similar single-celled organisms. 3.5 billion years of evolution has resulted in the biodiversity we see
around us. Today about 1.4 million living species of all kinds of organisms have been described of which
about 750,000 are insects, 41,000 are vertebrates, and 250,000 are plants. There is no statistics to show
how much biodiversity is lost till today but it is confirmed that the rate of extinction today is highest of
all times due to climate change, human activities, pollution, population and many more reasons. Hence
there is a need to conserve biodiversity which can be done in the following ways:

 Identify the endangered species at first

 Leave native flora and fauna undisturbed
 Manage livestock grazing to maintain good quality range conditions
 Use natural products and methods for pest control such as BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) for
caterpillar infestation
 Encourage and support local government initiatives that protect habitat and decrease threats to
biodiversity.
 Recycle, reuse and reduce.
 Drive less, walk, ride or carpool more. Learn about low emission vehicle research and availability

In MARADAVALLY STATE FOREST

 There is depletion of water in the lakes which could largely be influenced by the reduction of
forested areas. Cultivation of MPs is only through the government's joint forest management
plan and to the extent of 25 hectares. This is a seed initiative which after three years of
government. management was recently handed over to the “Saravathy Valayabhivrudhi Sanga”.
This organization will allow the community to share in the benefits though not in the ownership
of the forest area.

DEVARAYANADURGA (KARNATAKA)

 There is no apparent cultivation of MP in this region but there is a recent initiative from the
Forest Department to create a Medicinal Plant Conservatory in an area of 20 hectares. At this
early stage, there is no involvement of the local community in the management of this
conservatory.

 The labour force deployed for collection in this study area tends to be labour employed from
outside the area by contractors. Hence, the issue of preservation of biodiversity is confounded
by the absence of vested interest.
Kaziranga National Park

 The biodiversity hot spot KNP is a unique place for its diverse flora and fauna and it attracts large
number of tourists every year. It is an ideal tourist spot in Assam. K.N.P. needs systematic and
scientific approach for long-term sustainable tourism development. The following are some of
the suggestions for fostering sustainable tourism development.

 The recurring flood and erosion of river Brahmaputra, Poaching, Mimosa Menace, Stray Rhino ,
Pollution of the neibouring areas etc. are the major threats for conservation of biodiversity of
this world heritage site. Priority should be given for the protection and conservation of wildlife
and natural resources of this park.

Conclusion

 Today, as ever, human beings are dependent for their sustenance, health, well-being and
enjoyment of life on fundamental biological systems and processes. Humanity derives all of its
food and many medicines and industrial products from the wild and domesticated components
of biological diversity. Biotic resources also serve recreation and tourism, and underpin the
ecosystems which provide us with many services.

 While the benefits of such resources are considerable, the value of biological diversity is not
restricted to these. The enormous diversity of life in itself is of crucial value, probably giving
greater resilience to ecosystems and organisms. Biodiversity also has important social and
cultural values