WILDLIFE BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING

TO CONSERVATION STATUS AND MEASURES UNDERTAKEN TO PREVENT

EXTINCTION.

KEY TERMS
The environment is composed of abiotic (non-living) and biotic(living) factors. It is the
surrounding of any living organism and from which the organism derives important resources
and services for its existence.
Ecology – The study of the interaction between the living organisms both plants and animals
and their environment.
Biological Spectrum – it is the organization of biological system from the lowest part
(protoplasm) to organs, to organisms or species to populations, to communities to
ecosystems.
A Species – represents the natural unit whose inter breeding with each other but do not
breed with other species. Species are custodians of gene pools. The process by which gene
pools can be lost from ecosystem is called extinction.
Speciation – It is a natural process of formation of a new species from the existing ones
through natural selection in response to changes in the environmental conditions.
Biodiversity – This is the total variety of living organisms that exist in a place. Its richness
determines the stability of the ecosystem. It can be classified into genetic diversity, species
diversity and ecosystem diversity.
1. Genetic diversity – the variety of genes within an organism. Reduced genetic diversity
in an organism leads to inbreeding and genetic depression making a species
vulnerable to genetic related problems.
2. Species diversity – The measure of total number of a species in a given area. The
tropics are very rich in genetic diversity, while among all faunal groups insects are the
most diverse as they represent 2/3 of all known species.
3. Ecosystem diversity – This is the variety of habitats that are important for survival of
wild species. Changes in these habitats influence the number of species in the
ecosystem either positively or negatively.
Endemic species – These are spp. which are restricted and localized in a geographic
distribution. They are vulnerable to destruction in case of environmental changes. Species
with an exclusively local range (at a spatial scale). Species of very small biogeography are
endemic species. Centers of endemism are areas where we can find high concentration of
species that are found nowhere else and probably originated therein. An endemic species is
not only indigenous, but is restricted to a particular area. E.g. Sitatunga, sable and roan
antelopes.
Keystone Species – These are species which are very important in determining the ability of
a large number of other species’ survival in a biological community. If a keystone spp. Is lost
from an ecosystem numerous other species may be lost as well e.g. algae in marine or
terrestrial ecosystems.
Endangered species - Any species facing extreme risk of extinction in its natural habitat in
the near future. Included are spps whose numbers have been reduced to the point that survival
of the spps is unlikely if the present trends continue. E.g. elephant, musk deer, swamp deer.
Critically Endangered – Any species facing extreme high risk of extinction in its natural
habitat in the immediate future.
Threatened Species - Any species facing high risk of extinction in its natural habitat in the
immediate future.
Vulnerable Species – Species that may become endangered in the near future because their
population are decreasing in size throughout their range. The long term viability of vulnerable
species is not certain. There is a high risk of it becoming extinct in the medium term future.
Protected Species – This is a species which is of such high conservation value or natural
importance that it requires special protection although it might not be endangered or critically
endangered or threatened.
Rare species – species that have small total numbers of individuals, often due to limited
geographical ranges or low population densities. Although these species may not face any
immediate danger, their small number make them likely candidates to become endangered.
Flag ship species - Flagship species are charismatic species that serve as a symbol and
rallying point to stimulate conservation awareness and action but are often used
synonymously as de facto umbrella species. Flagship species are charismatic megafauna.
These species act as ambassadors for a natural habitat, issue, campaign or environmental
cause. By focusing on, and achieving conservation of that species, the status of many other
species which share its habitat may also be improved. Flagship species may or may not be
keystone species and may or may not be good indicators of biological process.

e.g. Rhinoceros, Elephant and Tiger

EXTINCTION OF WILDLIFE SPECIES

Extinction is the process by which a species ceases to exist due to the inability of its members
to adapt and reproduce under the prevailing natural conditions. This process may be
influenced by a number of factors including:
i. Natural forces or Environmental changes e.g. volcanic activity, climate changes with
natural forces selecting against species which are not able to adapt to new
environmental conditions.
ii. Habitat Changes this is associated with anthropogenic or human activities which lead
to changes in the natural ecosystems particularly in the tropics. E.g. introduction of
new land use practices, deforestation or tourism
iii. Commercial harvesting – Overharvesting or exploitation of plant and animal species
for commercial purposes. Some of the species affected includes ebony, sandal wood,
silver oak, aloe in plants while rhinos, elephants and gravy zebras, dik-diks, turtles.
iv. Having isolated population of members of the species in restricted ranges limiting
their interaction and sharing or exchange of genes this may increase chances of
inbreeding or they can be wiped out in case of changes in the environment e.g. rhinos,
Rothschild giraffes.
v. Abnormal mortality – if a species is exposed to unnatural death which is not
evolutionary. This might be associated with disease outbreaks or climate changes or
volcanicity or earthquakes.
vi. Endemism – Any changes in the habitat with restricted geographic location.
vii. Fixed Behavioral patterns of a species – This can affect migratory species if the
migratory routes are blocked or key environmental resources or services are altered.
viii. Specialized lifestyle – If a species is restricted in a certain area or resources for
feeding on or uses for nesting. Destruction of that area may lead to its extinction e.g.
wildebeests, flamingoes.
ix. Introduction of exotic species e.g. Nile perch in Lake Victoria.
MEASURES TAKEN TO PREVENT EXTINCTION
1. Through international or national regulations and treaties. Some of these regulations
includes the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of both plants and
animals (CITES). CITES has been able to classify endangered species into Appendix I, II
and III.
 Appendix I – trading is not allowed for species or their parts if they fall under this
category.
 Appendix II – Controlled trading is allowed for species or their parts under this
category based on scientific knowledge or information.
 Appendix III – This includes list of all spp. That have no general restriction but its
population is endangered in some specific countries.
Ramsar Convention – Protects wetlands of international importance it was signed in 1971 in
Iran. Some Ramsar sites in Kenya include Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru and Baringo.
Bonn Convention – This covers all migratory species under international boundaries.
2. Through National Legislation
3. Creation of Protected areas and sanctuaries to promote in situ conservation through Game
Parks and reserves.
4. Having Ex situ conservation either in animal orphanages or zoos.
5. Creation of Gene Banks – New approach it involves the use of biotechnology. Common
in conservation of plants.