Protection of

endangered
species

How to protect endangered

species
Zoos
Botanic

gardens
Nature (p)reserves
Seed banks
Endangered habitats

Zoos
An

establishment which maintains a collection

of wild animals, typically in a park or gardens,
for study, conservation, or display to the public.
The first modern zoo -- the Imperial Menagerie
inVienna, Austria-- was established in 1752
and continues to attract visitors to this day.
Nearby, in Germany, is the world's largest
animal collection: Zoo Berlin (formerly The
Berlin Zoological Gardens) houses more than
15,000 animals from almost 1,700 species.

Is it necessary?
The debate between whether a zoo is good or
bad has continued for an extended amount of
time, between welfare groups and scientists.
The debate mainly comprises of why we
should release the animals into their natural
habitat, as it is better for their mental and
physical health, but the opposing side argues
that in a zoo, the animal can be studied
without danger, and is in no danger of being
killed by hunters or poachers

Benefits of a zoo
Having animals available in zoos, researchers have easier
access to these animals. The access to more exotic animals is
greatly increased. This can give us a better scientific
understanding on these animals. They can be observed in
social situations and can be understood better than if they
were wild. A down side to this is once the animals become
adapted to being cared by humans, they are less likely to
survive in the wild. In this case, there is no purpose for keeping
the species alive.
Zooshave improved significantly in the last 4,000 or so years.
Gone are the oldsteel-bar enclosures and cold cement cages.
Most zoos these days use natural-looking barriers like moats or
ditches to separate animals from people, and have minihabitats that resemble the animals' natural environment.

Benefits of a zoo (cont.)

Zoos

now also do not capture animals

from the wild, but instead, receive their
animals through a captive breeding
program. An example in which this
program was a success, was the
repopulation of the Californian condor,
from numbers of under two dozen to
over 170.

Detriments of a zoo
Even

though zoos are much better than

before, there are still problems which
cannot be addressed, such as the issue
of space, and privacy.
Zoochosis, is the display of obsessive,
repetitive behaviours, commonly found
in animals that are present within zoos.

Botanic gardens
Botanic gardens have had a changing role throughout history,
beginning often as medicinal gardens for the study and
cultivation of plants with healing properties. The fact that
their collections are more or less scientific, means they are
continually adapting and serving the needs of their societies in
evolving ways as new challenges face those societies.
In current times, they are becoming key players in both
theconservation of plantsand in theeducation of the
peoplewho come to see them. They are also starting to play a
role in the mitigation of the effects of climate change, and
could be absolutely vital to the survival of the planet as they are
perfectly placed to help move species around and help
ecosystems to adapt to new climates in different regions.

Benefits of a botanic garden

Urban greeningisthe improvement
ofneighbourhoodquality through planting and green
landscaping. Thebenefits of such projects are far more
than aesthetic: they can reduce crime, improve social
networks, and improve individual feelings of adjustment.
Cultural centres and places of spirituality- botanic
gardens sometimescontain important spiritual places, and
are often important community spaces, especially in urban
areas which otherwise have little access to greenery.
Botanic gardens oftenhost community events and
processes, such as urban planning,and many make
especial efforts to ensure that all members of society are
comfortable in visiting the garden.

Seed banks
A

seed bank stores seeds as a source

for planting in case seedreserves
elsewhere are destroyed. It is a type of
genebank. The seeds stored may be
food crops, or those of rare species to
protect biodiversity.

Benefits of seed bank

Compensates

for the loss of endangered

species of plants, as these plants may
produce seeds which are very long lived and
could be stored in relatively small places. If
seeds of endangered species are stored in
such a way, such seed may be germinated
any time and could be grown in botanic
gardens.
Gene pool of the species could be
maintained

Detriments of seed banks

They

need to be kept in carefully

controlled conditions especially in
atmosphere of low oxygen levels,
moisture and temperature.
Although seed is stored in the seed
bank, there may not be enough seed to
completely repopulate or revive the
species.