MEVE 014: Unit 09 - Introduction to Conservation Biology

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 UNIT 9: INTRODUCTION TO CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

9.1 Introduction

Conservation biology is a multidisciplinary science that aims to understand and preserve Earth's biodiversity. It emerged as a response to the accelerating loss of species, habitats, and ecosystems due to human activities. Unlike traditional biology, which focuses on understanding life, conservation biology is mission-oriented and action-driven—it seeks to halt biodiversity loss and restore degraded ecosystems. This unit introduces the origin, goals, strategies, and evaluation tools used in conservation biology to protect biodiversity at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.

9.2 Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understand the scope and significance of conservation biology.
  • Trace the historical development and global strategies in conservation.
  • Identify criteria for prioritizing species and habitats for conservation.
  • Understand the role of IUCN guidelines and biodiversity indices.
  • Evaluate conservation strategies using scientific metrics.

9.3 The History and Distinctions of Conservation Biology

Conservation biology evolved in the 1980s as a distinct discipline integrating ecology, genetics, economics, sociology, and environmental ethics.

Historical milestones:

  • Early conservation efforts in the 19th century (e.g., Yellowstone National Park, 1872).
  • Post-World War II environmental movements.
  • 1980s: Establishment of conservation biology as a crisis-oriented field.

Key distinctions:

  • Crisis discipline: Operates with urgency to prevent extinction.
  • Multidisciplinary: Integrates science with policy, ethics, and community practices.
  • Proactive and preventive: Focuses on preserving ecological integrity before irreversible damage occurs.

9.4 Emergence of Global Conservation Strategies

Several global conservation frameworks have emerged to coordinate international efforts:

  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992
  • World Conservation Strategy by IUCN, UNEP, and WWF
  • CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
  • UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 15 (Life on Land)

These strategies emphasize sustainable use, equitable benefit-sharing, habitat protection, and community participation.

9.5 Multidimensional Aspects of Conservation Biology

Conservation biology is multidimensional in its approach:

  • Ecological: Maintains ecosystem processes and resilience.
  • Genetic: Preserves gene pools to support species adaptability.
  • Ethical: Recognizes the intrinsic value of all living organisms.
  • Social: Incorporates indigenous and local knowledge.
  • Economic: Promotes ecosystem services and sustainable livelihoods.

This integrated approach ensures that conservation is not only ecologically sound but also socially acceptable and economically viable.

9.6 Evaluation of Priority for Conservation of Habitat and Species

Prioritizing species and habitats for conservation is essential due to limited resources. Priority is given based on:

  • Threat level (e.g., endangered species)
  • Endemism (restricted distribution)
  • Ecological significance (keystone or umbrella species)
  • Evolutionary uniqueness
  • Human dependence on ecosystem services

Tools like species richness mapping and habitat modeling help identify areas that need urgent protection.

9.7 Selection Criteria for Protection of Species

Selecting species for conservation often considers the following:

  • Flagship species – Charismatic species used to garner public support (e.g., tiger).
  • Keystone species – Species that have disproportionate effects on their ecosystems (e.g., sea otter).
  • Umbrella species – Protecting them also protects other species sharing the habitat.
  • Indicator species – Reflect environmental health (e.g., amphibians).

9.7.1 Methods to Select a Protected Area

Protected areas are chosen based on:

  • Species richness and endemism.
  • Presence of threatened or endemic species.
  • Ecosystem uniqueness or vulnerability.
  • Representativeness of ecological zones.

Methods include gap analysis, GIS-based habitat mapping, and species distribution models.

9.8 IUCN Guidelines for Red List Categories and Criteria

The IUCN Red List is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species.

Categories include:

  • Extinct (EX)
  • Critically Endangered (CR)
  • Endangered (EN)
  • Vulnerable (VU)
  • Near Threatened (NT)
  • Least Concern (LC)

Assessment is based on population trends, habitat range, and rate of decline. The Red List helps guide conservation priorities and funding decisions.

9.9 Red List of Indian Flora and Fauna

India is a biodiversity-rich country with many species listed in the IUCN Red List.

Examples:

  • Fauna: Bengal tiger (Endangered), Indian pangolin (Endangered), Ganges river dolphin (Endangered)
  • Flora: Nepenthes khasiana (Endangered pitcher plant), Red sandalwood (Pterocarpussantalinus)

Regular updates by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) assist in policy making and conservation planning.

9.10 Selection Criteria for Protection of Habitats – Hotspots

Biodiversity hotspots are regions that harbor a high number of endemic species and have undergone significant habitat loss.

To qualify as a hotspot:

  • Must have at least 1,500 endemic vascular plant species.
  • Must have lost at least 70% of original vegetation.

Hotspots in India include:

  • Himalayas
  • Western Ghats
  • Indo-Burma region
  • Sundaland (includes Nicobar Islands)

These areas are prioritized for conservation due to their ecological significance and fragility.

9.11 Biodiversity Hotspots

Hotspots are critical areas for global conservation. Conservation International recognizes 36 hotspots globally, which together cover only 2.3% of Earth's land surface but house over 50% of the world’s endemic plant species.

Conservation strategies include:

  • Protected area networks
  • Community reserves
  • Eco-sensitive zone regulations
  • Incentives for sustainable development

9.12 Conservation Indices

To evaluate biodiversity and measure conservation efforts, scientists use indices:

9.11.1 Species Richness

  • A basic measure indicating the number of different species present in a given area.
  • Does not account for abundance or dominance.

9.11.2 Shannon and Simpson Indexes

  • Shannon Index (H’): Measures diversity considering both species richness and evenness.

Formula:
H′=−∑(pi⋅ln⁡pi)H' = -\sum (p_i \cdot \lnp_i)H′=−∑(pi​⋅lnpi​)
where pip_ipi​ = proportion of individuals of species i.

  • Simpson’s Index (D): Measures the probability that two individuals randomly selected from a sample belong to the same species.

Formula:
D=∑(pi)2D = \sum (p_i)^2D=∑(pi​)2
Lower values indicate higher diversity.

These indices are used to compare biodiversity across regions or time periods.

9.13 Let Us Sum Up

  • Conservation biology is a mission-driven discipline that integrates science and policy to protect biodiversity.
  • Global strategies such as the CBD and IUCN guidelines provide a framework for conservation action.
  • Prioritization tools help in selecting species and habitats for protection based on ecological and socio-economic factors.
  • Biodiversity hotspots and protected areas are key to global conservation.
  • Quantitative indices like species richness, Shannon, and Simpson indexes aid in biodiversity assessment and monitoring.

Keywords

  • Conservation Biology – The science of protecting and managing biodiversity.
  • IUCN Red List – Global database of species’ conservation status.
  • Biodiversity Hotspot – Region rich in endemic species but under threat.
  • Species Richness – Number of species in a given area.
  • Shannon Index – Biodiversity index considering richness and evenness.
  • Flagship/Keystone/Umbrella Species – Types of species used for conservation prioritization.

 

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