Maintaining uniqueness by conserving biodiversity

Maintaining uniqueness by conserving biodiversity

Dipti R. Kamath, Grade 10, TDIS

Our school recently (on May 21, 2005) took us on an educational
trip to Taman Safari, Bogor. We were to identify the unique
features of various animals such as tigers, elephants,
hippopotamuses and several such mammals, crocodiles, snakes and
other reptiles, and colorful birds such as flamingos and
hornbills, which are well protected there at Taman Safari.

The trip, in fact, inspired us youth to reflect upon the
current situation regarding the degraded environment, which
includes the affected flora and fauna, and motivated us to take
some steps toward the conservation of wildlife and their habitat
and toward the conservation of biodiversity.

Biodiversity refers to the total living component of our
biosphere, and the astounding diversity in the genetic make-up of
the living organisms that can be observed at the molecular level
up to the ecosystem level.

All the components of nature are in perfect ecological
balance, and form a vital part of their respective ecosystems.

An ecosystem is a self-sustaining, structural and functional
unit of the biosphere, which is ever involved in the exchange of
material (through biogeochemical cycles like the carbon dioxide
cycle) and energy (through the food web -- a network of
interconnected food chains). And it is worthy of note that all
ecosystems are interwoven and interconnected.

Thus, we see that every species in nature is not only exerting
biological control over the other, but different species are also
supporting and cooperating with each other directly or
indirectly.

A disturbance to any one type of flora or fauna can threaten
the whole life support system. Human beings are also a part of
this complex system, and the loss of diversity, therefore, can
lead to the destruction of the human species as well.

Hence, it is necessary that we make concerted efforts to
conserve this biodiversity, which we know is very important for
the sustenance of mankind!

"It wouldn't be important from a human perspective if we
weren't, in some sense, just another species on Earth," says
Adrian Forsyth, director of conservation biology for Conservation
International, an environmental organization based in Washington.
"Ultimately, our physical well-being depends on maintaining the
biodiversity of life."

Now, the poignant truth is that our varied natural heritage is
under serious threat due to several factors.

Where once lush greenery used to sway to the tune of a soft
breeze, and the sky was filled with the soft chirping of birds,
today, our ears have been "conditioned" to tolerate the noise of
the blaring horns of automobiles, while forest areas have been
cleared to give way for the countless factories and industries
that contribute amazingly toward economical growth and
development, and sadly, toward environmental degradation.

Unchecked rise in human population has resulted in a rise in
the need for food, clothing, housing and energy. This has
culminated in deforestation, industrialization, urbanization and
pollution at the cost of wild habitats.

Due to the unimpeded encroachment of wild habitat, many
species have become either lost/extinct or are endangered, that
is, on the verge of extinction. Other reasons responsible for
extinction or endangerment of animal species are commercial
exploitation (hunting and trade of animal parts such as tusks,
horns, skin/hide, and other parts), damage caused by non-native
species introduced into an area, and pollution.

For instance, some species such as the mammoth, short-tailed
shrews, dodos and passenger pigeons exist no more, while several
animals such as elephants, tigers, giant pandas, rhinoceroses,
gorillas and river dolphins are considered to be close to
extinction.

This poses a serious threat to the very survival of
biodiversity, and hence, it is necessary that we take immediate
steps to conserve wildlife and their habitats.

Following are but a few methods of biodiversity conservation:
* Educate and make people aware of the danger
* Introduce successful captivity breeding programs
* Provide protection through legislation; it is encouraging to
note that in several countries, specific measures have been taken
to prevent poaching, the illegal trade in furs, skins, musk and
peacock feathers
* Create more protected areas like natural parks, wildlife
sanctuaries and biosphere reserves
* Establish gene banks in the form of botanical gardens,
zoological parks and culture collections, where many species at
the risk of being lost permanently may be conserved by preserving
their genetic material/germplasm

As the first step I take in this direction, I am writing this
article -- inspired by a dance-drama that laid special emphasis
against poaching that was performed at our school -- in an
attempt to raise awareness.

Oh! Wake up, "hibernating beauties"! Open your eyes from the
darkness of ignorance, ignominious torpor and sheer apathy, and
face the reality: The very survival of the human race on this
planet is at stake. Let's take steps together toward the
conservation of biodiversity, and thus ensure sustainable
development and growth.

As Edwin Way Teale said: "Those who wish to pet and baby
wildlife love them, but those who respect their natures and wish
to let them live their natural lives, love them more."

Let us live and let live.