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.