Conservation Biology: Protecting Endangered Specie

What is Conservation Biology?

Conservation biology is the science that helps us understand why species become endangered and how factors like habitat loss and human impact threaten their survival.

What Makes a Species Endangered: Factors include shrinking habitats, reduced food sources, and increased competition— caused by human activities like deforestation and urban expansion.

Impact of Habitat Loss: As natural habitats are destroyed or fragmented, animals struggle to find shelter, food, and breeding grounds, which directly affects their survival.

Human Role: Humans can both harm wildlife (through pollution, hunting, and habitat destruction) and help it by establishing protected areas, enforcing environmental laws, and supporting restoration projects.

Scientific Strategies in Conservation

Scientists use various methods to save endangered species.

• Field Research & Data Collection: Scientists conduct population surveys and monitor habitats to gather data about the reasons behind species decline.
• Ecological Modeling & Genetic Studies: Tools like ecological models predict how environmental changes affect species, while genetic research ensures populations remain diverse and healthy.
• Protected Areas and Wildlife Reserves: Establishing sanctuaries helps safeguard critical habitats.
• Captive Breeding Programs: Work to increase population numbers by breeding endangered species in controlled environments and then reintroducing them into the wild.

Fun Facts

Here are some interesting facts about endangered species:

• The Amur Leopard is one of the world’s rarest big cats, with fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild.
• The Sumatran Orangutan is critically endangered, with only around 14,000 individuals remaining in Indonesia’s rainforests.
• The Hawksbill Turtle is famed for its beautiful shell, which has made it a target for illegal trade, even though it can live up to 50 years.
• The Vaquita Porpoise is the smallest and most endangered marine mammal, with fewer than 20 individuals left in the Gulf of California.

Review

Let’s quickly recap what we learned about conservation biology:

• What is the main cause of species endangerment? Habitat Loss
• What is a protected area for wildlife called? Reserve
• What tools predict how changes in the environment affect species? Ecological Models
• What program increases species numbers in controlled settings? Captive Breeding