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| Conservation of Biodiveristy (Wild Life) |
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| Conservation is defined as the management of human use of the biosphere so that it may yield the greatest sustainable benefit to the present generation while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. |
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| The in situ strategies emphasise protection of total ecosystem. |
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| Objectives of conservation of wild life |
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| Conservation of wild life has three objectives |
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| a) To maintain essential ecological processes and life supporting systems. |
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| b) To preserve the diversity of species or the range of genetic material found in the world's organisms. |
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| c) To ensure sustainable utilisation of species and ecosystem which support millions of rural communities as well as major industries. |
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| Thus, conservation is concerned not only with the plants, animals and microorganisms but also with the abiotic factors of the environment, which supports them. It is a complex operation. |
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| Conservation Strategies |
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| A comprehensive World Conservation Strategy for the judicious use of living resources has been formulated by the scientists of 100 countries. Some of the steps suggested to protect the wild life are: |
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| a) Special attention should be given to conserve the species, which fall in the category of endangered, vulnerable or rare species. |
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| b) Proper planning of land and water utilization should be done to ensure the protection of wild life in their natural habitats or in the man-made habitats such as zoo and botanical gardens. |
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| c) The protection of wild relatives of our food crops, forage plants and domesticated animals should be given priority because they are needed for introduction of desirable characters during the breeding programmes at national and international levels. |
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| d) Wild life sanctuaries and national parks should be made keeping in mind the feeding, breeding and environmental needs of the species concerned. |
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| e) The ecosystem rather than a single species should be preserved. |
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| f) The unique ecosystems should be safeguarded on a priority lease. |
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| g) The species and ecosystems should not be exploited beyond their productive capacities. |
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| f) International trade in wild plants and animals and their products should be regulated by law. |
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| i) Protected areas should be set up to preserve the habitats of migratory animals, exploitation of the species along the migratory routes should be regulated. |
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| j) Hunting should be regulated. Hunting should be disallowed during the breeding season of the animals. Killing or catching of young, growing animals should be prohibited. |
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| k) People should be educated about the need and modes of conservation of wild life. |
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| l) In the introduction of species between 2 countries, bilateral agreements should be reached to establish required network depending upon the need of the species. |
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| m) Alternative measures should be adopted to allow the survival of a species being exploited by a country or a community or an industry. |
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| n) The critical habitats of wild animals should be kept intact to ensure their safe growth and multiplication. |
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| g) Children should be inspired to love animals. They should be taken to zoos, shown movies of wild life and encouraged to look after pets. |
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