Biodiversity Conservation

The term ‘biodiversity’ is a contraction of ‘biological diversity’. Ecologists have long known that individual animal species and ecosystems are endangered not only by threats to particular creatures, but to the balance and interplay of the rich array of fauna and flora living in the world. Conserving animals is important not only so that species such as pandas can be saved for future generations to enjoy, but because every creature plays a role in maintaining the ecological health of the planet. HIPPO is an acronym coined by the biologist Edwin O. Wilson to describe the many threats to biodiversity today. It stands for Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Pollution, Population growth (human) and Over-harvesting.

Biodiversity is a word used in several different ways. It is often used to refer to the number of species of creatures living in a given environment or ecosystem. Modern agriculture, focusing on producing single crops (’monoculture’) and using pesticides to control specific insects or plant predators, is a prime culprit in reducing biodiversity. Nature is a web of connections between plants and animals in the food chain. Losing one species of creature, even a humble insect, can have a ripple effect. The creatures it preys on may multiply, and creatures that feed on it may die out. The loss of a species can lead to a domino effect where many more animals in an ecological niche are affected. Low biodiversity can be a sign of an ecosystem on its knees.

Another way in which biodiversity is important is in relation to the size of the gene pool. Genetic diversity is important in the natural world as it increases the chances of survival. If a virus or some other threat strikes, the greater the genetic diversity, the better the chance that some individuals will survive it and perpetuate the species. It is also important because the larger the gene pool, the healthier the species is likely to be.

Cheetahs, for example, have very low genetic diversity, probably because of interbreeding when numbers were low in the past. Not only does interbreeding render them vulnerable to problems like low fertility, but if a feline virus came along, the chances are that all individuals would be vulnerable. Millions of people died in the 1840 Irish Potato Famine for a similar reason. Farming can create unusual conditions in nature, and in this case, planting two similar kinds of potatoes meant that both would be affected by the same potato disease, which had disastrous consequences for the Irish people.

Ecosystem diversity is another dimension of biodiversity. The world today has many different ecosystems and diverse environments, from desert to rainforest, coast to plain, and ocean to mountaintop. These work in tandem to maintain ecological harmony. For example, it is ecosystem diversity that has allowed such a rich range of plants to evolve, giving people many natural resources for food, medicine, and other purposes.

While it is still important for conservationists to run campaigns to save individual animal species under threat, such as orangutans or tigers, emphasis has shifted towards conserving habitats and systems as a whole. Saving pandas is important; however, the world would be in far graver danger if biodiversity amongst the insects that pollinate our plants were to plummet. Biodiversity is a matter of international concern and an issue that brings scientists and activists from around the world together to ensure its continued existence – and with it, our own survival.