Conservation Approaches
- Conservation approaches aim to protect biodiversity and ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations
- These approaches can be broadly categorised into three types:
- Habitat conservation
- Species-based conservation
- Mixed approaches
Habitat Conservation
- Habitat conservation involves the protection and management of ecosystems and habitats
- This approach recognises that the survival of many species is dependent on the preservation of their habitat
- For example, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia uses a habitat conservation approach
- The park is managed to protect the reef and its inhabitants by controlling the impact of human activity, such as fishing and tourism, and managing water quality
Photo by Bruce Hong on Unsplash
Species-based conservation has been successful in the case of pandas
Species-based Conservation
- Species-based conservation involves the protection and management of individual species
- This approach recognises the importance of individual species to the functioning of ecosystems, or sometimes is used to protect iconic flagship species (species that are globally recognised and that symbolise the importance of biodiversity)
- For example, the conservation of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in China is an example of species-based conservation
- The Chinese government has implemented a range of measures, including habitat protection and captive breeding programs, specifically to protect the giant panda, which is an iconic symbol of the country
Mixed Approach to Conservation
- Mixed approaches involve a combination of habitat and species-based conservation strategies
- For example, the conservation of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) involves both habitat protection and management of individual elephant populations
- The African Elephant Action Plan, developed by the African Elephant Specialist Group and endorsed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), aims to ensure the survival of African elephants by addressing both habitat conservation and the management of elephant populations
- The plan involves the protection of key habitats and migration corridors as well as addressing human-elephant conflict, poaching, and illegal trade in elephant ivory
- Most importantly, conservation approaches should be tailored to the specific needs of the ecosystem or species being protected
- A combination of habitat and species-based conservation approaches can be most effective in achieving conservation goals