Comparing Conservation Approaches
- The various approaches to protecting biodiversity have different sets of strengths and limitations associated with them
- Community support, adequate funding and proper research influence the success of each of the conservation approaches evaluated below
Comparing Conservation Approaches
| Conservation Approach | Strengths | Limitations |
| Protected Areas |
-Provides direct protection to habitats and species -Promotes ecotourism and research opportunities -Can aid in restoration and ecological rehabilitation efforts -May offer ecosystem services to surrounding areas |
-Limited land availability -May require displacing indigenous populations -Limited enforcement of regulations -Can be subject to illegal poaching and logging -Can be expensive to manage and maintain |
|
CITES |
-Regulates international trade of endangered species -Provides a framework for international cooperation -Protects biodiversity by preventing overexploitation -Supports sustainable use of resources |
-Difficult to enforce and monitor trade in remote areas -Can be resource-intensive to implement -Some countries may not prioritise enforcement (or may not have the resources to do so) -Does not address habitat loss or other threats to species |
|
Zoos |
-Can serve as a last resort for critically endangered species -Can raise awareness and educate the public -Allow for research and educational opportunities -Can provide a safe and controlled environment for breeding |
-Limited genetic diversity due to small population size -Animals may experience stress and health issues in captivity -Some species may not be suitable for captive breeding -Limited capacity for large, wide-ranging species -Can be expensive to maintain and operate |
|
Captive Breeding and Reintroduction programs |
-Can increase the population size of endangered species -Can aid in the restoration of ecosystems and food webs -Can increase genetic diversity in populations -Can serve as a way to study species' behaviour |
-May not address underlying threats to species -High costs associated with breeding and reintroduction (e.g. transporting species large distances) -Success may depend on habitat availability and quality |
