Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna

Biodiversity and Conservation

• The term for all the plant life occurring in an area or time period is referred to as flora.
• The primary threat to the continued survival of species is habitat destruction.
• The term 'biodiversity' was coined by Walter G. Rosen.
• The practice of protecting plant and animal species and their habitats is called conservation.
• Factors that can threaten wild animal populations include habitat destruction, pollution, and hunting.

Conservation Strategies

• In-situ conservation primarily focuses on protecting species and their habitats in their natural environments.
• The main purpose of Biosphere Reserves is to conserve biodiversity while promoting sustainable development.
• Biosphere Reserves are distinguished from National Parks in that they allow for human settlements and economic activities, whereas National Parks are strictly protected areas.
• Declaring an area as a wildlife sanctuary signifies that it is a protected area, providing a safe habitat for wild animals.

Conservation Urgency

• The urgent need emphasized in the context of conservation is to take immediate action to protect species and their habitats from extinction and degradation.