IV
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
The scientific field of conservation biology evolved to study the complex problems surrounding habitat destruction and species protection. The objectives of conservation biologists are to understand how humans affect biodiversity and to provide potential solutions that benefit both humans and nonhuman species.
One of the approaches that conservation biologists study and implement is the development of habitat reserves and wildlife corridors. All species require a minimum amount of habitat for survival. Wildife habitat reserves are established to meet these requirements for as many species as possible. Some national parks, wilderness areas, and other protected habitats are suitable for the survival of a wide range of species. Unfortunately, the minimum area required by large carnivores such as grizzly bears or cougars may be larger than the area protected in a reserve. In order to effectively enlarge the area available to the species, protected wildlife corridors that interlace or connect separate reserves may be developed. These areas are narrower than the actual reserve but ideally allow for unimpeded travel between reserves. Conservation biologists recommend that both reserves and corridors be surrounded by a wide belt, or buffer zone, of similar landscape to maintain the effectiveness of the reserve. Conservation biologists also study and promote habitat restoration and extensive public education, and work with ecologists and taxonomists (scientists who study the scientific classification of organisms) to identify and describe the millions of imperiled species not yet known to science.
The current global extinction crisis is one of the greatest challenges posed by the rapid growth and expansion of human populations. The protection of endangered species and habitats should be a top priority for international organizations, governmental agencies, industry, and individuals if there is hope for preserving the earth’s valuable biodiversity for future generations.
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