Question

a) Taking one example each of Habitat loss and fragmentation ,explain how are the two responsible for biodiversity loss.
b) explain two different ways of biodiversity conservation.

Answer 1

Hint:Habitat loss occurs when natural habitats are converted to human uses such as cropland, urban areas and infrastructure development for example roads, dams, etc. Habitat fragmentation occurs when large blocks of Habitat are cut into smaller Pieces by a development such as roads or housing.

Complete answer:
Habitat loss and fragmentation are the most common factors for extension. An example of Habitat loss is the extension of few primates out of 620 primate species in tropical rainforest. 6% of the earth land surface now comprises the Tropical rainforest which were earlier 14% and are destroyed very fast.

The example for the fragmentation is the Amazon rainforest that leads to extinction of species which is being cut and cleared for soybean cultivation for conservation to grassland for raising beef cattle. This is the fragmentation of the land which leads to population declines. Habitat loss and fragmentation reduce the amount of suitable Habitat available for biodiversity.

The Two ways of biodiversity conservation are ex-situ and in-situ conservation.
>Ex-situ conservation means the protection of an endangered species outside its Natural Habitat within the care of humans. For example, biodiversity hotspots such as Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Indo Burma and Himalaya.
>In-situ conservation is the conservation of genetic resources in natural populations of a plant or animal species such as forest genetic resources in natural populations of species. It is the process of protecting an endangered plant or animal species in its Natural Habitat either by protecting or cleaning up the habitat itself or by defending the species for Predators. Zoological parks, botanical gardens and wildlife safari parks serve this purpose.

Note:The effects of fragmentation are well documented in all forested regions of the planet. In general, by reducing forest health and degrading Habitat, fragmentation leads to loss of biodiversity increase in invasive plants, pests and pathogens, and reduction in water quality.