Biodiversity: Concept and Conservation Measures | Environmental Geography | Dr. Krishnanand

Summary

In this video, Dr. Krishnan from Geo Ecologist introduces the concept of biodiversity and its importance in environmental geography. He explains biodiversity as a combination of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity, emphasizing its critical role at all biological levels. The video explores the threats to biodiversity, including habitat loss, human activities, and species extinction. Conservation strategies like in-situ and ex-situ methods are discussed, along with examples from India and worldwide. Dr. Krishnan highlights the moral responsibility to preserve biodiversity for future generations and links it to sustainable development.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms at different levels of biological organization, from genes to ecosystems.
• 🧬 Biodiversity includes three key components: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
• 🌍 The loss of biodiversity is a critical issue, with human activities contributing to habitat destruction, over-exploitation, and species extinction.
• 🚨 The world is currently facing a potential sixth mass extinction, with many species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and gymnosperms at risk.
• 🌿 Biodiversity is vital for both direct and indirect benefits, providing ecosystem services like pollination, pest control, and climate regulation.
• 🌳 Conservation efforts include two approaches: in-situ (conserving species in their natural habitats) and ex-situ (conserving species outside their natural habitats in places like botanical gardens or gene banks).
• 🇮🇳 India is rich in biodiversity, with over 581 protected areas, national parks, and biosphere reserves aimed at conserving various species and ecosystems.
• 🔬 In-situ conservation protects species within their natural environment, but may require large areas of land, which can conflict with human development needs.
• ❄️ Ex-situ conservation methods like seed banks, gene banks, and cryo-preservation are used to conserve species outside their natural habitats.
• 🌍 Sustainable development and inter-generational equity are key principles for biodiversity conservation, ensuring resources are available for future generations.

Q & A

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. It is a term popularized by sociobiologist Edward Wilson to describe the diversity found at all levels of biological organization.

Why is biodiversity important for conservation?

Biodiversity is crucial for conservation because it supports ecosystem services like pollination, pest control, and climate regulation, which are essential for human survival. Conserving biodiversity ensures the sustainability of these services and helps prevent the loss of species.

What are the three main types of biodiversity?

The three main types of biodiversity are genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Together, they form the complete concept of biodiversity, representing diversity from the molecular level to entire ecosystems.

What is the role of genetic diversity in biodiversity?

Genetic diversity refers to the variety within the genetic makeup of a species. It is essential for the adaptability and resilience of species, as it provides the raw material for evolution and enables populations to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

What are some causes of biodiversity loss?

Biodiversity loss is mainly caused by habitat loss and fragmentation, over-exploitation of resources, alien species invasions, and co-extinctions. These human-driven factors degrade ecosystems and contribute to the rapid decline in species diversity.

What is in-situ conservation, and how does it work?

In-situ conservation involves protecting species in their natural habitats. This method maintains ecosystems in their original environments and is implemented through protected areas like national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.

What is ex-situ conservation, and how does it differ from in-situ conservation?

Ex-situ conservation involves removing species from their natural habitats to conserve them in controlled environments, such as botanical gardens, zoos, gene banks, and seed banks. This method is used when species are endangered in their natural habitats or require intensive care.

How does India approach biodiversity conservation?

India has established various protected areas under the National Biodiversity Act of 2002, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. These areas conserve biodiversity in situ, while botanical gardens and gene banks support ex-situ conservation.

What are community reserves, and how do they contribute to conservation?

Community reserves are areas where local communities actively participate in conservation efforts. They protect biodiversity in its natural habitat with the support and involvement of the local population, promoting sustainable practices and preserving traditional ways of life.

Why is biodiversity conservation essential for sustainable development?

Biodiversity conservation is vital for sustainable development as it ensures that natural resources are available for future generations. Sustainable use of biodiversity helps balance ecological needs with economic growth, promoting intergenerational equity.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Introduction to Biodiversity and Its Importance

Dr. Krishnan welcomes viewers to the video on biodiversity, explaining its importance in environmental geography. Biodiversity is not a single concept but involves genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. The video will cover why conserving biodiversity is essential for both the world and India. Biodiversity spans all levels of biological organization, from genes to ecosystems. The term was popularized by sociobiologist Edward Wilson, and the lecture explains its relevance in the context of development, succession, and ecological scales.

05:01

⚠️ Causes and Impact of Biodiversity Loss

This section delves into the alarming decline in biodiversity, emphasizing human activity as the primary cause. Habitat loss, land-use changes, and overexploitation are highlighted as major contributors. The introduction of alien species, such as the Nile perch in East Africa, and the concept of co-extinction, where species interdependent on each other face extinction, are discussed. The degradation of ecosystems is a critical concern as we witness the ongoing sixth mass extinction, driven largely by anthropogenic factors.

10:03

🏞️ In Situ Conservation: Protecting Biodiversity in Natural Habitats

In situ conservation, which involves protecting species in their natural habitats, is introduced here. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries, like Yellowstone in the USA and biosphere reserves under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Program, are examples. The section explains that while in situ conservation helps preserve biodiversity in its native environment, it poses challenges due to the growing demand for land by expanding human populations. A balance between conservation and development is essential, with some land set aside for biodiversity protection during infrastructure projects.

15:05

🌱 Ex Situ Conservation and Global Efforts in Biodiversity Preservation

Ex situ conservation refers to removing species from their natural habitats to protect them in controlled environments like botanical gardens, zoos, seed banks, and cryo-preservation centers. India’s biodiversity act of 2002 and various global initiatives for gene banks and seed preservation are discussed. The need for this approach grows as species face greater threats in their natural environments. Examples include cryo-preservation and gene banks designed to safeguard genetic material for future use.

Keywords

💡Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life on Earth, encompassing genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. In the video, it is described as the diversity present at all levels of biological organization, from genes to ecosystems. The importance of biodiversity lies in the balance it provides within ecosystems and its crucial role in supporting human life, with examples such as species in the Western Ghats or the genetic diversity of rice in India.

💡Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity refers to the range of genetic material present within a species. It plays a critical role in species' adaptability and survival. In the video, it is highlighted as one of the three key components of biodiversity, with examples like India's 50,000 genetically different strains of rice and 1,000 varieties of mangoes. The variety within a species helps it withstand environmental changes and resist diseases.

💡Species Diversity

Species diversity refers to the variety of species within a given ecosystem or geographic area. The video explains that it is one aspect of biodiversity, using the example of amphibian diversity in the Western Ghats compared to the Eastern Ghats. Species diversity contributes to ecosystem resilience, as a higher number of species increases the likelihood of survival against threats such as habitat loss or climate change.

💡Ecosystem Diversity

Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems within a specific region. In the video, the diversity of ecosystems such as deserts, rainforests, and wetlands is discussed. Each ecosystem supports different species and contributes to overall biodiversity. The loss of these ecosystems due to human activities like deforestation and urbanization is a major concern for environmental geography.

💡Habitat Loss

Habitat loss refers to the destruction or degradation of natural environments, making them uninhabitable for species that once lived there. The video stresses that habitat loss, often caused by land-use changes like deforestation, is a primary driver of biodiversity decline. Examples include changes in every biome, from rainforests to Mediterranean ecosystems, leading to fragmentation and reduced biodiversity.

💡In Situ Conservation

In situ conservation is the preservation of species within their natural habitats. The video explains it as a method of conservation where ecosystems and species are protected in their original locations, such as through national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. An example given is the Corbett National Park in India, which helps preserve local wildlife in its natural environment. It maintains ecological processes and relationships.

💡Ex Situ Conservation

Ex situ conservation refers to the conservation of species outside their natural habitats. This includes methods like botanical gardens, zoos, gene banks, and cryopreservation. In the video, this method is discussed as a backup when in situ conservation is not feasible. Examples include seed banks where genetic material is preserved, helping to prevent the complete extinction of species by safeguarding them in controlled environments.

💡Alien Species Invasion

Alien species invasion occurs when non-native species are introduced into an ecosystem, often resulting in harm to local biodiversity. The video provides the example of the Nile perch in Lake Victoria, which led to the extinction of over 200 native species. Another example is the eucalyptus tree in India, an alien species that degrades the soil by absorbing large amounts of water, highlighting the dangers of introducing foreign species.

💡Anthropocene

The Anthropocene refers to the current geological age, characterized by significant human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems. In the video, the term is used to explain how human activities, such as industrialization, deforestation, and pollution, are accelerating the loss of biodiversity. This epoch is marked by the sixth mass extinction, driven largely by habitat destruction, overexploitation, and climate change.

💡Sustainable Development

Sustainable development refers to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The video introduces this concept in relation to biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the need for intergenerational equity. Sustainable development ensures that biodiversity is used responsibly, balancing economic growth with environmental protection for long-term benefits.

Highlights

Introduction to biodiversity: combination of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

Biodiversity popularized by sociobiologist Edward Wilson to describe diversity at all biological levels.

Key levels of biological organization in biodiversity: molecular, cellular, genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.

Importance of conserving biodiversity: necessary for balancing ecosystem services and preventing extinction.

Causes of biodiversity loss: habitat loss, fragmentation, alien species invasion, over-exploitation, and co-extinction.

Human activities as the main driver of biodiversity decline, leading to what’s known as the 'sixth mass extinction.'

Global biodiversity statistics: loss of 27 species in 20 years, with many birds, mammals, amphibians, and gymnosperms threatened with extinction.

The concept of in situ conservation: conserving species in their natural habitat, like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

In situ conservation examples: Yellowstone in the USA (1872), first national park; over 42,000 protected areas worldwide fulfilling IUCN norms.

Ex situ conservation methods: zoos, botanical gardens, gene banks, seed banks, cryopreservation to protect species outside their natural habitats.

India's biodiversity conservation initiatives: National Biodiversity Act of 2002 and 581 protected areas, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Examples of Indian biodiversity conservation: Corbett National Park, Kaziranga, Sunderbans, Nilgiri, biosphere reserves, and tiger reserves.

Importance of ecosystem services: biodiversity provides critical services like pollination, climate moderation, flood control, and pest control.

The concept of sustainable development: ensuring inter-generational equity by protecting biodiversity for future generations.

Community reserves: local communities voluntarily conserving biodiversity, with examples like Gurdaspur (Punjab) and Gogabil (Bihar).

Transcripts

hello everyone

welcome to the geo ecologist i am dr

krishnan

and you have been watching my videos on

environmental geography so in this

session on environmental geography

we are going to look into biodiversity

so what is this biodiversity about

is it just a single term or is it a

combination of various other diversities

as well

and why is it important what is the need

for conservation of biodiversity

and how do we conserve biodiversity in

world as well as in india

so let's learn about it but before we go

ahead please don't forget to subscribe

to our channel

and do share the videos with others as

well so now

let's learn about biodiversity its

concept and

conservation aspects so in this concept

of biodiversity

important is the word bio itself and

diversity

so what is this bio it means biotic

community

it means living component of ecosystem

right so we are talking about the

diversity

it means how much is the diversity in

the space of these living components

so the concept and how we are trying to

conserve these biodiversity

right so in our biosphere immense

diversity or heterogeneity that we say

differences right the variety that we

say exists

not only at species level but at all

levels of biological organization

right from the molecule the cell level

the gene level

to the ecosystem level that is important

so biodiversity is the term popularized

by whom

by sociobiologists edward wilson

to describe an important phenomena that

is the combined diversity

at all the levels of biological

organization now when we say levels of

biological organization

it is talking about levels of the

development

succession remember these words

development

succession and also scales

right so these three words are involved

when we say levels of

biological organization now when we

elaborate these different levels what we

say

biodiversity is the combination of three

key words

it's not a single word biodiversity

remember it's about

genetic diversity plus species diversity

plus ecosystem diversity that we say

ecological diversity

when we say these three things together

then it becomes biodiversity

so if you want to do some biodiversity

study what you have to do

you have to look at the genetic

diversity of that particular species at

genetic level at gene pool level

right remember in biogeography we have

already learnt about the

centers of origin and the gene pool

around the world so we have to look at

that diversity

then we look at the species right so at

species level for example

western guards have greater amphibian

species diversity than eastern ghats

right so species level what is the

variety of species in a particular area

and then at ecological diversity at

ecosystem level

for example if you look at a particular

ecosystem like desert or rainforest or

mangroves or coral reefs wetlands

estuaries and alpine meadows they have

greater ecosystem values in terms of

diversity

there are variety of species so if you

look into this

one ecological diversity area will have

several species

one species will have several genetic

diversity for example india has more

than

50 000 genetically different strains of

rice

1 000 varieties of mango and so on

so this is what we are looking at is a

diverse

system in terms of right from genetic

level

to the ecosystem level and that together

makes it a

biodiversity all these things are

related to biotic component

species as well as ecosystem or

ecological diversity

so that's important as a concept to

remember now

when we talk about biodiversity why are

we concerned here

in environmental geography we are

concerned because

there is a huge burden of our practices

on these biodiversity features

right so there is a loss of biodiversity

degradation happening

right and endangered species are

increasing day by day we are running

into the sixth mass extinction as we

know

right so biological wealth of our planet

has been declining rapidly

and that's why we are concerned and the

accusing finger is clearly to who

to us to human activities so if we are

accused

we need to work out and prove ourself

not guilty

remember so the last 20 years alone if

you see we have witnessed

the loss of about 27 vital species

so just in 20 years right so that's

important it's presently 12 percent of

all bird species 23

of all mammal species 32 percent of all

amphibian species and 31

of all gymnosperms remember gymnosperms

are those plants whose seed is

naked for example pine trees and others

right so they are

species in the world we are facing the

threat of extinction

human has a red book remember you and

red book is having the list of all those

three 10 species

endangered species and also the extinct

species

so remember that we are looking into a

world where

human beings are aggravating it the loss

of biodiversity

that's why in anthropogenics scenario in

anthropocene

we are looking into this huge loss of

biodiversity

right that's why we are concerned about

it then let's go to the reasons the

causes behind it biodiversity loss

if you look into this habitat loss and

fragmentation

now the loss of habitat it means a home

for a particular species because of our

activities it is being fragmented

land use change is basically what we are

talking about we have changed the land

use in every biome

remember the lectures on biome then when

we talked about the problems of

equatorial rainforest we talk about

mediterranean we talked about tundra

everywhere we find habitat loss and

fragmentation happening

because of over exploitation of

resources

everywhere right so we already have

several examples

then alien species invasions also happen

time to time

for example we see the nile purge

introduced into lake victoria and east

africa

led to the extension of ecologically

unique assemblage of more than 200

species

so many times without understanding the

ethos

the logic behind planting a particular

tree in a particular ecosystem

we do what we do some plantations just

to save environment

with a good indent but we don't

understand that that may be an alien

species for that particular ecosystem

we always give example of eucalyptus

plantation in india

so eucalyptus remember it is an alien

species to indian subcontinent and what

happened

many places where ecliptis were planted

without the knowledge of

this ecosystem dynamic lots of places

turn into degraded lands because

eucalyptus absorbs lots of water

right so loss of habitat because of an

alien species can also occur

and there can be co-extinctions remember

co-extinction means

extinction of you know more than one

species at the same time so when a

species become extinct the plant and

animal species associated to that

particular

also starts to get extinct because they

are interrelated with each other

this survive remember ecosystem

principle

principles of ecology the co-existence

principle it is

linked here so that's important so when

a host fish

species for example gets extinct it's

the unique assemblage of parasites also

meets the same fate so remember it's not

just about

that one species just or one particular

plant got extinct or animal got extinct

it's about the

interlinkages because we are talking

about a community

which is interlinked right and it's here

in terms of ecology that we must

understand that everything in the system

keeps rotating mineral energy

so that's where we understand these

biogeochemical cycles

we understand the loss of biodiversity

and integral

part of the ecology right so that's

where we are talking about the causes

look at the biodiversity conservation

aspect now when we say

conserving it it means we are utilizing

the resources from biodiversity

at the same time making sure that they

do not go extinct

it means their survival together with

our survival

in terms of being dependent on

biodiversity for resources

that is called conservation aspect right

so earth's rich biodiversity is vital

for our survival that we already know

and direct benefits and indirect

benefits

we rip both of them so direct benefits

like food

fiber firewood pharmaceuticals so many

things an indirect benefit what we get

is pollination pest control climate

moderation flood control

all these things are basically nothing

but ecosystem services

we are getting this free of cost these

ecosystem services right

so we have a moral responsibility that

is

important to understand it's like a

fundamental duty

right to take a good care of earth's

biodiversity and pass it on to

the good order to our next generation

that's where we say inter-generational

equity

right and intra-generational equity

which is the basic principle of

sustainable development

right so in the next lecture when we

talk about sustainable development we'll

be discussing the same thing

that when we are using something we are

consuming something

we must understand that we ensure its

longevity for the next generation we

must ensure its continuity for the next

generation we should not consume

everything irrespective of what happens

in future

right that's our moral responsibility so

in conservation we have two aspects one

is called in situ conservation

which is in situation remember like

weathering in situ

the word so in situation means where it

is

originally located in its own

environment

we conserve it right we make plants so

that it stays in the same

environment where it grows right for a

plant or animal species

and it stays there only and we protect

it from outside

right that's how it is in situ or

on-site conservation

that's important in terms of protected

areas we declare right

so what is the advantage the advantage

is that it

remains in their own motherly

environment right

but the disadvantages if in situ

conservation is that it requires a large

area

and it minimizes the space for

inhibiting human population

now remember the problem is this is not

a disadvantage if you see so

but because of our growing population

our requirement for land is increasing

and if we conserve too many things in

situ

what will happen the expansion or our

development will be hindered so what we

say if we have to construct a road

what you do you take some land and then

you construct a road but

both the sides you leave the green

spaces so development together with

environment we try and plan out at

the minimum loss but remember this is

one disadvantage

of in c2 conservation if you talk about

and then following areas can be

set aside for in situ so remember

national park and my life centuries you

must have heard these words

then for example yellowstone in usa was

established as one of the

first national parks in the world 1872

and the royal near sydney

australia were chosen because of their

scenic beauty recreational values

these were the first step then un has

recognized

more than about one lakh twenty one

hundred

protected areas covering more than 18.8

million kilometers square covering

11.5 percent of earth's land surface

that's important and that was in 2003

there are more than 41

997 it means about 42 000 protected

areas already in the world

that fulfills the norms of iucn

international union

for conservation of nature i would

recommend all the viewers to please go

to the iucn website once

for sure and look into the reports of

this particular nc2 conservation if you

can find out

then look into the marine protected

areas since 1986 the iucn has been

promoting this that marine ecosystem is

as important so let's protect the areas

so many areas have been declared like

that

then you have biosphere reserves we

already know this international

man in biosphere reserve program united

nation environment program

so it represents certain natural biomes

which are very unique

right which are nowhere else in the

world so remember concept of bioreserve

biosphere reserve

was launched in 1975 as part of unesco's

marine biosphere program

so unesco's man in biosphere program not

unap so unesco's program

dealing with conservation of ecosystems

and genetic resources

contained there in all these important

aspects right

and then comes xc2 it means we are

taking something from the natural

environment

to conserve them we are putting it to a

particular environment which we have

made

off-site right for example botanical

gardens

zoo gene bank seed bank tissue culture

cryo preservation right so we have

already the list of seed banks gene

banks vitro gene banks dna

ban network right dna bank networks so

all these things are constructed in

order to protect

these particular species which are now

going downgrading

so we are taking them from their

environment and they are putting them

under

a particular conservation zone right off

site

so these are the important points now

let's talk about indian scenario as well

the national biodiversity act was boxed

in 2002 and it was finally

implemented in 2009 if you see as our

action plan

right and we have a huge biodiversity in

india

and we are also agrarian community in

india predominantly agricultural

community

so policy makers must realize here that

sustainable utilization of biodiversity

is must

in terms of indian con indian scenario

for developmental planning projects

right so

when we say in situ conservation in

india you have protected areas right

basically demarcation of biodiversity in

each area

through the climatic and physiological

conditions so main parameter is climate

and physiology

remember we have so many climatic zones

in india physiological

conditions so some protected areas for

example the cold desert area ladakh and

spiti area

this is where i did my phd my research

is in radhaka inspiti

so i have made some documentaries also

if you have not watched you can go to

the playlist

right and you can watch the playlist on

this particular jio conservation which i

have made the documentaries

on cold dessert ecosystem hot dessert

tar saline swampy areas like sundarban

and vanavkach

tropical moist deciduous forests like

western ghazal northeast these are the

protected areas

right so more than about 37 000

protected areas are already there

throughout the world

and national park centuries biosphere

reserves are what we know them right

world conservation monitoring center

reports that india has more than 581

protected areas

in a country in c2 conservation right

and for example

national parks in india under section 35

of wildlife protection act that was

passed in 1972

so the purpose was to actually propagate

or develop

wildlife where it is situated in the

same sphere

right not change its location so

biological park

corbett national park in manitoba up

then you have kaziranga

in assam hazaribagh bhandavgar bandipur

kanha and you can go into the list of

these

right so these are certain national

parks in india which are important as

in c2 example in c2 conservation for

biodiversity then we have several bio

diversity or wildlife sanctuary as well

so for protection of

diversity we have wildlife sanctuaries

whose main purpose is

to protect but else the same time also

allow tourism or recreation right so

economy plus ecology concept

so that's where we have sanctuaries in

india almost 543 wildlife sanctuaries

are there

and 50 are specialized in tigers project

tigers since 1973 been initiated

right and some of them examples in terms

of sanctuaries are non-canon zoological

park

chileka nilampatu then we have salimali

bird sanctuary then delhi wildlife

century dara wildlife century and

there is a huge list of it right then we

go to the biosphere reserves

now ministry of environment and forest

now remember do visit the website of

moef ministry

ministry of environment and forest which

has notified 18 biosphere reserves in

india

and it is part of world network of

biosphere reserve that is unesco's man

in biosphere

program so it is map program and

remember man and biosphere program

and its main objective is what to

preserve the genetic diversity

and uniqueness traditional lifestyle of

inhabitant

right these are the important things

that our biosphere reserves protects

and it allows very few and limited

regularized tourists

in terms of the recreation facilities

some of the examples in india nanda ravi

manas tihang bibam gulf of manna nilgiri

sunda buns panchmati great nicobar

kansandanga so all these are part of the

biosphere reserves right

so what you can do is you can map all

these aspects in

india and you can look into these

particular zones in india which are

in c2 zones and then also locate some

xc2

conservation zones as well so community

reserves are another institute zones

remember the community reserves are what

where individuals

actually or a community volunteer to

conserve wildlife in its habitat

right so it's kind of a people's

initiative so for example

gurdaspur punjab remember conservation

reserve india's first community reserve

was created

then you have gogabil it's a oxbow lake

in bihar's katihar district

it has been declared at state's first

community reserve so this

is on the basis of community so

community is

in terms of compliance with the state

government they are protecting that land

and that particular biodiversity zones

right so that's important and when we go

to c2 then again we have botanical

gardens and blues remember

indian botanical garden and harvard has

been on 200 years old then in noida also

we have botanical garden of indian

republic

then we have gene banks at different

places in india

right so national bureau of animal

genetic resource at karnal haryana is

very famous

you have national bureau of fish genetic

resources and lucknow which is very

famous

then you have cryo preservation it means

using low temperatures freezing

preservation

right for protection of gene pool so

what you have here is

meristem psychotic somatic embryos

pollens

protoplast cells all these are preserved

for a long time

using liquid nitrogen right so that's

important in terms of

xc2 so now when we have learnt in

details about the biodiversity

its various need and conservation

aspects

various examples from world in india in

these sessions to come

we'll be talking about one of the most

cited and one of the most

important aspects in terms of

environment that is about

sustainable development so stay tuned

stay safe

all the best wishes