Sambhav-2024

• Start the answer by introducing Environmental Impact Assessment.
• Discuss the conservation efforts for endangered species, including in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods.
• Highlight the importance of Schedule Animals in conservation.
• Conclude as per the requirement of keywords.

Introduction

Endangered species are species of organisms that are at risk of becoming extinct due to a combination of factors such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and illegal hunting or poaching. These species have a very small or declining population size, and their survival is threatened in the wild.

Body

In-Situ Conservation Methods:

In-situ conservation involves protecting species within their natural habitats. This approach includes:

• Protected Areas:
  • Establishing national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves to safeguard habitats and provide safe havens for endangered species.
  • For example, India's Project Tiger aims to protect the habitat of Bengal tigers by establishing tiger reserves.
• Habitat Restoration:
  • Rehabilitating degraded habitats through reforestation, wetland restoration, and habitat management practices.
  • Organizations like the Wildlife Trust of India have undertaken projects to restore critical habitats for species like the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros.
• Community Participation:
  • Involving local communities in conservation efforts through sustainable livelihood initiatives, eco-tourism, and community-based conservation programs.
  • The Joint Forest Management (JFM) program in India encourages local communities to participate in forest protection and management.

Ex-Situ Conservation Methods:

Ex-situ conservation involves the conservation of species outside their natural habitats. This includes:

• Zoos and Botanical Gardens:
  • Maintaining captive breeding programs in zoos and botanical gardens to ensure the survival of endangered species.
  • For instance, the National Zoological Park in Delhi participates in breeding programs for endangered species like the Asiatic Lion.
• Seed Banks and Gene Banks:
  • Preserving genetic material of endangered plants through seed banks and gene banks. The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in India operates seed banks to conserve crop diversity and wild plant species.
• Captive Breeding Programs:
  • Breeding endangered species in captivity to bolster their populations and reintroduce individuals into the wild.
  • The Red Panda Network collaborates with zoos and breeding centers to breed and release red pandas into their natural habitat.
    
    

Importance of Scheduled Animals in Conservation:

Schedule Animals play a crucial role in conservation efforts as they receive special legal protection under wildlife conservation laws. In India, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, categorizes species into 4 different schedules based on their conservation status and level of protection required.

Legal Protection:

• Prohibition of Trade:
  • Scheduled Animals are afforded strict protection against hunting, poaching, and trade. Offenses related to scheduled animals carry severe penalties, serving as a deterrent to illegal activities.
  • For example, the Indian Pangolin, listed under Schedule I, receives the highest level of protection, making its trade illegal.
• Habitat Protection:
  • Protection under schedules also extends to the habitats of Schedule Animals, ensuring the preservation of critical ecosystems. This helps in conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.
  • The designation of certain areas as Critical Wildlife Habitats provides additional protection to habitats of Schedule Animals.

Conservation Prioritization:

• Conservation Focus:
  • Schedule Animals receive heightened conservation attention and resources due to their vulnerable status.
  • Conservation programs and initiatives often prioritize species listed under Schedules I and II, allocating funding for research, habitat restoration, and conservation projects.
• Rehabilitation Efforts:
  • Conservation efforts for Scheduled Animals may include habitat restoration, captive breeding, and reintroduction programs aimed at restoring their populations and habitats.
  • The Indian Rhino Vision 2020 initiative focuses on conserving the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, listed under Schedule I, through habitat restoration and population management strategies.

Conclusion

Conservation efforts for endangered species, including in-situ and ex-situ methods, are imperative for preserving biodiversity and preventing species extinctions. The legal protection afforded to Scheduled Animals underscores their significance in conservation, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to safeguard their populations and habitats