Wildlife and wilderness constitute the biodiversity within a given ecosystem. Conservation ensures the protection of global ecosystems. In this report, the reasons for conserving wildlife and wilderness areas will be discussed. The positive and negative aspects of conservation will also be discussed and evaluated. Another issue that will be discussed concerns the potential conflicts of interest within Yellowstone National Park found in the United States of America. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The reasons for wildlife and wilderness conservation can be broken down into seven key aspects; aesthetic, ethical, moral, educational, recreational, economic and genetic aspects. The conservation of wildlife and wilderness areas ensures the aesthetic value attributed to biodiversity. “Human preferences will increasingly determine the survival prospects of many species.” Stokes (2006) While this statement may be positive for many species, endangered wildlife and wilderness areas considered less aesthetically pleasing may not receive the support needed to protect them. Conservation and research projects such as the EDGE ofsistence program have been put in place by ZSL to educate the general public about the importance of all species and threats that would not receive sufficient attention and awareness through the media. Education plays a key role in conservation, whether it is educating people about ways to protect the environment or about species of animals that you wouldn't see in everyday life. This allows humans to make connections with animals they are familiar with, increasing human efforts to show more enthusiasm in conservation projects and adopting new habits to protect wildlife. The recreational value of wildlife and wilderness areas can help fund conservation costs. Green tourism is a form of tourism that creates sustainable tourism projects, conserves natural resources and reduces pollution. “Nature has spiritual and aesthetic values that have economic value.” Prasad (2012). Humans benefit from nature and use it for resources such as fuel, food and water. Harvesting natural resources has a large profit margin and creates jobs. Almost every religion in the world is connected to nature. “Natural habitats and biodiversity form an important part of people's culture and values” Rautkari (2017). Wildlife conservation also ensures that there is wildlife for future generations to enjoy. Conservation also protects genetic diversity which safeguards species by strengthening gene pools. Some human interests can negatively impact ecosystems and species around the world. One type of ecosystem that is slowly declining due to human interests are coral reefs. “It is predicted that 70% of all coral reefs will disappear by 2030 if corrective measures are not taken” Cossio (2016) Tourism activities are having a negative impact on coral reefs. Some of these negative impacts that contribute to the decline of coral reefs include pollution and irreversible damage. This can be caused by cruises and boat tours; Anchoring and anchoring can cause physical damage to coral reefs along with the disposal of human waste on top of the reef. “The UK has the highest rate of cocaine use among theyoung adults in Europe” (Smith, 2015). This deadly illegal habit is having many negative impacts. 300,000 hectares of forest have been destroyed to create space for coca plantation, which will later be used to create cocaine. The toxic chemicals used to create cocaine are causing a pollution risk as they seep into streams and rivers placing wildlife further downstream. Conservation initiatives such as Greenpeace are working alongside the Colombian military and personnel to monitor and protect the affected areas. There has also been a global commitment to reduce drug use. Some may argue that ski resorts are having a negative impact on ecosystems. To run a successful ski resort, tourists must be able to ski or snowboard. Due to global warming, snowfall is becoming less frequent, forcing owners to move their resorts higher into the mountains or source snow from elsewhere. Artificial snow is used to attract more skiers. Artificial snow can have a negative impact on the environment as it is made with chemicals, salt is also used to create faster slopes for skiers, whilst this will ensure more tourism. Artificial snow can cause threats to wildlife such as chemicals and other materials that may be poisonous. to animals if ingested they are used. Deforestation is another problem faced by wildlife: trees are cut down to make way for new ski slopes, therefore destroying habitats. Succession is “the process by which the structure of a biological community evolves over time”. (Thompson 2017). There are two types of succession; Primary and secondary. Primary succession occurs on natural surfaces such as bare rock where no soil exists. Pioneer species known as lichens convert these surfaces into soil that can support simple plant forms such as grasses and perennials. Over the course of several hundred years, these simple plant forms colonize the soil and intermediate plant species begin to grow. The final stage of primary succession is known as the climax community and will remain in this stage until destruction. Secondary succession presents the same phases as primary succession but is faster since it occurs in environments that already have soil. Succession typically occurs after a major disturbance in an ecosystem that damages or destroys plant life such as natural disasters or deliberate human intervention. Controlled burning is normally used on heathland and heathland and can be used in conservation management. Positive aspects of succession include the conservation of heathland and moorland which is home to many wild birds and invertebrates. A negative aspect of succession is that the species that populate these ecosystems must adapt or migrate at each stage as succession. Some species of animals may also be harmed if controlled burning is not done properly. Control of invasive or non-native unwanted species is used in conservation management for multiple reasons, whether to help increase populations of another species or to reduce the spread of disease. Methods to reduce the number of invasive or non-native species include culling to reduce the population within a certain area or moving the species to another area also known as translocation. Cargo and airport checks are vital for early prevention, as seen in Guam, which is now overrun by brown tree snakes. The brown tree snakeHe first arrived in Guam on a cargo ship shortly after World War II. The brown tree snake is known to be an invasive species and is responsible for the disappearance of many native birds and rodents as the island lacks predators capable of controlling their numbers. Without control of unwanted invasive species or non-native species, the brown snake population on Guam will continue to increase causing long-term irreversible consequences for forests and other species, as new tree growth has declined by up to 92 percent, according to researchers. %. Providing favorable conditions for favorable species is another method used in conservation management to help boost species with declining numbers. These declining numbers could be due to many factors, such as pollution levels that discourage animals or the disruption of food chains and food webs. Solutions to declining numbers of favorable species include adjusting conditions to help attract more or provide the species with a suitable place to breed. The calamitous toad is one of the UK's native amphibian species and is endangered due to damage and habitat loss. The RSPB in Sandy, Bedfordshire, has created new shallow, sandy pools and moorland to help increase numbers of natterjack toads. “RSPB wardens and volunteers counted more than 300 thumbnail-sized amphibians emerging from pools at the RSPB nature reserve at The Lodge, Bedfordshire. (Rupert 2017) Zoos, botanical gardens and seed banks play an important role in the conservation and preservation of genetic diversity. Zoos undergo projects that help in the conservation of endangered species. In 1992 the Toronto Zoo became involved in recovery programs for the black-footed ferret, once thought to be extinct. Thirty-four were released into the wild through the program in 2009. Some may argue that captive-bred animals will never behave the same way they would in the wild; keepers strive to recreate the natural habitat of these animals, but it will never be comparable to the wild ecosystem from which they come. 20% of plant diversity is at risk of extinction. Botanical gardens contain 33.3% of all known plant species, of which 41% are considered at risk of extinction. (Lewsey 2017) Seed banks use botanical banks to educate and conserve threatened plant species and to preserve genetic diversity. Seed banks are also useful for conserving many plant species in limited spaces. The seeds are collected to protect the species with conservation. Some organisations, whether commercial, commercial or charitable, contribute to the conservation and protection of sites of ecological importance. The body shop is a commercial organization actively involved in the protection and conservation of the environment. A small percentage of every sale made in-store or online is donated to the World Land Trust. The World Land Trust helps restore land in the Garo Hills in India and the Khe Nuoc Forest in Vietnam. The bodywork uses only natural materials from sustainable places to reduce the ecological footprint they leave on the planet. The main downside that comes with using natural ingredients is that the products can become expensive and therefore attract a smaller following. Government organizations such as Natural England (sponsored by DEFRA) are active in helping to shape policies to protect England's nature and wildlife. In 2017 “Natural England confirmed the designation of the Mid Cornwall Moors as a site.
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