Conservation biology is a dynamic discipline that has evolved over time to address the loss of eco-systems through human intervention. The field strives to incorporate conservation policy with concepts from the sciences, economics, population biology, anatomy, physiology, forestry, environmental science, zoology, and ecology. In fact, conservation biology is a very important part of the wider field known as ecology.
It is the study of species demographics, both within the natural environment and in captivity. They are interested in the conservation of entire communities or landscapes as well as individual species. Within conservation biology, there is often a strong relationship between conservation and biodiversity management. For instance, species protected from human interference with their distribution can recover from unnatural threats by means of selective breeding and by maintaining their reproductive integrity. Similarly, conservation biology can be used to monitor species’ demographic trends, both within and without their natural habitats.
There are three main areas of conservation biology: Endangered Species Preservation, Endangered Habitat conservation, and Plant Conservation. Endangered species can include species in danger of extinction, those in danger of losing their natural habitats, or those which are rare or sensitive to humans. Endangered habitat refers to a set of land surfaces or aquatic systems that are threatened with becoming extinct. Plant conservation involves protecting plant species from humans, maintaining their ecological balance, or improving their reproduction rate; sometimes by sustaining the species in existence.
Conservation biology is an essential part of island biogeography. Island biogeography refers to the conservation of species on islands. Examples include Cozumel Islands in the Pacific, Sumatra Island in Southeast Asia, the Hawaiian Islands, some portions of the Philippines, and several others. The conservation of island biogeography requires monitoring, conservation of the species themselves, monitoring of their conservation status, management of reproduction, and reintroduction of populations that have disappeared due to human interference, environmental stressors, or other threats.
Biological conservation biology is the study of all forms of life, both plant and animal. This field encompasses the entire spectrum of the earth’s ecosystems and is the study of biodiversity. Many of the earth’s biodiversity questions focus on such questions as the disappearance of certain species, the extinction of plants and animals, and global changes in the earth’s environment and population trends. Biologists and conservationists have created conservation plans for many species; for example, the United States National Park Service has prepared plans for protecting millions of acres of national parks and forests. In the field of conservation biology, there are several sub-specialties. Conservation Physiology analyzes the physical, biochemical, genetic, and ecological relationships of living organisms.
One sub-specialty is Population Genetics. In this sub-specialty, conservation biologists take a look at how reproductive rates, genetics, population structure, and migration patterns may impact species conservation. Conservation Biology also applies methods of population control and management, including reproductive and selective reproduction, limiting reproductive chance, improving fertility, reducing genetic deterioration, and preventing and controlling disease. These scientists have developed a variety of conservation programs for endangered species, wild species, marine conservation, endangered coasts and marine life, and terrestrial species conservation.
Another sub-specialty of conservation biology is invertebrate conservation biology. Invertebrates include all forms of animals and insects, including protozoa, echinoderms, ciliates, and mollusks. Examples of conservation biology tools for invertebrates are sticky traps and nets, which allow conservation biologists to trap and remove species that are threatening the survival of a community. Other invertebrate conservation biology tools are bait containers, which allow conservation biologists to recover and use the natural prey of a species after they have been displaced or removed from a location. Some invertebrates include ticks and mosquitoes, whose control is both preventative and responsive. Many conservation biologists also specialize in amphibian conservation, looking to protect threatened and endangered species such as frogs, salamanders, crabs, and snakes.
Conservation biology programs prepare students for careers involving conservation of the natural world. Students may choose to specialize in either conservation ecology or population biology. Both programs focus on analyzing, documenting, and protecting the conservation of the environment and its biodiversity. Areas of focus in conservation biology include endangered species conservation, biological diversity, eco conservation, fish conservation, and the global conservation of human health. Studying conservation biology provides a solid foundation for future professionals interested in conservation of the natural world and an excellent educational opportunity.
