Wildlife

Wildlife Conservation and Management

1. Habitat and Niche

2. Protected areas in Hambantota

3. Zoo field project

4. Red eared slider

Something that I always wanted to do ever since I was a child... Being fascinated by wildlife has bought me into a world where wildlife conservation ans zoological activity becomes a small part of my life.

Sri Lanka in its preparation of the National Conservation Strategy (1988) adopted the WCS definition. In its wildlife policy document while incorporating the above, defined conservation in a broader term:-

A social process encompassing both lay and professional activities that define and seek to attain wise use of the wildlife resource and maintain the productivity of the wildlife habitat.

In summarizing the above conservation definitions, one can clearly see the FOUR principle aspects of PROTECTION, USE, REGULATION & MANAGEMENT been highlighted as parts of the practice of conservation. These FOUR aspects have been recognized as the FOUR pilars of conservation.

Mechanisms for loss of Biodiversity.

• 1. Habitat loss and fragmentation

  2. Introduced species

  3. Over exploitations of plant and animal species

  4. Global climate change

  5. Pollution of soil water and atmosphere

  6. Industrial agriculture and forestry

Principles of conserving Biodiversity

• 1. Every form of life is unique and warrants respect from humanity. (Gen 2:15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.) / Not exploit it

  2. Biodiversity conservation is an investment that yields substantial local, national, and global benefit.

  3. The cost and benefits of of biodiversity conservation should be shared equally among nations and people within nations.

  4. As part of a larger effort to achieve sustainable development, conserving biodiversity requires fundamental changes in patterns and practices of economic development worldwide.

  5. Increased funding for biodiversity conservation will not by itself, slow biodiversity loss. Policy and institutional reforms are needed to create the conditions under which increased funding can be effective.

  6. Priorities for biodiversity conservation differ when viewed from local, national and global perspectives; All are legitimate and should be taken into account. All countries and communities have a vested interest in conserving their biodiversity. The focus should not be exclusively on a few species rich ecosystems or countries.