Biodiversity: Extinction and Conservation

Biodiversity is the sum total of all life forms and is one of the most burning issues in the world today, because of the world-wide loss, fragmentation, degradation and conversion of habitats. Over-exploitation of wild and natural resources, the introduction of non-native species, pollution of the soil, water and atmosphere and, ore recently, signs of long-term climate change is a scenario in which tens of thousands of species are already committed to extinction. Unless action is taken now to protect the biodiversity, we will lose forever the opportunity of reaping the full potential benefit to mankind. With each species that disappears, mankind moves closer to Doomsday. The lack of proper stewardship of most of the world’s plant biological wealth, especially by the development countries, loses the potential for sustainable development. Biological diversity is in fact, the very basis of human existence on earth. Its conservation and wise management is likely to be critical to the very survival of humanity. Inventorisation of plant, animal and microbial diversity and in situ and ex situ conservation of natural resources are some of the immediate steps to be taken for conserving the biological diversity on earth. With this in mind, this book deals with the evolution, extinction and conservation of flora and fauna with special reference to wild life. Chapters on deforestation and re-introduction of endangered species have been analysed at great length. This book will be useful for students of environmental science, life sciences, biogeography, teachers and research workers.