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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

(Common to All Branches)

Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

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COURSE OBJECTIVES

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Objectives:

• To gain knowledge on environment and various natural resources.

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• To identify the scientific and technological solutions to pollution issues and waste management.

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• To understand the significance of conservation of biodiversity.

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• To recognize the needs and benefits of sustainability and its management.

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• To comprehend the effects of human population on the environment.

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• UNIT III BIODIVERSITY AND ITS CONSERVATION 6

Biodiversity: Types - values of biodiversity, India as a mega-diversity nation – hot-spots of biodiversity – threats to biodiversity – endangered and endemic species , extinct, rare, vulnerable species of India – conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and ex-situ.

Field study – Biodiversity of the institution 

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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY L T P C 1 0 0 MC

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� COURSE OUTCOMES�Environmental pollution or problems cannot be solved by mere laws. Public participation is an important aspect which serves the environmental protection. Upon completion of the course, the students will knowledge and understand the following:�

�Course Outcome mapping with POs / PSOs �

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LECTURE PLAN

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ACTIVITY BASED LEARNING

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Word Search

List the various endangered,endemic , extinct, rare and vulnerable species of India (Any 5 each)

1. Endangered

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2. Endemic

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3. Extinct

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4. Rare

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5. Vulnerable

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UNIT – 3 Biodiversity and its conservation��

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Biodiversity

3.1. Introduction:

Bio means ‘life’ and diversity means ‘variety’; hence biodiversity refers to a wide variety of life on the earth. Biodiversity is typically a measure of variation at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level. Terrestrial biodiversity is usually more significant near the equator, resulting from the warm climate and high primary productivity. Biodiversity is not distributed evenly on earth and is the richest in the tropics. These tropical forest ecosystems cover less than 10 percent of the earth's surface and contain about 90 percent of the world's species. 

Biodiversity is defined as “the variety and variability among all groups of living organisms and the ecosystem in which they occur.”

Significance or importance of biodiversity:

1. Biodiversity is essential for human life as we depend on plants, microorganisms and animals for our food, medicine and industrial products.
2. Biodiversity provides functioning of ecosystem that supply oxygen, clean air, water, pollination of plants, pest control, wastewater treatment and many ecosystem services.
3. It is also essential for forestry, fisheries and agriculture which depends on rich variety of various biological resources available in nature.
4. Loss of biodiversity has severe economic and social costs for any country.

Impact of biodiversity loss:

This loss in the variety of life can lead to breakdown in functioning of the ecosystem where decline has happened.

1. If a farmer prefers hybrid seeds; as a result, many plant species may became extinct.
2. For the production of drugs, the pharmaceutical companies collect wild plants, so several medicinal plants now become extinct.
3. The tropical forest is the primary source of world’s medicine. Every year these forests are disappearing due to agriculture, mining and logging.

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Ex: Taxus bacccate, a tree growing in Himalayan regions once believed to be of no value is now found to be effective against cancer. However, this tree has become an endangered species now.

3.2. Classification (or) levels of biodiversity:

Biodiversity is generally classified into three types:

1. Genetic diversity
2. Species diversity
3. Ecosystem diversity

1. Genetic diversity: The diversity within the species (ie) variation of genes within the species is called genetic diversity. Within individual species, there are number of varieties, which are slightly different from one another. These differences are due to differences in the combination of genes. Genes are the basic units of hereditary information transmitted from one generation to another.

Ex: 1. Rice varieties: All rice varieties belong to the species “Oryzasativa”. But there are thousands of rice varieties, which show variation at the genetic level, differ in their size, shape, color and nutrient content. (Basmati rice, Jasmine rice are some varieties)

Ex: 2. Teak wood varieties: There are number of teak wood varieties found available. (Indian teak, Burma teak, Malaysian teak etc., are some varieties)

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2. Species diversity: It is the diversity between different species. The sum of varieties of all the living organisms at the species level is known as species diversity. The biotic component is composed of a large number of species of plants, animals and microorganisms.

Ex: 1. Total number of living species on the earth is about more than 20 million. But of which only about 1.5 million living organisms are found and given scientific names.

Ex: 2. Plant species: Apple, mango, grapes, wheat, rice etc.,

Ex: 3. Animal species: Lion, tiger, elephant, deer etc.,

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3. Ecosystem diversity: It is the diversity at the ecological (or) habitat level. A large region with different ecosystems can be considered as ecosystem diversity. Ex: River system: The river which include the fish, aquatic insects, mussels and variety of plans that have been adapted.

3.3. Values of Biodiversity:

Biosphere is a life supporting system to the human beings. It is the combination of different organisms. Each organism in the biosphere has its own significance. Biodiversity forms the backbone of viable ecosystems on which we depend on for basic necessities, security and health. Biodiversity is must for the stability and proper functioning of the biosphere.

We get benefits from other organisms in a number of ways. Sometimes, we realize the real value of the organisms only after it is lost on this earth.

Classification and importance of values of biodiversity:

The values have been classified as follows:

1. Consumptive use values: These are direct use values of nature’s products.

i.e. here the biodiversity products are harvested and consumed directly.

Ex: food, drug, fuel etc.,

1. Food: Human beings as food consume a large number of wild plants. Nearly 80-90% of our food crops have been domesticated only from the tropical wild plants. A large number of wild animals are also consumed as food. Ex: (i) Ceropegia bulbosa: In central India and Western Ghats.

(ii) Cicer microphyllum: In Kashmir.

(b) Drugs: Around 70% of modern medicines are derived from plant and plant extracts. 20,000 plant species are believed to be used medicinally particularly in the traditional systems of Unani, Ayurveda and Siddha.

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Ex:

1. Germany alone uses more than 2,500 species of plants for medicinal purposes in Homeopathy and other systems of medicines.
2. India uses 3000 species of plants in Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani system of medicines.
3. According to research, about 85% of the global community uses the plants for primary health care.
4. According to the latest medical sciences, bee-sting venom can be used for treating arthritis.
5. Life-saving drugs like quinine (Malaria), reserpine (hypertension), penicillin (antibiotic) and morphine (pain killer) are all of plant origin
6. The people tree leaves, trunk and roots are used as effective medicines for curing diseases like fever, cough, stomach and skin diseases.
7. About 30 medicines have been prepared from neem tree which have been proved to be very effective for stomach ailments, eye irritations, skin eruptions and diabetics.

(viii) Mexican yarn has been proved as an versatile boon to produce birth control in human beings.

1. Fuel: Villagers, tribes directly consume firewood’s. The fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and natural gas are also the products of fossilized biodiversity.

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2. Productive use values: Biodiversity products have obtained a commercial value. These products are marketed and sold. These products may be derived from the animals and plants. Ex: Animal products.

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Many industries are dependent on the productive use of values of the biodiversity.

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3. Social values: These values are associated with the social life, religion and spiritual aspects of the people.

Ex: 1. Holy plants: Many plants are considered as the holy plant in our country. Ex: Tulsi, peepal, lotus, bael etc. The leaves and flowers of these plants are used in worship.

Ex:2 Holy animals: Many animals are also considered as holy animals in our country. Ex: Cow, snake, peacock, etc.,

4. Ethical values (or) Existence value: It involves ethical issues like “All life must be preserved”. In India and other countries biodiversity is considered to have great values on religious and cultural basis. Our rich heritage teaches us to worship plants, animals, rivers and mountains. The ethical value means that a species may or may not be used, but its existence in nature gives us pleasure.

Ex:

1. The river Ganga is considered as the Holy River.

2. Vembu (Neem), Tulsi, Vengai are some of the trees worshipped.

3. We are not deriving anything directly from Kangaroo, Zebra or Giraffe but we feel that these should exist in nature. Thus, there is an ethical value attached to each species.

5. Aesthetic value: The beautiful nature of plants and animals insists us on protecting biodiversity. The most important aesthetic value of biodiversity is ecotourism

Ex: 1. Eco-tourism: People from far place spend a lot of time and money to visit the beautiful areas where they can enjoy the aesthetic value of biodiversity. This type of tourism is known as eco-tourism.

2. The pleasant music of wild birds, color of butterfly, color of flowers, colors of peacocks are significant for their aesthetic value.

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6. Option values: The option values are the potentials of biodiversity that are presently unknown and needed to be known. It suggests that any species may be proved to be a valuable species after someday.

Ex:1. The growing biotechnology field is in search of species for curing the diseases like cancer and AIDS.

2. Medicinal plants and herbs play a vital role in our Indian economic growth.

3.4. India - A mega - diversity nation:

India is one among the 12 mega-diversity countries in the world. It has 89,450 animal species accounting for 7.31% of the global faunal species and 47,000 plant species which accounts for 10.8% of the world floral species. But the loss of biodiversity or endemism is about 33%.

India is second largest nation containing 5% of world’s biodiversity and 2% of the earth’s surface.

Rank of India in biodiversity:

It has been estimated that India gets:

1. 10^th rank among the plant rich countries of the world.
2. 11^th rank among the endemic species of higher vertebrates.
3. 6^th rank among the centers of diversity and origin or agricultural crops.

India is an agricultural country and its economic growth depends on the production of many crops. Among several developing nations, India is considered as ‘mega –diversity’ nation because it is rich in both fauna and flora. There is a high demand for Indian species abroad. For example, it possesses the following:

Medicinal value: More than 2000 medicinal plants are cultivated in India, which can cure many diseases.

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Ex: 1. Tulsi and neem is well known plant for its medicinal values.

2. Turmeric in India was proved to be an ant carcinogen but Germanians patented this in their land.

Commercial value:

1. Indian sandal wood has high commercial value, if it is sold in abroad.
2. Indian tobacco has high nicotine content, when compared to other tobacco.
3. Several species of non – wild edible mushrooms are cultivated and exported to developing countries.
4. The demand for ornamental plants, flowers and fruits are increasing from decade to decade.
5. More than 100 species of microorganisms were collected from Indian soils and cultured, developed and formulated in the abroad laboratories.

3.5. Hot-spots of biodiversity:

A biodiversity hotspot is a biogeographic region that is both a significant reservoir of biodiversity and is threatened with destruction. The term biodiversity hotspot refers explicitly to 25 biologically rich areas worldwide that have lost at least 70 percent of their original habitat. At the global level, these are the areas of high conservation priority; if these species are lost, they can never be replaced or regenerated.

Criteria for recognizing hot spots:

1. The richness of the endemic species is the primary criteria for recognizing hot spots.
2. The hot spots should have a significant percentage of specialized species.
3. The site is under threat.
4. It should contain important gene pools of plants of potentially useful plants.

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Reason for rich biodiversity in the tropics:

The followings are the reasons for the rich biodiversity in the tropics:

1. The tropics have a more stable climate.
2. Warm temperatures and high humidity in the tropical areas provide favorable conditions.
3. No single species can dominate and thus, there is an opportunity for many species to coexist.
4. Among plants, rate of out crossing appear to be higher in tropics.

Areas of hot spot:

These hot spots covering less than 2% of the world’s land are found to contain 50,000 endemic species. According to Myers et al (2000), an area is designated as a hot spot when it contains at least 0.5% of the endemic plant species.

About 40% of terrestrial plants and 25% of vertebrate species are endemic and are found in these hot spots. These are the areas of high diversity, endemism and are also threatened by many human activities.

Hot spots of biodiversity in India:

Myers et al recognized 25 hot spots in the world and two of which are found in India.

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1. Eastern Himalayas:

Geographically this area comprises Nepal, Bhutan and neighboring states of Northern India. There are 35,000 plant species found in the Himalayas, of which 30% are endemic. The Eastern Himalayas are also rich in wild plants of economic value. Ex: Rice, banana, citrus, ginger, chilly, jute and sugarcane. The taxol yielding plant is also sparsely distributed in this region.

1. 63% mammals are from Eastern Himalayas, and
2. 60% of the Indian birds are from North East.
3. Huge wealth of fungi, insects, mammals and birds have been found in this region.
2. Western Ghats:

The area comprises Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Kerala. Nearly 1500 endemic, dicotyledone plant species are found from Western Ghats, 62% amphibians and 50% lizards are endemic in Western Ghats. It is reported that only 6.8% of the original forests are existing today while the rest has been deforested or degraded.

Some common plants: Ternstroemia Japonica, Rhododendron and Hypericum.

Some common animals: Blue bird, Lizard, hawk etc.,

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3.6. Threats to biodiversity:

Any disturbance in natural ecosystem tend to reduce its biodiversity. The waste generated due to increase in human population and industrialization spoils the environment and leads to more diversity in biological species. Any change in the system leads to a major imbalance and threaten the normal ecological cycle.

Causes for loss of biodiversity (or) Various threats to indian biodiversity:

The three main threats to biodiversity are:

1. Habitat Loss.
2. Poaching (Over harvesting) of wildlife.
3. Man – wildlife conflict.
4. Introduction of exotic species.

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• Habitat Loss: The loss of populations of interbreeding organisms is caused by habitat loss. Habitat loss is a threat for a wide range of animals and plants.

Factors influencing Habitat loss:

1. Deforestation: Deforestation activities mainly cause the loss of habitat. Forests and grasslands have been cleared for conversion into agricultural lands, settlement areas or developmental projects. The forest and grasslands are the natural homes for thousands of species, which disintegrate due to loss of their natural habitat.

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(ii) Destruction of wetlands: The wetlands, estuaries and mangroves are destroyed due to draining, filling and pollution which cause huge biodiversity loss.

(iii) Habitat fragmentation: Sometimes the habitat is divided into small and scattered patches. This phenomenon is known as habitat fragmentation. Due to this many wild animals and songbirds are vanishing.

(iv) Raw material: For the production of hybrid seeds, the wild plants are used as raw materials. As a result, many plant species became extinct.

(v) Production of drugs: Many pharmaceutical companies collect wild plants for the production of drugs. Therefore, several medicinal plant species are on the verge of extinction.

(vi) Illegal trade: Illegal trade on wild life reduces the bio-diversity. This practice devastates wildlife species. The poachers, traffickers and highly-organized criminals groups ruthlessly pursue this activity to get profited and also to meet the consumer demand. 

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(vii) Developmental activities: Construction of massive dams in the forest areas, discharge of industrial effluents destroys the wildlife.

2. Poaching (over harvesting) of wild life:

Poaching means killing of animals or commercial hunting. It leads to loss of animal biodiversity. There are two types of poaching.

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1. Subsistence poaching: Killing animals to provide enough food for their survival is called subsistence poaching.
2. Commercial poaching: Hunting and killing animals to sell their products is called commercial poaching.

Factors influencing poaching:

1. Human population: Increased human population in our country has put pressure on forest resources, which ultimately causes the degradation of wildlife habitats.
2. Commercial activities: Though the international ban on trading the products of endangered species, smuggling of wildlife products continues. Since the trading of such wildlife products is highly profitable poaching makes the poachers to hunt the animal from the prohibited areas also and smuggle it to other countries.

Wild life products: Furs, horns, tasks, live specimens, herbal products etc.,

Importers of wild life: The rich countries in Europe, North America, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong are the major importer of wild life products or wildlife itself.

Ex: 1. Male gorilla: In Rwanda and Zaire, it is hunted for its body parts, head and hands.

2. Snowy large egret: In U.S, it is poached for its white plumes, so as to keep it in ladie’s hats.

3. Elephant feet: It is used to make ash trays.

4. Elephant: It is killed for ivory.

5. Bengal tigers: Its fur is sold for more than $1,00,000 in the foreign markets.

Remedy measures:

1. Illegal hunting and trade of animals and animal products should be stopped immediately.

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2. We should not purchase fur coat, purse or bag or items made of crocodile skin or python skin.

3. Bio-diversity laws should be strengthened.

3. Man-Wild life conflicts:

Man – wildlife conflicts arise when wild life starts causing immense damage and danger to the man. Under such condition, it is very difficult for the forest department to compromise the affected villagers and to gain the villagers support for wildlife conservation.

Examples for man –wildlife conflicts:

1. In Tamil Nadu alone, the human-animal conflict has claimed at least 185 human lives and more than 132 lives of elephants and tigers between 2013 and 2016.
2. Recently, two men were killed by leopards in Powai, Mumbai
3. A total of 14 persons were killed during 19 attacks by the leopards in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai.

Factors influencing (or causes) man - animal conflicts:

1. Shrinking of forest cover compels wildlife to move outside the forest and attack the fields and humans.
2. Human encroachment into the forest area induces a conflict between man and the wildlife.
3. Injured animals have a tendency to attack man. Usually the female wildlife attacks the human if she feels that her newborn cubs are in danger.
4. Earlier, forest departments used to cultivate sugarcane, paddy, and coconut trees in the sanctuaries. Such practices are not existing at present. Since the favorite food of elephants (ie bamboo leaves) is not available wild animals move out of the forest searching for their food.
5. Often the villagers put electric wiring around their crop fields. The elephants get injured, suffer in pain and enter into violence.
6. The cash compensation paid by the government for the damage caused by the wild animals is not enough; therefore, the agonized farmers gets revengeful and kill the wild animals.

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Remedial measures to avoid man-wildlife conflict:

1. Adequate crop and cattle compensation schemes may give relief to farmers.
2. Trenches can be made to prevent the animal’s entry into the fields.
3. Cropping pattern should be changed near the forest borders.
4. Adequate food and water should be made available for the wild animals within the forest zones.
5. The development and constructional work in and around forest region must be stopped.

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4. Invasive species:

An invasive species is a species that is not native to a particular area, but arrives (usually with human help), establishes a population, and spreads on its own. A pathway is broadly defined as the means (e.g. aircraft, vessel or person), purpose or activity (e.g. farming, shipping or pet trade), or a commodity (e.g. fisheries) by which an invasive alien species may be transported to a new location, either intentionally or unintentionally. Invasive species have much larger impacts on an ecosystem than other species. They have a disproportionate effect, which is what makes them so harmful. Not all species that arrive in a new location become invasive—in fact, most do not.

For example, the water hyacinth, a native to South America is spreading across Africa, Asia, and North America. It is a fast-growing floating aquatic plant forming dense mats on the water surface, limiting oxygen and preventing sunlight reaching the water column. Infestations have led to reduced fisheries, blocked navigation routes, increased cases of vector-borne diseases, reduced hydropower capacity and affecting access to water.

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3.7. Types of Species

Endangered and Endemic species of India:

According to international Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) the species are classified into various types:

1. Endemic species: The species which are found only in a particular region. Ex: Flying squirrel, Kakapo.
2. Extinct species: When the species are no longer found in the world. Ex: Dinosaur, Dodo.
3. Endangered (or) Threatened species: When its number has been reduced to a critical level. These species are in immediate danger of extinction. Ex: White Lion, Snow leopard.
4. Vulnerable species: When its population is facing continuous decline due to over exploitation. Such a species is still abundant. Ex: Giraffe
5. Rare species: A species is said to be rare, when it is localized within restricted areas. So, they are thinly scattered over a more extensive area. Such species are not endangered or vulnerable. Ex: Hornbill. Himalayan brown bear

Endangered species of India:

A species is said to be endangered, when its number has been reduced to critical level. Unless it is protected and conserved it has an immediate danger of extinction. In India, 450 plant species have been identified as endangered species. About 100 mammals and 150 birds are estimated to be endangered species. But India’s biodiversity is threatened due to habitat destruction, degradation and over exploitation of resources.

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Factors affecting Endangered species:

1. Pollution: Humans dispose of their waste products in nature. So, the land, river, and air get polluted severely. These pollutants enter our environment and travel through the food chain and accumulate in the tissues of the living things, leading to death.
2. Overexploitation: Overexploitation of the natural resources and poaching of wild animals also leads to the extinction of wild animals.
3. Climate change: Climate change is brought about by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Climate change threatens the organisms and ecosystems which cannot accommodate the change of environmental conditions.

Remedial measures:

International treaties on Endangered Species (ITES):

Several international treaties and conventions help to protect endangered wild species. One of the most reaching treaty is, ‘Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species 1975’ (CITES). This treaty is signed by 160 countries.

1. This treaty lists some 900 species that cannot be commercially traded as live specimens or wildlife products because they are in danger of extinction.
2. The treaty also restricts international trade of 2900 other species because they are endangered.

Draw backs of CITES treaty:

1. The drawback of this treaty is, its effect is limited because enforcement is difficult and convicted violators often pay only small fines.
2. Also, member countries can exempt themselves from protecting any listed species.

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Endemic species:

The species which are found only in a particular region are known as endemic species. In India of 47,000 species 7000 plants are endemic. Nearly 62% of our endemic species are found available in Himalayas and Western Ghats.

1. Fauna:

Animals present in a particular region or period are called endemic species. Ex: Sapria himalayana, Ovaria lurida, Nepenthes khasiana, etc. Out of 81,000 species of animals in our country, a large number is endemic. The Western Ghats are particularly rich in (a) amphibians (frogs, toads, etc.,) and (b) reptiles (lizards, crocodiles etc.,) about 62% amphibians and 50% lizards are endemic to Western Ghats.

2. Flora:

Plants present in a particular region or period. It also refers to friendly bacteria that help to protect the human body against invasion by pathogens. Ex: Monitor lizards (Varanus), reticulated python, Indian salamander and viviparous toad (Nectophhryne).

Factors affecting endemic species:

There are number of factors which affect amphibians (frogs) at various points in their life cycle:

1. Habitat loss and fragmentation because of the draining and filling of inland wetlands.
2. Pollution also play an important role.

Ex: Frog eggs, tadpoles and adults are very sensitive to many pollutants especially pesticides.

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‘RED’ Data book (or) Red list:

The ‘Red data books’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN). Red data Book is the source book which keeps a record of all the endangered animals and plants.

The purpose of preparation of red list:

1. Provide awareness to the degree of threat to biodiversity.
2. Provide global index on already decline of biodiversity.
3. The identification of species at high risk of extinction is easy.
4. Helps in conservation.
5. Information about international agreements.

India’s biodiversity is threatened due to habitat destruction, degradation, fragmentation and over exploitation of resources.

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According to ‘RED’ Data book 44 plant species are critically endangered, 54 endangered and 143 are vulnerable (exposed to damage). India ranks 2^nd in terms of the number of threatened mammals and 6^th among the countries with the most threatened birds.

Ex: 1. Pitcher plant has become endemic in Eastern Himalayas.

2. Taxus Wallichina has come under red data category due to its overexploitation.

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3.8. Conservation of biodiversity:

Biodiversity is one of the important tool for sustainable development. The enormous value of biodiversity due to the commercial, social, ethical, aesthetical and ecological importance emphasizes the need to conserve biodiversity.Conservation is defined as, the management of biosphere so that it will yield the greatest sustainable benefits to present generation while maintaining its potential to meet the needs of future generation.

Advantages (or) Need of biodiversity conservation:

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1. Drugs, herbs, food and other important raw materials can be derived from plants and animals.
2. It also preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals.
3. It ensures the sustainable utilization of life supporting systems on earth.
4. It leads to conservation of essential ecological diversity and life supporting systems.
5. Since, the biodiversity loss results in ecological and environmental deterioration it is essential to conserve the biodiversity.
6. It provides immediate benefits to the society such as recreation and tourism.

Types (or) strategy of biodiversity conservation:

1. In-situ conservation (within habitat)
2. Ex-situ conservation (offsite habitat)

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In- situ conservation:

It involves protection of fauna and flora within its natural habitat. The natural habitats under in -situ conservation is called “Protected areas”.

Methods: Around 4 % of the total geographical area of the country is used for the in-situ conservation. The strategies adopted for in-situ conservation are:

1. Biosphere reserves
2. National parks
3. Wild-life sanctuaries etc.,

Biosphere reserves:

• It covers more than 5000 sq kms of area.
• It gives long term survival of ecosystem.
• It protects endangered species.
• It serves as site of recreation & tourism.
• It is useful for educational & research purposes.

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Restriction:

• No explosive activities are permitted.

Ex: 1. Nanda Devi (UP)

2. Sunderbans (West Bengal)

3. Gulf of Mannar (TN)

2. National Park:

• It covers about 100 – 500 sq. kms of area.
• Within the biosphere reserve one or more national parks also exist.
• It serves as a site of recreation and tourism.
• It is used to protect and develop the wildlife.

Some important national parks of India are:

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3. Wildlife sanctuaries:

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• It is an area which is reserved for the animals only.
• It allows the operations such as harvesting of timber, collection of forest products, private ownership rights etc.,

Restriction: Killing, hunting, shooting of wildlife is prohibited.

Some important wildlife Sanctuaries in India are:

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4. Other projects:

Some special projects are framed in our country for the protection and conservation of certain animals. Ex: Project lion, Project elephant, Gir lion project etc., 

Advantages:

• Very cheap and convenient method.
• Species gets adjusted to the natural disasters.

Disadvantages:

• Large surface area is required
• Maintenance is not proper due to lack of staff members & pollution.

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 Ex-situ conservation (offsite habitat):

It involves the protection of fauna & flora outside the natural habitats. It is done mainly for the conservation of crop varieties. Some of the important ex-situ conservation practices are botanical gardens, seed banks, microbial culture collections, tissue & cell cultures, zoological gardens etc.,

Methods:

1. NBPGR (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources): It is located in New Delhi. It uses cryopreservation techniques to preserve crops. It involves the preservation of seeds, pollen of some important crops by using liquid N₂ at a temp -196^oC for several years.
2. NBAGR (National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources): It is located at Karnal, Haryana. It preserves the semen of domesticated bovine animals.
3. NFPTCR (National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture Repository): It is used for the conservation of varieties of crop plants by tissue culture.

Advantages:

• Special care and attention of species is given.
• It is carried out for endangered species.

Disadvantages:

• Expensive method.
• Freedom of wildlife is lost.
• Animals cannot survive in their natural environment.

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Practice Quiz

1. _________ is one of the most prevalent hotspots of biodiversity in India.

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1. Himalayas
2. Western Ghats
3. Ganges
4. None of the above

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2. __________ is an example of an ex-situ conservation.

1. Sacred groves
2. Wildlife sanctuary
3. Seed bank
4. National park

3. Nandan-Kanan Zoo is Popular for Its____________.

a. Nilgiri Tahr

b. Whale

c. White tiger

d. Hippo

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4. IUCN stands for

1. Indian Union of chemical Nomenclature
2. Indian Union of conservation of nature
3. International union for conservation of nature
4. International union for conservation of nutrients

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5. ____ is an endangered species of Indian medicinal plants

1. Garlic
2. Podophyllum
3. Amentotaxus
4. Ocimum

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Assignment

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1.List food products derived from plants and animals collected, harvested and consumed locally.

2. Highlight the distribution of biomes and their relationship to biodiversity.

3. Collect newspaper articles on hot spots and poaching and write your view on it.

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Supportive online Certification Courses �

1. Biodiversity and Ecological Resources

https://onlinecourses.swayam2.ac.in/cec21_ge31/preview

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2. Economics, Trade and Biodiversity

https://scbd.unssc.org/course/index.php?categoryid=6

3. Sustainable Management of Biodiversity

https://www.classcentral.com/course/swayam-sustainable-management-of-biodiversity-14315

4. Conservation biology and biodiversity

https://www.for9a.com/en/courses/Free-Online-Course-in-Conservation-Biology-and-Biodiversity-from-Alison

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Real time Applications in day to day life and to Industry

1. The business of biodiversity
2. Herbs play a vital role in pharmaceutical industries.
3. Large amount of flora and fauna have commercial values.

Ex: Corel reefs.

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Content beyond the syllabus

1. What are the values of biodiversity? 

https://youtu.be/f4Z4UWLlDT8?si=OpEPqIo36Kjgu9Nb

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2. Ecosystem, its presence and function

https://youtu.be/KAuf-oBNvOU?si=xwdt-XgaiQTkl174

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3. India’s richness in biodiversity

https://youtu.be/agqTswMx-dA?si=AoqZiCJjtCPqUgca

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4. What on Earth is Biodiversity?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjwtneQ9cd8

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• Textbooks
• Anubha Kaushik and C.P. Kaushik, “Perspectives in environmental studies”, New Age International, 2006
• Benny Joseph, ̳Environmental Science and Engineering‘, Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi, 2006.
• Gilbert M.Masters, ̳Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science‘, 2nd edition, Pearson Education, 2004.
• Allen, D. T. and Shonnard, D. R., Sustainability Engineering: Concepts, Design and Case Studies, Prentice Hall.
• Bradley. A.S; Adebayo, A.O., Maria, P. Engineering applications in sustainable design and development, Cengage learning.
• Environment Impact Assessment Guidelines, Notification of Government of India, 2006
• Mackenthun, K.M., Basic Concepts in Environmental Management, Lewis Publication, London, 1998
• References
• William P.Cunningham & Mary Ann Cunningham Environmental Science: A Global Concern, McGraw Hill, 14^th edition, 2017.
• Erach Bharucha, ―Textbook of Environmental Studies‖, Universities Press(I) PVT, LTD, Hydrabad, 2015.
• Rajagopalan, R, ̳Environmental Studies-From Crisis to Cure‘, Oxford University Press, 2005.
• G. Tyler Miller and Scott E. Spoolman, ―Environmental Science‖, Cengage Learning India PVT, LTD, Delhi, 2014.
• Dharmendra S. Sengar, ‘Environmental law’, Prentice hall of India PVT. LTD, New Delhi, 2007.

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PRESCRIBED TEXT BOOKS & REFERENCE BOOKS

Mini Project suggestions

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Thank you