Conservation Biology
A threatened species is one that is more likely to face danger within the near future (Morgan, 2009). This species is also likely to be harmed or is a target of many in its natural range. An endangered species is one that is already facing danger from its predators (Wagner, 2008). This is a species that the predators are hunting for and is at high risk of extinction throughout all or a big portion of its population. The endangered species can be salvaged from extinction. However, an extinct species is one whose population has been faced off from the ecosystem and is no longer in existence.
Human societies have a great influence on the ecosystem, every aspect of human activity cause a lot of disturbance on plants and animals either directly or indirectly. Cultivation for example is one of the many activities that alter the natural ecosystem of plants; recreation is also another aspect where the use of mountain bikes, cars destroys vegetation in forests by creating pathways. Human beings damage ecosystems by harvesting trees that are homes to hundreds of different organisms. The atmosphere is damaged by releasing greenhouse gases and smoke. When we drive cars or use electricity. We pollute water by releasing chemicals and waste products from factories. All these human activities end up altering the natural ecosystem.
Invasive species are either plants or animals introduced to an environment outside their natural ranges. This could be intentional or by accident. Since this is not their natural range, the plants or animals for that reason are likely to alter and affect the environment, in which they are introduced to in a number of ways. First, they are likely to compete for food or space directly or indirectly or they dominate over the existing animals and plants. Secondly, they can alter the food web as well as the physical environment, or prey or hybridize the native species. Therefore, invasive species are a threat to the native biodiversity largely. (Legislative Committee Services, 2010)
Conservation is a wide topic, which requires both practical and political actions to achieve. Political conservation actions are those laws or actions that are enacted and enforced by states or Governments encourage citizens to conserve the environment in which they leave. They include; greater enforcement of existing environmental laws and regulations, more control over pollution by fining on littering, holding industrial organizations accountable for their pollution, working with organizations, communities, societies by signing treaties that are environmental conscious as well as giving incentives and education or creating awareness. Practical actions are those that can be done by anyone to reduce, recycle or reuse wastes hence reduce pollution and encourage environmental conservations. These include; using cleaner gas to cut down on fuel emissions, using public transport more often and ensuring wastes are recycled more often. (Groom, Meffe & Carroll, 2006).
Conservation genetics is a wide aspect, which requires that proper research and studies done. It is where Geneticists examine all issues in a biodiversity in order to come up with the best genes that can fit into the population as well as the environment (Groom, Meffe & Carroll, 2006). The value of all this is to be able to describe the genetic variation found that is critical in maintaining the biodiversity in species, populations and ecosystem. A population that has diverse genes is more likely to be capable of dealing with changes in its surroundings such as introduction of disease. Therefore, genetic diversity is very important in ensuring that endangered species are not extinct.
