Comparing Biodiversity Conservation Approaches

Conservation Approach

Strengths

Limitations

Protected Areas

-Provides direct protection to habitats and species

-Promotes ecotourism and research opportunities

-Can aid in restoration and ecological rehabilitation efforts

-May offer ecosystem services to surrounding areas

-Limited land availability

-May require displacing indigenous populations

-Limited enforcement of regulations

-Can be subject to illegal poaching and logging

-Can be expensive to manage and maintain

CITES

-Regulates international trade of endangered species

-Provides a framework for international cooperation

-Protects biodiversity by preventing overexploitation

-Supports sustainable use of resources

-Difficult to enforce and monitor trade in remote areas

-Can be resource-intensive to implement

-Some countries may not prioritise enforcement (or may not have the resources to do so)

-Does not address habitat loss or other threats to species

Zoos

-Can serve as a last resort for critically endangered species

-Can raise awareness and educate the public

-Allow for research and educational opportunities

-Can provide a safe and controlled environment for breeding

-Limited genetic diversity due to small population size

-Animals may experience stress and health issues in captivity

-Some species may not be suitable for captive breeding

-Limited capacity for large, wide-ranging species

-Can be expensive to maintain and operate

Captive Breeding and Reintroduction programs

-Can increase the population size of endangered species

-Can aid in the restoration of ecosystems and food webs

-Can increase genetic diversity in populations

-Can serve as a way to study species' behaviour

-May not address underlying threats to species

-High costs associated with breeding and reintroduction (e.g. transporting species large distances)

-Success may depend on habitat availability and quality