It has been argued that humans are the most invasive species and we seem to leave our mark on nature almost everywhere. Through our ignorant acts we have made claims on nature that have caused many species of animals, birds, and fish to disappear completely. Human interaction with natural environment has resulted in many negative impacts on the Earth's natural eco-systems but some are doing their best to take care of the biodiversity of our beautiful ecosystems.
How we are preserving biodiversity:
Scientists and biologists have come up with many wonderful techniques to save species on the brink of extinction. One popular method is called Species Translocation. This method is used to save a population that is becoming endangered. Species translocation is used to improve the biodiversity of an ecosystem that will hopefully promote biodiversity in surrounding ecosystems over vast areas.
A delicate process; Translocation:
Species translocation is a process taken out by humans, not naturally occurring (with some exceptions) but rather it is an organized set of steps that will hopefully save an endangered species' population. What first happens in species translocation is a survey of the subject. The survey can consist of many criteria for the species such as survival methods, where they thrive, what they eat, are they heterotrophic or autotrophic, what is their life expectancy, what is their birth rate, etc. After this step has been completed and research has been done a sample is taken from their natural habitat where they are becoming extinct and are introduced to another ecosystem where scientists believe they will prosper.
Explained above is one of the three types of Species translocation known as Introduction. The other two types are Re-introduction and Re-stocking. In Re-introduction a certain species that was at one point indigenous to an area but is no longer is brought back into the ecosystem by accident or deliberately, through human intervention, to restore the ecosystem to its original state.
Lastly re-stocking is considered as a conservation strategy. When a species becomes endangered in a certain area the population is increased by introducing more of that species into the area so the population can begin to naturally rise.
Right or Wrong?
Many can argue that this is worse for the environment and that we need to step back and let nature do its thing when it comes to extinction of species and that we are throwing natural balances out of whack.
On the other hand many say if we don't do something now we won't have a chance to save these species later. And we are doing this professionally and it is being monitored so we know it is safe for the ecosystem so that other animals and plants will not be negatively affected.
land survey for plant translocation:
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B1cYfgSHs8 (mussel translocation)
Sources:
- The Introduction Method
- Types of Translocations
- Re-introduction of Indian Rhinos
- Plant translocation
- Is translocation tinkering with evolution?
Terrence's Blog
Wayne Law's Blog
