Sometimes when invasive species are introduced to an area they are able to thrive because the existing ecosystem is not adapted to their presence.
Invasive species often outcompete native species leading to their extinction. Over the last 50 years the brown tree snake is credited with leading to the extinction of 3 bird and 5 reptile species in Guam [3]. Even though the biodiversity of many habitats has become threatened there are many things we can do to help reduce this danger. These are some of the steps you can take to conserve biodiversity. Governments have the power to control what is done to the habitats within their country. Legislation that protects natural habitats by outlawing development, harvesting of natural resources, or other human exploitation has a huge impact on maintaining natural biodiversity.
Protecting habitats before they have been altered is the best form on biodiversity conservation and is most successfully implemented by government regulations.
Nature preserves are a form of government regulation and are often known as National Parks. They protect a region and the organisms that live there from certain forms of development and provide access for people to visit them. This is excellent because it protects the natural habitat and is a place where people can view the ecosystem. The goal is that over time this helps people have more respect for the natural world and increases pressure on government to further protect other areas.
Invasive species are sometimes introduced to an area on purpose, but also sometimes by accident. To limit the number of invasive species moved by accident planes, ships, and cargo must be thoroughly checked before it is offloaded in a new country.
Additionally, people should not bring new species of animals or plants to an area without consulting ecologists knowledgeable on the region. After an area is damaged by human impacts we can try to return it to its natural state. This means bringing back the plants and animals that are naturally found there. This has been shown to be a promising way of returning biodiversity to a region. One example of this is the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park. When wolves returned to the region they ate more elk and coyote, which increased the prey species of the coyote and let riparian river bank areas trampled by elk recover [4].
Captive breeding is when animals in captivity often at zoos are bred. This is seen as somewhat controversial, as it requires the capture of animals that are often near extinction. On the positive side it provides the opportunity to increase the population of the species , so they can be reintroduced into the wild [4].
Seed banks are areas where huge varieties of plant seeds are stored. This provides a failsafe if a species goes extinct in nature. The plant can be grown from a saved seed and reintroduced back into its habitat. This is a very real issue and seed banks have been collecting samples for many years, with some seed banks having over 2 billion seeds stored at a time [8]. Understanding how species interact within their environment is crucial to protecting them. As humans further understand species interaction we find new and more direct ways to help protect organisms and maintain biodiversity.
One example is the use of wildlife corridors in urbanized areas. By researching many different species we have found that this dramatically increase their populations [9]. It reduces the number of animals that come into direct contact with humans and provides areas for migratory animals to move long distances. As we know, climate change has disastrous consequences for all living things on earth. We use huge amounts of fossil fuels, which directly cause climate change. We need to move away from fossil fuels and towards alternative energy sources and natural or sustainable products.
Reducing the effects of climate change requires a worldwide effort. Many protects are now labeled with ecolabels that state if they are environmentally friendly. Our consumption of natural resources is one of the main reasons for biodiversity loss, so it is our responsibility to consume products that are produced in the most sustainable way possible.
Additionally, when we consume these goods it increases demand for environmentally conscious products pushing more producers to make them. Sustainable living is something that we can each choose to do on a daily basis. Whether it be by taking shorter showers, riding a bike to work , or buying ecolabeled products it helps reduce the amount of resources we use. This is arguably the most important way of protecting biodiversity because everyone can do it, often with only small lifestyle changes.
You can help save them by planting nectar-producing wildflowers in your backyard, or even building bee boxes for local bees to call home. When embarking on DIY home projects, be mindful about the products you use, as standard backyard pesticides can be harmful or deadly to bees. Research the flora, fruits and veggies native to your area, and plant a variety in your backyard or a hanging garden.
To aid in this effort, support local nurseries that specialize in native species. Nurseries can be great sources of information about plant maintenance and care. They should also be able to tell you where they source their plants from—the more local, the better. Flowering trees can be particularly important for pollinators in springtime because many types bloom early, when little else is in flower to provide food.
Those with berries or seeds will also provide food for birds and mammals in the autumn. It is important that you source locally grown stock so that it is in synch with our climate and the rest of our wildlife. Bumblebees enjoying early flowering willow. Photograph: Tomas Cuffe. Due to a combination of climatic and topographic influences Ireland once supported the finest examples of raised bog in Europe, and possibly in the world.
These highly specialised features have a unique biodiversity that is of inordinate conservation value. Despite this importance of this heritage, raised bog are still been destroyed. It is not overstressing the point to say that Dandelion is the most important food plant for our insects in spring. If we had more Dandelions in Ireland we would have more pollinators.
We know that from mid-March until mid-May it is vital for our bees and other early flying insects like butterflies. After the plant has finished flowering it produces seed that is a great favourite with birds such as the Greenfinch and Goldfinch. The leaves of the plant are also food for a number of moth larvae, including the beautiful Garden Tiger moth. You cannot overstate the importance of dandelions in spring.
In arable areas the seed bank available in winter stubble fields is a vitally important resource for seed-eating birds to help them get through the lean winter months. Where stubble is retained, birds find spilt grain and seeds from broad-leaved weeds to feed on, meaning that they are in good condition coming into the breeding season Winter stubble provides food for birds in winter.
Many a husband across Ireland has asked us for this in writing! Regularly mown grass looks neat but is a green desert for biodiversity.
Cutting less often allows wildflowers to grow and provide important food for our insects, especially pollinators. Not cutting until mid-April allows Dandelions to flower but not set seed. A biodiversity friendly mowing regime can look good too. Photograph: Liam Scott. Retaining hedgerows provides vital corridors for biodiversity across our countryside, and particularly in farmed landscapes.
Hedgerows provide both food and nesting areas for insects, birds and mammals. Flowering hedgerows that contain Willow, Blackthorn and Hawthorn provide vital food for bees in spring and for birds and mammals in the autumn.
Hedgerows should only be cut every three years to encourage flowering.
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