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Red Crowned Cranes Grus japonensis
Red Crowned Cranes Grus japonensis
3.3.1 Arguments for species and habitat preservation can be based on aesthetic, ecological, economic, ethical and social justifications.
Economic arguments for preservation often involve valuation of ecotourism, of the genetic resource and commercial considerations of the natural capital. Ecological reasons may be related to the ecosystem services. Ethical arguments are very diverse and can include reference
to the intrinsic or instrumental value of the species. Social arguments might highlight the importance of goods and services for the well-being of humans.
Justify the conservation of the red crested crane using as many arguments as you can.
3.3.2 Species-based conservation tends to involve ex situ strategies, and habitat-based conservation tends to involve in situ strategies.
Ex situ measures include botanic gardens, zoos, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and seed banks; in situ measures include use of national parks, reserves and sanctuaries. Consider two examples of ex situ measure and two examples of in situ measures.
Record an example of each for Grus japonensis.
A scientist claims that seed vaults and botanic gardens are more important conservation resources than zoos. Evaluate this claim.
3.3.4 The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a UN treaty addressing both species-based and habitat-based conservation.
Identify 3 targets in The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) of Japan 2023-2030 that are of relevance to Grus japonensis.
A New Protected Area
A New Protected Area
3.3.5 Habitat conservation strategies protect species by conservation of their natural environment.
This may require protection of wild areas or active management.
Include one example of a habitat where active management has been required and one example of the establishment of an ecosanctuary using pest-exclusion fencing. Surrounding land use for the conservation area and distance from urban centres are important factors for
consideration in conservation area design.
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat
Zealandia
Zealandia
3.3.6 Effective conservation of biodiversity in nature reserves and national parks depends on an understanding of the biology of target species and on the effect of the size and shape of conservation areas.
Include edge effects and the importance of wildlife corridors for connectivity. Consider an example of a UNESCO biosphere reserve with high biodiversity and species of international conservation importance, including the designation of an appropriate area for conservation,
potential human impacts and management strategies. Include the concept of a pristine core, surrounded by buffer zones and outer transition zones that are sustainably managed.
* No jetskis allowed in the MPA
** Normally allowed in MPAs. Mooring preferred. If essential, follow safe guidelines.
*** Only fishing my indigenous communities is allowed; other fishing only with permission of traditional (Adat) leaders and local community.
The September 2025 issue of National Geographic discusses the issue of inbreeding in isolated tiger populations. This allows for mutations such as pseudo-melanism (false-blackness) to become more common.
A solution is to create wildlife corridors as soon in the infographic below.
Design a new protected area in one of our five case study locations. You will need to consider:
Legal status
Edge effect
Corridors
Needs of existing species
Needs of existing people
Core/buffer/transition zones
3.3.3 Sometimes a mixed conservation approach is adopted, where both habitat and particular species are considered.
The mixed approach usually invokes flagship and/or keystone species to justify the need to conserve intact habitats and landscapes. Consider an example of a mixed approach where the emphasis of in situ measures is on a particular species, for example, the Chengdu Research Base
of Giant Panda Breeding.
3.3.7 Natural processes in ecosystems can be regenerated by rewilding.
Consider rewilding methods, for example, reintroduction of apex predators and other keystone species, re-establishment of connectivity of habitats over large areas, cessation of agriculture and resource harvesting, and minimization of human influences including by ecological
management. Consider one example, such as Hinewai Reserve in New Zealand, any other appropriate rewilding project or a local example.
3.3.8 Conservation and regeneration measures can be used to reverse the decline in biodiversity to ensure a safe operating space for humanity within the biodiversity planetary boundary.
Measures can be taken to conserve and regenerate biodiversity at individual, collective, national and international levels.
Copy and complete the circles of action for biodiversity loss.
ChatGPT did an excellent job of summarising the Biosphere Integrity section of latest review of planetary boundaries model (Richardson et al 2023). Read the summary and paraphrase to your elbow partner.
3.3.9 Environmental perspectives and value systems can impact the choice of conservation strategies selected by a society.
The success of conservation and regeneration measures depend on incorporating a diversity of approaches, including community support, adequate funding, education and awareness, appropriate legislation, and scientific research. Consider also issues of environmental justice.
More ecocentric perspectives may approach conservation for the intrinsic value of biodiversity and so focus on low-intervention in situ strategies; more anthropocentric/technocentric perspectives may be driven by the economic, societal value of biodiversity and thus embrace
more scientific interventions involving zoos, gene banks and ecotourism.
Answer the exam-style essay question below (9 marks)
Conservation and regeneration strategies may be influenced by different value systems, ranging from ecocentric to anthropocentric/technocentric viewpoints.
Discuss how differing perspectives shape the approaches taken in conservation programmes, and evaluate how factors such as community support, funding, education, legislation, and scientific research affect their success.
Support your answer with named examples.
HL ONLY CONTENT
HL ONLY CONTENT
Complete the document below independently. We will review your answers once complete.
Extension Resources
Extension Resources
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