Saving a Species Threatened by Habitat Loss

Several species are on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss. Only sustainable practices and collective action can safeguard biodiversity for future generations.

Environmentalists are often asked, “why should the government spend large amounts of money to try and save a single threatened species?”, referring to Save the Tiger project or Save the Indian Bustard.

This is a very difficult question to answer. Common people find it difficult to understand that it is not a single species that is being saved but the entire degraded ecosystem that is being rejuvenated. There is a scientific base to these efforts in saving a threatened species and ecosystem.

In simple words, an ecosystem is a group of organisms that are interdependent, that is, dependent on each other. Each of them also depends on the habitat or environment in which they live in and thrive. Hence, the environment must be capable of supporting the ecosystem. Additionally, the numbers of these organisms must not diminish or increase beyond a certain limit for a balance to be maintained between the organisms and supporting ecosystem.

This can be explained by using the example of the simple grassland food chain, about which all of us would have read when in school. At the lowest level, grass and plant leaves are eaten by insects, grasshoppers and rabbits. Insects and grasshoppers, in turn, are eaten by frogs and reptiles, who in turn form the food for snakes and birds. Finally, hawks and larger birds prey on snakes, small birds and rabbits. When large mammals are included in this cycle, one can imagine how very intricately connected the food chain is, and the complexities involved in maintaining a naturally balanced ecosystem. 

Consider what happens when there is imbalance in the ecosystem in a grassland or scrubland forest. If the number of trees and grass cover decreases, the number of insects and rabbits will also decrease, as there are no plants to eat. Frogs, too, will perish, and so will snakes and hawks and birds of prey, leading to the destruction of the food chain.  As there is loss of habitat the existence of several species is threatened.

If, on the other hand, there is decrease in the number of frogs and reptiles, the insect population will increase manifold, affecting the green cover and at the same time, the snakes and large birds of prey are also at risk due the break in food supply chain. 

This will not happen, provided the ecosystem remains balanced. It is to let an ecosystem stay balanced that the government and wildlife agencies direct their efforts to save a single species. Achieving this successfully leads to a ripple effect on the ecosystem, bringing it under control, maintaining a balance. Over a period of time, efforts in saving a species can help an ecosystem recover from damage and destruction. Re-introduction of a species originally present can also have a similar impact. For those who are interested, an excellent article about the impact of re-introduction of wolves on the ecosystem is available here: https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/how-14-wolves-completely-changed-yellowstone-national-park-3-223276/

Perhaps more efforts are required by the government and forest agencies. Perhaps corporates should consider something similar to Vantara, may be on a smaller scale? Our well-being depends on the well being of the ecosystem.