Conservation of Biodiversity in South East Asia

Conservation
of Biodiversity in South East Asia

1. Introduction

Sustainable
biodiversity has been one of the most important aspects in the universe. It is
an aspect that allows for a swift progress of life of every organism living in
the world. Apparently, every organism is depended on one another for survival
and healthy living. This consequently reveals that there is no single animal,
plant or human being can live without the mechanism done by the other in an
ecological environment. However, human activities have posed a great danger of
destroying various ecological aspects that lead into extinction of several
important organisms that play important role in the ecology (Maffi, Luisa, 2005). For instance, South Asia
has been one of the most regions in the world that had several kinds of living
organisms that have already declined in terms of their population due to
uncontrolled and exploitive human activities done in the area. Apparently, most
animal and plant species have disappeared due to human encroachment into their
habitants while seeking for food, wealth, settlement places and pleasurable
things.

The
region has been one of the most mega hotspots that have diverse animal and
plant species. Reports show that little have been lost in their ecological
environment but the uncontrolled human activities that have recently been
introduced in the area pose a great risk of declining biodiversity
sustainability level. Moreover, the area experiences tropical climate essential
for the flourishing of several species of organisms, plant and animals.
However, human activities have caused climate, destroyed habitants for many
organisms and exploited several species of animals and plants (Persha, Lauren, et al, 2012). This has
consequently reduced the number of animals, plants and other organisms living
in the region. Accordingly, several measures have to be taken in order to
regain a sustainable biodiversity level that was there before or otherwise face
consequences caused by loss of biodiversity in the coming years.

Hypothesis

For the past few
decades conservationists have documented rapid global declines of biodiversity
at the hands of humans. In fact, human activities are the major cause of
species extinction, global warming and habitat loss. Threats to species are
fundamentally global, so it is necessary to address conservation problems now.
The protection of endangered species is a popular and importance part of effort
to sustain the earth natural diversity. In addition, each species contribute in
a specific way in our ecosystem (Nantarat, Nattawadee, et al 2019). Rich
bio-culture in South Asia will definitely enhance a better life and economic
growth for the people living in the region since it enhances a more sustainable
environment that provides all sorts of life supporting aspects such as food,
shelter among others. Accordingly, the study aims at exploring biodiversity
trends in the region to determine the current state of biodiversity to provide
effective conservation measures for a more sustainable bio-culture.

2. Literature Review

A. Threatened Species and Habitats

1. Mammals

Mammals
in the region face the greatest risk of extinction due to human activities. It
is the area that has had the riches biodiversity in terms of animals. The area
has several animal species the undeniably depend on one another for life.
However, the number of animals in the area reveals a declining trend because of
uncontrolled human activities taking place in the region (Hancock, Lorin, 2019). Apparently, several species
have extinct as there has been no effective measures taken to conserve
bio-culture in the area. For instance, the Chinese elephant is an elephant
species that lived in the area but currently are not present in the region.

Poaching
has been one of the most human activities that endanger the life of animals in
South Asia. It is an illegal activity done to acquire pleasurable animal body
parts that are sold in the black market. Poaching is one of the richest
activity behind drugs and other illegal activities done in the globe (Subramanian, Suneetha M., et al, 2011).
Accordingly, poachers have taken it as a serious wealth creation activity.
Animals have been killed for ivory, skins and hides and other for food. This
has consequently led to a declining population of the number of mammals living
in the region. Precisely, the activity is uncontrolled and therefore these
poachers kill as many target animals as possible to make money.

Besides
poaching, there are other several human activities that risk the extinction of
several kinds of mammals in the region. People are destroying their habitats
for farming and settlements (Hancock, Lorin, 2019).
Moreover, mining activities are been carried in the forests which have led to
the destruction of entire ecological system. The climate has also been changing
since people are clearing forest and industries emitting harmful gases into the
atmosphere. This has consequently led to death of several animals in the
region, an aspect that reveals a high rate of decline of the population of
mammals in the area.

2. Livestock and Agriculture

Everything
in the ecology is apparently depended on the other for survival. Farming is
really depended on biodiversity for various things for it to become successful.
For instance, things like pollination have to occur for crops to yield. Besides
this, trees in the forest play a vital role as they bring rains need for
agricultural activities (Subramanian,
Suneetha M., et al, 2011). However, human activities distort the
level of bio-culture and cause various changes that negatively affect livestock
and agriculture. Even though the activity itself massively destroys
biodiversity in the region, requires bio-culture for better results.

Human
beings are clearing forests to create room for cultivation. This has
consequently led to reduction of trees that bring rain for the crops to
flourish. A lot of insects have gone into extinction that play a vital role of
pollination. This consequently shows that agricultural productivity will
decline in future. Moreover, various microorganisms that play a vital role in
the soil have been killed by dangerous chemical used in the activity (Pacheco Capella, et al, 2016). Pollution is
also causing death and destruction various plant and other organism species
that help maintain successful growth and flourishing of crops cultivated by
farmers in the area. Destruction of forests and grasslands has also led to
reduce food for livestock. This consequently shows that agriculture and
livestock keeping have been endangered by decreased biodiversity
sustainability.

3. Birds

South
Asian region has been a home for several kinds of birds. It is one of the areas
that have vast species of birds living in the forests and the entire region
environment. However, some of important species have gone into extinction due
to various human activities. The place is said to have 2700 species of birds
that naturally live in the area (Hancock, Lorin,
2019). Most of these species are at risk of going into extinction as the
environment is becoming unsafe for their survival. Climate change caused by
human activities has been the prime cause to extinction and migration of these
birds.

Human
beings have indeed destroyed their habitats. This has been through
deforestation which massively destroys their homes. Apparently, people are
cutting trees to get construction materials and for industrial use. Everyone
aims at acquiring a bigger land for agricultural activities that are earned
through forest clearance (Subramanian,
Suneetha M., et al, 2011). It is an activity that has led to
destruction of their environment which makes them migrate and other starve to
death. Apparently, human activities have degraded their natural homes,
grasslands and wetlands which has posed a great risk to the life of these
birds.

Besides
this, some birds have been killed by human beings for food. Hunters kill or
trap large numbers of birds to be used as food. This has consequently reduced
the population of the birds living in the region’s forests (Persha, Lauren, et al, 2012). Precisely,
hunting has endangered most of bird species as they are targeted for food.
Exploitation for food threatens 50% of birds living in the area. Moreover,
birds are being captured from the area for world bird trade. Accordingly, most
species have been vulnerable to extinction as their habitat is destroyed,
exploited and trapped for various used.

4. Forests

Forest
has been the habitat to majority of animals, birds and other living organism.
They are apparently the source of everything needed by these several kinds of
species. Forests provide food, shelter and a natural home to many organisms
living in them (Pacheco Capella, et al, 2016).
This consequently provides a supportive environment that is used by other
animals and birds for their survival. However, the size of area occupied by
forests in South Asia is declining. This has consequently led to migration of
various birds, animals and death of several important microorganisms as their
habitat is being destroyed.

Through
deforestation, several plant species have been cut down. Reports show that
several plant species have gone into extinction. People have been cutting down
tree for construction and industrial purposes. Most these activities are done
without considering the various measures that should be taken while cutting
down trees (Persha, Lauren, et al, 2010).
Even though people depend on trees for construction, there are various
effective conservation measures that can be done to avoid losing of important
plant species. Trees are being logged without being replaced; an aspect that
poses the risk of climate change that can massively destroy the entire forest.

South
Asian population has also been rapidly growing. It is an aspect that leads into
clearing of forests to make settlement areas. Besides this, forests are being
cleared to create space for various activities (Maffi,
Luisa, 2005). These include mining, urban centers and agricultural
activities. Accordingly, the rate at which forests are being cleared is high
and risks the extinction of important tree species that play a vital role in
the ecology. Forests play an integral role to the sustainability of bio-culture
since nearly everything living in the forest depends on the trees and other
organisms available in it.

5. Marine Life

South
Asia has been one of areas that have several water bodies. Accordingly, the
area has several species of marine animals and other organisms. However people
in the area are overfishing to get enough food and fish for trade. Accordingly,
various species in the waters are at danger while others have gone into
extinction due to uncontrolled fishing done in the area (Hancock, Lorin, 2019). Most of the fishing tools
trap nearly everything that comes across its way regardless of its size. This
has therefore led to reduction of fish population in the waters as well
exhaustion of several species of fish and other marine food.

Human
activities being carried in the area have also led to decline in the level of
marine biodiversity. The climate of the area reveals a gradual and steady
climate change that threatens the life of marine animals. People have cleared
forests that attract rain, an aspect that has led to drying up of several water
bodies found in the region (Pacheco Capella, et
al, 2016). Besides this, pollution has been one of the prime factors
that threaten the life of marine animals. Homes and industries have been
disposing toxic chemical that cause death of many aquatic animals. Several
kinds of fish and other marine species have died due to toxic substances
released into the water bodies. Accordingly, pollution is a major aspect
resulting from human activities that make aquatic life vulnerable to
extinction.

B. Factors that Threaten
Biodiversity

1. Illegal Wildlife Trade

Illegal
wildlife trade has been one of the most threatening factors to sustainability
of biodiversity in an ecosystem. It is an activity that is among the most
lucrative unlawful businesses in the world. Asia has been a hub for the
exportation of wildlife treasuries as well as consumers of these illegal items
(Persha, Lauren, et al, 2010).
Accordingly, a big number of wildlife animals are being killed for their
important body parts that are sold in the black market. Poachers are not
licensed and have been sneaking into the animals habitats where they trap or
kill them for their body parts. This is consequently reducing the population of
the most targeted animals as they are frequently hunted by these poachers to
earn a living.

Tigers
and rhinoceros have been the most targeted wild animals. A rhino is hunted for
its ivory while tiger for its skin and other body parts used to make Chines
traditional medicines. This consequently reveals that the two species are on
high demand for their valuable body parts(Squires,
Dale, 2014). It is an aspect that has nearly reduced their population to
a half and some have even gone into extinction. Accordingly, their absence in
the ecology would seriously distort ecological balance that is said to provide
sustainable life in the environment.

Besides
animal species, there are also some bird species that are targeted by these
illegal poachers. These species are sold outside the region for money as they
are said to reveal some treasurable features and significance by their users (Persha, Lauren, et al, 2012). Accordingly, a
large population of these birds have been hunted and trapped and sold in the
wild bird trading centers. Accordingly, their population has reduced and the
species are vulnerable to extinction. Illegal wildlife trade has undeniably
threatened the survival of animals and birds in the area. It is an activity
that has been common in the region with poachers targeting specific animals and
birds that make them a lot of money.

2. Agricultural Activities

Food
security is among the most important aspect that every person aims at.
Accordingly, people have cleared forests and grasslands to create land for
cultivation. It is an activity that has indeed threatened the life of wild
animals, plants and other organisms living in the forests. Apparently, farming
has been a major cause that has distorted biodiversity in any particular
ecological niche. Much of the land occupied by wild animals and forests has
been cleared by farmers in pursuit of extending their agricultural activities (Hancock, Lorin, 2019). The natural life of natural
organisms is being occupied by farmers who operate their agricultural
activities to produce food.

Agriculture
has been an activity that largely contributes to the pollution of the natural
environment. Farmers use dangerous chemical that alter the natural environment.
Accordingly, most wildlife species have found it difficult to survive in the
changing environment that contains toxic substances. This has consequently led
to the death and migration of important animal and bird species in the region (Hancock, Lorin, 2019). Through pollution resulting
from agricultural activities, some important species have gone into extinction.
Besides this, farmers may spray dangerous chemical with an aim of controlling pests
and diseases. This consequently ends up killing several insects that play
important role in that particular ecological environment.

Accordingly,
farming activities are massively destroying bio-culture in South Asia. It is a
factor that largely contributes to the destruction of natural environment. Most
of the cleared natural forests are turned into artificial environments that
which wild animals and birds cannot cope with (Pacheco
Capella, et al, 2016). Accordingly, the level and balance of
biodiversity is destroyed, an aspect that risks the entire ecology from
collapsing. Agriculture is apparently occupying most of the land that used to
be habitat for many animals in the area. Most plant species have been cut down
and animals and birds died of toxic substances released into the environment.

3. Deforestation

This
has been another major factor that has led to extinction of several species of
plants and wild animals. People and industries are logging trees in the forest
without replacing them. This has consequently led to a declining population of
trees available in the forests. Apparently, forests serve the heart and home to
all wildlife animals and organisms (Pacheco
Capella, et al, 2016). Logging of trees consequently leads into
destruction of habitat for many kinds of animals species. Accordingly, these
animals might migrate or die due to lack of food and shelter which is provided
by the forests. Most of the people who cut down the trees down in the forests do
not consider the measures that have been set to conserve biodiversity.

Trees
are being cut down for construction purposes and industrial use. The population
in the area has always been increasing, an aspect that increases the demand for
resources sourced from the forests. This includes timber that is milled and transported
to the cities and homes for construction purposes (Maffi, Luisa, 2005). Accordingly, much of the forests are being
cleared by these people where they reduce the size of natural habitat for many
wild animals and birds. Besides this, forests are being cleared by human beings
to build settlement homes. This has consequently posed a great risk to total
extinction of several plant, animal and organism species in the region.

4. Mining

Excavation
of valuable minerals and metals has been a factor that greatly threatens the
ecological system of a place. People make huge holes that which they abandon
after exhausting the mineral or metal they used to extract. Mining is therefore
an activity that leaves the land ugly and unsafe for the animals and plants living
in the wild (Hancock, Lorin, 2019). The
activity distorts the natural look of the environment. This consequently
destroys the home of several animals living near the place. It is an activity
that undeniably accounts for the extinction of several plant and animals
species in the ecology. The activity has indeed threatened the life of and
survival of several kinds of living organisms in the region.

Moreover,
mining pollutes the natural environment which is the home of these organisms.
It is an activity causes air, soil and sound pollution that may lead into death
or migration of important organisms for the ecological sustainability of the
area. The activity is found to release toxic substances into the environment
that greatly distort the normal and natural form of the environment (Persha, Lauren, et al, 2012). Accordingly,
plant and animal species find it difficult to survive in such environment and
migrate or other die of the toxic substances released into the environment.
Additionally, the activity causes climate change that affects the normal
progress and life of the organisms living in the entire environment.

5. Industrialization

The
growth of urban centers and industries has been another major factor that
largely destroys the natural environment. It is an aspect characterized with
clearing of lands and all sorts of pollution. Accordingly, growth of industries
and cities alter the existing natural environment. This consequently makes the
environment unfit for the survival and flourishing of the various living
organisms near the place and the entire region (Pacheco
Capella, et al, 2016). Animals and plants have died and some species
gone into extinction due to the activities resulting from industrialization.
Precisely, the population is always increasing which has led to continuous
growth of urban centers and industries. This aspect is therefore replacing the
natural environment to artificial one which cannot be survived by animal and
plant species used to natural environment.

Industrialization
has been the prime cause to pollution which makes the environment unfit for the
life of animals and plants in the area’s ecology. Industrial machines and motor
vehicles emit dangerous gases that pollute the air causing serious problems to
the animals and plants life. This consequently makes animal migrate into other
better places that have good environment for their survival (Sodhi, Navjot S., et al, 2004). Besides this,
these industries have been found to release harmful substances into the water
bodies that are the home to many aquatic organisms. They consequently end up
killing several kinds of marine animals and other organisms which therefore
affect the ecological sustainability of marine life.

Moreover,
industrialization has been reported as a major factor that leads into global
warming. This consequently changes the entire climate which affects the life of
organisms that have adapted the particular climate found in the region.     Accordingly, some plant species and animals
are subject to extinction due to these climate change caused by continued
growth of industries and urban centers (Persha,
Lauren, et al, 2010). Animals and plants thrive well at certain
environment with specific climate for better progress and development.
Accordingly, a change in climate makes the environment no longer suitable for
the animals and plants living in the region. This consequently shows that
growth of industries in the region threatens the level of bio-culture since it
alters the entire environment due to the side effects associated with
industrialization.

6. Pollution

Pollution
is the release of toxic substances into the environment. Bio-cultural organisms
depend on natural environment for better growth and development. Accordingly,
pollution has been posing a major threat to the organisms living in the region.
The environment is being changed by the harmful substances being released into
it (Maffi, Luisa, 2005). This has consequently
led to a reduced population of the various species in the region. Pollution is
found to change the climate which might subject the organisms into migration or
death as the environment reveals dangerous aspects that make them unable to
survive in it.

Human
activities are apparently threatening biodiversity in the region. Most if the
activities carried by people have been found to cause pollution which affects
the entire ecological system. This has been through agricultural farming, industrialization
and mining activities that massively produce harmful substances and gases into
the environment (Hancock, Lorin, 2019).
Accordingly, human activities are liable for the declined population and number
of species of organisms living in the area. Important species have gone into
extinction due to the pollution caused by human actions that change the
environment vital for the survival of these organisms.

3. Methodology

The
study used varied methods that were aimed at assessing trends of biodiversity
in South Asia region. These included secondary data analysis, collection of
primary data and systematic reviews of data-sets that have already been
collected and analyzed to explain the state of bio-culture in the region.
Accordingly, various variables were assessed that helped in obtaining credible
information on the state of biodiversity in the regions varying topography. These
were aimed at determining the number of organism species living in the region’s
plateaus, mountain, islands and waters bodies. Their population were also
assessed and analyzed according to available data from the publication relating
to the region’s biodiversity level.

Accordingly,
any changes were assessed and investigated to determine the potential effect
they had on bio-culture. Sub-groups were formulated to assess different species
in particular regions. This was to find the number of species and their population
from different ecological niches. Subsequently, this data was used to determine
sustainability level of each biome and the major potential threats endangering
the species in the region. Besides this, secondary data was analyzed to assess
the kind of species that have already gone into extinction and whether they can
be revived. The study also used several data-sets to determine the importance
of having highly sustainable level of biodiversity and the potential risks of
losing bio-culture to human growth and development.

4. Findings

South
Asia has been one of the most areas that have rich biomes of diversified
species of animals and plants. It is a region that has a good climate and its
topography ranges from the highest point in the world-Mt. Everest- and the
lowest point in the world which is the Indian Ocean beach. This consequently
makes the region a home of several kinds of animals and plants that grow and
develop in its natural environment (Sodhi,
Navjot S., et al, 2004). The area is reported to have numerous species
of flora and fauna that make it one of the most attractive regions in the
world. Accordingly, South Asia has a sustainable biodiversity based on the
areas good climate, soil, diverse topography and water.

South
Asia is said to have around 60000 different species of plants. This includes
small plants like mosses and algae and tall plants that grow in the region. The
region has a good vegetation cover that makes the place a good habitat to many
animals and other living organisms. South Asia has a tropical climate that
ensures sufficient rain and optimal temperatures that sufficiently enhance
optimal flourishing of all plant species found in the region (Pacheco Capella, et al, 2016). Besides this,
this region has good and varied soils that support the growth and development
of diverse plant species found in the area.

However,
there has been an unprecedented decline in the number of species and population
of trees in the region from the last two decades. Human activities that are
being carried in the area have indeed threatened the survival of the various
plant species. Some of the species like mango have gone into extinction due to
changes in climate caused by uncontrolled human activities that alter the
natural environment (Persha, Lauren, et al,
2012). Besides this, a number of species is threatened, others
endangered and vulnerable to extinction. Accordingly, the number of these
species reveals a declining data, an aspect that has aroused several questions
to the units concerned with biodiversity conservation.

There
has been no provable data that shows the actual number of insect species living
in the area. The reason as to this is that the area has diversifying
topography, vegetation cover and water bodies. Accordingly, it is an area that
has numerous insect species living in different habitats in the region’s biome
(Clements, Gopalasamy R. n.d). Insects
are apparently interdependent with plants that grow in the region. As an area
with tropical climate, diverse insects have been seen in the region that plays
a vital role in the ecological system. The richness in insect species has
indeed helped the biome of the area maintain a sustainable biodiversity.

Human
activities in the area have always been affecting the climate and environment.
Insects are said to be less charismatic and vulnerable to slight climatic
changes. Accordingly, human encroachment into the forests, deforestation and
pollution is greatly endangering insect species in the region. Data shows that
some of the insects that used to be found in the region have gone in to extinct
(Maffi, Luisa, 2005). Besides this, most
of the insect species are critically endangered and threatened by climatic and
change occurring in the region. Moreover, clearance of trees and grass in the
grasslands has destroyed a habitant for many insects. This has consequently led
to a declining trend of the number of insect species as well as their
population in the area.

South
Asia is said to have over 900 different species of reptiles. Its diverse
topography that ranges from high lands to low and flats terrains has made it
become a good home for these diverse kinds of reptiles. Accordingly, the
environment provides enough food and shelter for these reptiles (Hancock, Lorin, 2019). This includes snakes,
turtles, lizards, crocodiles and other several kinds of reptiles. Their
presence in the region has played a vital role of enhancing a sustained
bio-culture. They are interdepended with one another and the entire kinds of
living organisms in the biome for survival in terms of food and shelter.

However,
reports show that this number of reptile species in South Asia is declining.
The reason as to this is that human activities are undeniably degrading their
natural environment. For instance, crocodiles and turtles are said to be the
most endangered due to pollution of the water bodies in the region (Pacheco Capella, et al, 2016). Besides this,
hunters are indeed threatening their survival with crocodiles being persecuted.
Some of the species have already gone into extinct based on the changing
climate that is being witnessed in the area. Snake species are also at danger
as they are persecuted and killed from fear of poisoning people.

There
are about 700 amphibian species described to be native in South Asia region.
The area has rich vegetation and forests that serves as good shelters and
source of food to many amphibians. Accordingly, South Asia is rich in
amphibians with many other species that are yet to be described (Sodhi, Navjot S., et al, 2004). It is a place
that is said to house one of the rarest lung less frogs in the world. This
consequently shows that amphibians occupy a big role in the region’s biome
biodiversity. Some are serve as source of food, ingredients for making
medicines and pets kept in home.

However,
the population of these amphibians has been declining from the past two
decades. Human beings are destroying their habitats making them unable to
survive the changing environment caused by human activities. People are
exploiting the forests and converting their homes into places for agricultural
activities (Hancock, Lorin, 2019). Over
exploitation for food, medicinal ingredients and pet trade has been another
challenging factor that leads into extinction of some amphibian species. This
consequently shows that majority of these amphibians are at danger of going
into extinction as people are actively degrading their habitats through
pollution, over consumption, encroachment into their habitats for agricultural
use and other several distorting activities.

South
Asia is reported to have the highest number of native birds that live in the
region. It is a region that has a rich topography, climate and vegetation cover
that greatly supports the life of several kinds of birds. The place has
different kinds of birds that live either in the deep forests or open lands
depending on their charisma (Clements,
Gopalasamy R. n.d). This consequently shows South Asia, based on its
general formation is a home to many birds interdepended with other living
organisms in the region. Reports show that the area has been well studied about
its birds and thus there is enough data regarding the present status of their
population.

Nevertheless,
the climate is changing as revealed climatic issues such as global warming.
This is consequently threatening several kinds of birds that live in the area.
Moreover, human activities have posed a great risk of making some of their
species go into extinction. Birds are being hunted for food and human beings
are undeniably overexploiting them (Sodhi,
Navjot S., et al, 2004). Wild bird trade is another challenge that has
led to extinction of some South Asian endemic birds over time. People are also
clearing forests which serve as their homes for agricultural use. Toxic
substances resulting mining and industrial activities have also threatened the
survival of numerous species of birds living in the South Asian Biome.

The
tropical region of South Asia houses the largest number of mammal species
compared to any other tropical region in the world. It is an area that is rich
several kinds of mammals endemic to the region. Apparently, there are some
places like the Philippines that host mammals that have never been found in
other regions of the world (Persha, Lauren, et
al, 2010). This consequently shows that the area has a rich bio-culture
with purely native animals living in the place. The area has a variety of
mammal species that range from small to big mammals like elephants and
rhinoceros.

Some
of the animals have been found to re-adopt the changing climate and
environments. However, mammals in the region are said to be critically
endangered. People are destroying their habitats through uncontrolled
deforestation. Besides this, illegal wild trade has been another main factor
that has led to the extinction of some species that used to be found in the
region. Mammals are being over exploited for food with others being killed for
their valuable body parts. Their homes are being changed for agricultural
activities. Accordingly, mammals reveal the highest rate of endangerment as
they are the most affected kinds of living organisms by these uncontrolled
human activities (Pacheco Capella, et al, 2016).
Their population is declining with some species going into extinction. However,
some have tries to re-adapt to the changing environment and cope with the
pressure being aroused by human beings.

Fish
have been a great source of food in South Asia and the entire world. The area
has fresh waters that house several species of fish. Accordingly, South Asia
has a rich and diverse biodiversity (Clements,
Gopalasamy R. n.d). The place has several river basins, lakes and the
Indian Ocean. This consequently shows that there are a lot of different kinds
of fish native to the area. Some have been able to adapt the changing the
environment with others going into extinction. Reports show that there are
about 340 freshwater fish species in the region.

Human
activities are undeniably changing the natural environment that which is
thought to provide optimal conditions for survival of organisms. People have
polluted the water bodies through pollution that comes from industries. Toxic
substances are being released into the water which is the home to fish hence
killing a large number of some species. Besides this, agricultural activities
are also causing pollution since they use chemical that end up being deposited
in to water bodies (Persha, Lauren, et al, 2012).
Moreover, overfishing has been another major threatening challenge as fishermen
are uncontrollably fishing all the available fish species regardless of their
size and population. This is consequently endangering some species that might
soon go into extinction if conservation measure will not be taken.

5. Intervention Measures that can
be used in the Region

According
to the provided species and population trends given for the various species
that live South Asian biome, effective measures have to be put in place or otherwise
the region losses its rich bio-culture. The reported data reveal declining
trends in term s of population and number of species endemic to the region.
Some of species that were native to the area are reported to have gone into
extinction due to the ever increasing pressures resulting from uncontrolled
human activities (Hancock, Lorin, 2019). Every
kind of living organism is undeniably endangered and vulnerable to extinction
based on the increasing rate in climatic change and habitat loss being caused
by human exploitative activities. There is consequently a great need for
implementation of effective measures aim at conserving this rich bio-culture in
the region as it plays a vital role in human prosperity.

A. Forest Restoration

Forests
are habitants to nearly everything in an ecological environment. They provide
food and shelter to the various organisms living in the region. However,
people’s activities have destroyed the natural form of forests. For instance,
agriculture is apparently replacing the natural forests with artificial
productive crops. Palm oil trees are examples of highly cultivated crops in the
region that have led to the clearance of large areas of natural forests (Sodhi, Navjot S., et al, 2004). This has
consequently distorted the natural habitat for many organisms forcing into
extinction. Moreover, deforestation has led to the clearance of various tree
species and threatened their extinction.

Accordingly,
there is a great need of restoring the forests back to their natural and normal
appearance for a more sustainable bio-culture. People cutting down trees in the
forests either for construction or industrial use have to replant again the
same kind of trees that they have cut (Pacheco
Capella, et al, 2016). This could be possible by creation of seedbeds
with seedlings of the natural trees available in the region. Subsequently,
their regrowth will lead into restoration of the forest back to its natural
appearance to sustain the various endemic organisms living in the place. It is
a measure that plays a vital role of mitigating global warming that is rapidly
changing the climate. Accordingly, the government and the people in the region
should start ecological restoration programs to revive the normal level of
biodiversity of the animals, plants and other living organisms native to the
area.

B. Enhancement of Protected Area
Networks

People
are illegally hunting animals for their valuable body parts. Uncontrolled
deforestation has also been taking place in the area with people cutting down
trees without replacing them for construction. Apparently, these actions are
undeniably threatening the region’s bio-culture as the natural habitat for
various organisms is generally being degraded. Accordingly, the government
should gazette restriction to certain regions rich in biodiversity(Hancock, Lorin, 2019). Population is putting
pressure into the forests with people continuously encroaching into the forests
for settlements and agricultural activities. This consequently shows that there
will be no natural habitat for the various organisms in future as the entire
biome will have changed.

The
government should therefore create and implement enforcement programs that
ensure effective maintenance and conservation of all available resources in the
region. Forests should be reserved for wild life where people should not carry
any exploitive activity. Good governance and management of the reserved areas
would also stop this declining trend of species population (Clements, Gopalasamy R. n.d).  The reserved and restricted areas should
therefore be highly monitored by security groups that ensure people keep away
from the areas. Creation of anti-poaching groups would also reduce illegal
hunting of animals that are vulnerable to extinction.

C. Safeguard Biodiversity in
Human-Dominated Landscapes

Human
activities have been the prime cause to the declining bio-culture level being
witnessed in South Asia. They are uncontrollably degrading the natural
environment and habitat for many animals, birds and other organisms (Pacheco Capella, et al, 2016). Accordingly,
safeguarding biodiversity in places where people have already carried their
activities would help conserve biodiversity. Their actions are just exploitive
and threaten the survival of other organisms in the place. Precisely, thousands
of animal, plants and birds species may face extinction for the next two
decades if the governments in the region fail to implement effective
conservation measures.

This
could be done through educating people on the importance of conserving
biodiversity. People need to know the ways of effective utilization of natural
resources without affecting the normal functioning of the natural environment
and bio-culture. For instance, cutting down of trees should be done selectively
to avoid extinction of vital and native plant species in the region (Persha, Lauren, et al, 2012). Moreover,
pollution should be controlled with all means to avoid the release of harmful
substances into the natural habitats of birds, animals, fish and other
organisms. This would consequently help restore the areas bio-culture to its
normal level, an aspect that ensures prosperity in human life.

D. Policy Formulation and Strict
Adherence

Deviance
has been of the most challenging factor that slows the progress of a society.
Accordingly, there are certain people such as illegal hunters who find it uneasy
to stop the activity (Sodhi, Navjot S., et al,
2004). The government should therefore enact laws and policies that
govern and regulate consumption of utilization of natural resources. It is a
measure that would indeed help management of biodiversity since people have to
adhere to these laws and policies enforced by the government.

Accordingly,
people logging trees in the forests should provide a justifiable reason for
cutting down the trees to be given certificates. This ensures that trees are
selectively logged and replanted according to the laws and policies outlined in
the constitution. Moreover, every industry and agricultural farm should ensure
that pollution is controlled (Clements,
Gopalasamy R.n.d) There are laws that can be enacted to ensure that no
harmful substances are released into the environment. Accordingly, policy
adherence would greatly help conserve biodiversity in the region since every
human activity is controlled and regulated to ensure effective utilization of
natural resources.

6. Conclusion

Biodiversity
has been one of the major aspects that enhance prosperity in human life. It is
a factor that makes people make continued use of natural resources without
exhaustion. South Asia has been one of the major regions that reveal a rich bio-culture
enhanced by its diversified topography, climate, water bodies and other aspects
(Nantarat, Nattawadee, et al 2019).
The region scores big numbers of several kinds of plants, animals, insects,
birds and other organisms that are purely native to the region. Majority of the
land is occupied by primary and secondary forests that are a home to many wild
organisms. However, data shows that there is a declining trend in terms of
bio-species and their populations (Persha,
Lauren, et al, 2010). Some of the plants, animals, birds, and other
organisms have gone into extinction due to the threatening human activities
that are continuously being carried in the region. Human beings are degrading
the natural habitat, replacing it with agricultural activities and intoxicating
it with harmful substances that make the various biological organisms
vulnerable to extinction. This consequently shows that there is a great need to
take actions that would ensure effective conservation of biodiversity before
everything goes into extinction in the coming years.

Works
Cited

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Hancock, Lorin. “What is
Biodiversity and Why is It Under Threat?” World Wildlife Fund, May 2019,
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Hughes, Alice C. “Even As
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Maffi, Luisa. “Linguistic,
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Accessed 13 Oct. 2019.

Pacheco Capella, Alberto. “A
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(2016).

Persha, Lauren, ArunAgrawal, and
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Persha, Lauren, et al.
“Biodiversity conservation and livelihoods in human-dominated landscapes:
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Sodhi, Navjot S., et al.
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Squires, Dale. “Biodiversity
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Conservation of Biodiversity in South East Asia was first posted on December 20, 2019 at 10:08 am.
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