Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms in an ecosystem. Conservation is the sustainable management of natural resources to protect ecosystems, habitats, and species.
Importance of Biodiversity
Maintains ecosystem balance and stability.
Provides food, medicine, and raw materials.
Supports ecological services such as pollination and water purification.
Preserves genetic diversity for adaptation and survival.
Contributes to cultural, recreational, and aesthetic values.
Threats to Biodiversity in Cameroon
Deforestation and habitat destruction.
Poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
Pollution (air, water, soil).
Climate change and global warming.
Overfishing and overexploitation of resources.
Conservation Strategies
In-situ Conservation: Protecting species in their natural habitats, e.g., national parks, wildlife sanctuaries (Korup National Park, Waza National Park).
Ex-situ Conservation: Conserving species outside their natural habitat, e.g., zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks.
Environmental legislation and protected areas enforcement.
Community education and awareness programs.
Reforestation and afforestation projects.
Protected Areas in Cameroon
Korup National Park – tropical rainforest biodiversity.
Waza National Park – savanna ecosystem and large mammals.
Campo Ma’an National Park – endangered species like gorillas and chimpanzees.
Dja Faunal Reserve – UNESCO World Heritage site with diverse species.
Practice Questions & Answers
Q: Define biodiversity and conservation. A: Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms. Conservation is the sustainable management of natural resources to protect ecosystems and species.
Q: List three reasons why biodiversity is important. A: Maintains ecosystem stability, provides food and medicine, preserves genetic diversity.
Q: Identify threats to biodiversity in Cameroon. A: Deforestation, poaching, pollution, climate change, overexploitation of resources.
Q: Explain in-situ and ex-situ conservation with examples. A: In-situ: protection in natural habitats, e.g., Korup National Park. Ex-situ: protection outside habitats, e.g., Limbe Botanical Garden, zoos.
Q: Name four protected areas in Cameroon. A: Korup NP, Waza NP, Campo Ma’an NP, Dja Faunal Reserve.