Question

Describe the three 'R's of reserve design and for each one, give a conservation science tool that can be used to address that design requirement. What are the seven biases of reserve design? How do each of these influence our ability to conserve species?

Answer 1

The Three "R's" of Reserve Design:

1. Representation

• All conservation units must be represented in the reserve.

2. Resiliency

• Reserves must be sufficiently large and well-protected to maintain all of the conservation units in a healthy condition for the foreseeable future.

3. Redundancy

• Reserves must protect enough examples of each conservation unit to ensure the long-term existence of the unit in the face of uncertainty.

i) Conservation can be done by increasing our knowledge of environmental issues, increasing our awareness of the impact of biodiversity loss and increasing support for government policies and actions.

ii) Identifying locations of critical wildlife habitat for species at risk and the threats to these areas, it helps in eliminating the threats and maintain natural areas. Leave critical wildlife habitat undisturbed especially nesting and denning sites.

iii) Eradicate and control introduced to keep the vehicles on main road, to reduce disturbance to wildlife.

iv) Leave native plants undisturbed and landscape using native trees and vegetation. Native plants are well adapted to local condition and provide a low maintance, drough resistant garden and prevent local flooding.

v) Consider donating property to land trusts. This process allow you to protect the land.

vi) Use natural products and methods for pest controls such as BT, use pesticides that have minimal residual effects.

Seven Steps of Reserve Design are

1. Identify the conservation targets
2. Collect informations and identify information gaps
3. Establish conservation goals
4. Assess existing conservation areas for their biodiversity values
5. Evaluate the ability of consrevation targets to persist
6. Assemble a portfolio of conservation area
7. Identify priority conservation areas

Following these steps helps in the conservation of biodiversity and thereby conserve the species. By understanding priority conservation areas we will get which areas need more protection on that basis we can provide conservation values to them.