Biodiversity – abbreviation for biological diversity – means the different characteristics that define all the living organisms of each species. Biodiversity is Earth’s genetic heritage. Biodiversity is the variability between all kinds of living organisms, including terrestrial, marine and water ecosystems, as well as the ecological systems of which they are part. This includes the diversity within species. Genetic resources constitutes the biological basis for agriculture and farming and, essentially, the present and future sustenance for humans. Unfortunately this genetic heritage and the diversity of forms of life is nowadays increasingly threatened. The variety of crops is limited to a few thousands due to intensive farming, which favours quantity and a regular production. And climate change is threatening this natural and biological wealth. Follow the updates about biodiversity on LifeGate.
The story of Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua, the farmer bringing water to animals during droughts, has fascinated many. We asked him about his new project.
100,000 mink will be culled in Spain after testing positive for coronavirus. Meanwhile, the Netherlands abandons mink farming completely.
Over 350 elephants in Botswana have died in the Okavango Delta region. The cause of this catastrophic die-off is still unknown.
Pebble Mine, a new mining project in Alaska, threatens the habitat of thousands of brown bears as well as the local fishing industry.
China has removed pangolin scales from the list of approved ingredients for use in traditional Chinese medicine.
Poachers in Africa are encroaching on wildlife land and killing rhinos in travel hot spots now devoid of visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio has contributed two million dollars to a fund to protect Virunga National Park in Congo from threats such as terrorism, the coronavirus and poaching.
For the first time in seventeen years, Iceland’s two main whaling companies won’t resume whale hunting. The announcement concerns this year’s season but could carry into the future.
The relationship between the coronavirus and wildlife is complex: while the pandemic may lead to a reduction in the illegal trade in wild animals, it may also encourage it in other respects.
The largest coral reef in the world is severely threatened by climate change, but researchers are developing strategies that could contribute to saving the Great Barrier Reef.
