An investigation into the vanishing biodiversity: implications for rural extension

F. Aldosari, M. B. Baig

Abstract: Being rich in biological diversity, Pakistan represents at least three distinct bio-geographical regions, namely Pale-arctic, Ethiopian and Oriental. The country is blessed with a varied climate, dry and cold regions, tropical, subtropical, plains, deserts, estuaries and marine ecosystems. A huge variety of flora and fauna exist in their preferred habitats. However, the country has witnessed many ecological changes due to several factors, which include heavy biotic pressure, unsustainable use of biological resources, urbanization, deforestation etc. These pressures and exerting factors have resulted in the loss of suitable habitats and consequently extinction of several valuable species. The article presents an account of the factors responsible for the current losses of biodiversity. A review of the conservation measures is also presented in the article. However, the greater emphasis has been placed on the great potential role of extension.

Keywords: anthropogenic activities; awareness creation; capacity building; climate change; habitats destruction

Date published: 2019-06-28