Answer: Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms (plants, animals and micro-organisms) in a region, at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels.
Steps to conserve biodiversity:
- Protecting habitats by setting up national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves (in-situ conservation).
- Preserving endangered species in zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks and gene banks (ex-situ conservation).
- Stopping deforestation and encouraging tree plantation; protecting sacred groves (devrai).
- Enforcing laws against poaching, hunting and illegal trade in wildlife, and creating public awareness and people’s participation.