NAME :- TEJAS PRAVIN PATIL

CLASS:- FYBCOM
DIV :- E
ROLL NO :- 230890
TOPIC :- FIELD VISIT REPORT OF MAHARASHTRA NATURE PARK

DATE OF THE VISIT :- 3 AUGUST 2023 (3/8/2023)

NAME OF THE GROUP LEADER :-
NAME OF THE TRAIL GUIDE :-

DECLARATION :- We declare that the assignment prepared and presented by us in an

original work and has not been plagiarized . This work has not been submitted for any other
evaluation for any other course/programme.

Date of submission:- 13/9/2023

 TABLE OF CONTENT

S.N TITLE PAGE NO

1 Cover Page 1
2 Table Of Content 2
3 Concept Of Ecosystem And Classification
4 Concept Of Biodiversity
5 Threats To The Ecosystem And Biodiversity
6 Conservation Of Ecosystem And Biodiversity
7 Introduction To Maharashtra Nature Park
8 Observation In The Field Visit
9 References
10 Acknowledgement
11 Images
 Concept Of Ecosystem And Classification

 Ecosystem - Concept

 Ecosystems are the structural and functional units of ecology in which living species
interact with one another and with their surroundings.
 An ecosystem, in other terms, is a series of interactions between species and their
surroundings.
 An English botanist named A.G.Tansley created the term "ecosystem" in 1935.
 The biological and behavioral interactions between living and nonliving factors that
make up the ecological system are also included in the definition of an ecosystem.
  Classification of Ecosystems

 Natural Ecosystem

 A natural ecosystem is a community of living and non-living organisms that exists in

nature.
 Through physical, chemical, and biological processes, each component interacts as a
single unit.
 Soil, sunshine, air, water, plants, animals, and microorganisms are all components of
natural ecosystems that cause these interactions.
 Each of these environmental elements is linked, either directly or indirectly.
 Temperature fluctuations, for example, have an impact on plant growth.
 A natural ecosystem may sometimes include human intervention.
 Solar energy is essential to a natural ecosystem's survival.
 Natural Ecosystems are divided into two groups. They are:
 Terrestrial ecosystems include forest, grasslands, deserts, and tundra ecosystems.
 Aquatic ecosystems include plants and animals that live in bodies of water.

 Terrestrial Ecosystems (Land Ecosystem)

 A terrestrial ecosystem is a land-based population of species that includes biotic and

abiotic interactions in a specific area.
 Terrestrial ecosystems cover roughly 140 to 150 million km2 or about 25 to 30
percent of the total land area on the planet.
 The decreased availability of water in terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the role of
water as a limiting factor, distinguishes them from aquatic ecosystems.
 Since the atmosphere is more transparent than water, light is more readily available
in terrestrial environments than in aquatic ecosystems.
 Terrestrial ecosystems have more gas availability than aquatic environments.
 Terrestrial ecosystems are further divided into the following.
 1.Forest Ecosystem
 2.Grassland Ecosystem
 3.Dessert Ecosystem


 Aquatic Ecosystem - Concept
 An aquatic ecosystem is one that is based on water.
 The word 'aquatic' is derived from the Latin word 'aqua', which means water.
 So, in a water-based setting, an aquatic ecosystem is a community of species that
live together, interact, and to some extent rely on one another.
 Aquatic ecosystems are divided into the following subcategories based on the
concentration of salt content.
o Freshwater ecosystems: Rivers, lakes and ponds.
o Brackish Water Ecosystems: Mangroves, Estuaries, etc.
o Marine ecosystems: Oceans, Seas, etc.

Zones of Aquatic Ecosystem

Characteristics of Aquatic Ecosystem

 They have the following characteristics:
o Being submerged in water, or
o Being based on water.
o Being a cluster of living things.
o Being a discrete, more or less self- sustained community .
 Man Made (Artificial) Ecosystems
 Artificial or man-made ecosystems are ecosystems that are created and managed by
humans.
 Man-made terrestrial ecosystems include gardens, parks, plantations, orchards,
villages, and towns.
 Man-made aquatic ecosystems include lakes, canals, aquaria, fisheries tanks,
reservoirs, and dams.
 Artificial ecosystems have a limited number of species and plants, whereas natural
ecosystems have a diverse number of species and plants.
 Natural ecosystems are self-sustaining and emerge from natural processes, whereas
artificial ecosystems require human intervention.
 Concept of Biodiversity
Biodiversity comes from two words Bio meaning life and diversity meaning variability.
Biodiversity is the variety of all living things; the different plants, animals and micro
organisms, the genetic information they contain and the ecosystems they form.

Levels of biodiversity
Biodiversity is usually explored at three levels - genetic diversity, species diversity and
ecosystem diversity. These three levels work together to create the complexity of life on
Earth.

Genetic diversity:
Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a species. Each species is made up of
individuals that have their own particular genetic composition. This means a species may
have different populations, each having different genetic compositions. To conserve genetic
diversity, different populations of a species must be conserved.

Genes are the basic units of all life on Earth. They are responsible for both the similarities
and the differences between organisms.

Not all groups of animals have the same degree of genetic diversity. Kangaroos, for example,
come from recent evolutionary lines and are genetically very similar. Carnivorous
marsupials, called dasyurids, come from more ancient lines and are genetically far more
diverse. Some scientists believe that we should concentrate on saving more genetically
diverse groups, such as dasyurids, which include the Tasmanian Devil, the Numbat and
quolls.

If we lose one species of dasyurid, we lose a substantial genetic resource. Several species of
dasyurids are endangered and at least one, the Tasmanian Tiger, has disappeared forever
since Europeans arrived in Australia.

Species diversity:
Species diversity is the variety of species within a habitat or a region. Some habitats, such as
rainforests and coral reefs, have many species. Others, such as salt flats or a polluted
stream, have fewer.
In Australia, more than 80% of plant and animal species are endemic, which means that they
only occur naturally in Australia.

Species are grouped together into families according to shared characteristics. In Australia,
it is not just the individual species that are endemic - whole families of animals and plants
are endemic. Seven families of mammals, four of birds and twelve of flowering plants are
endemic to Australia. No other country has as many endemic flowering plant families as
Australia.

Invertebrates - animals without backbones - make up about 99% of all animal species, and
most of these are insects. Invertebrates include crabs, snails, worms, corals and seastars, as
well as insects, such as beetles and flies. Insects fill many vital roles in ecosystems as
pollinators, recyclers of nutrients, scavengers and food for others.

While we may mostly notice mammals, they actually make up less than 1% of all animal
species.

Ecosystem Diversity:
Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems, habitats, and ecological processes
within a specific geographical area or on a global scale. It encompasses different types of
ecosystems like forests, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, and marine environments, each with
its unique species, interactions, and environmental conditions. Maintaining ecosystem
diversity is vital for ecological stability, as each type of ecosystem provides various
ecosystem services and plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and the overall health
of the planet.
Threats To The Ecosystem And Biodiversity

Below are the major threats to biodiversity. Hopefully, this will help you understand
why humans need to support biodiversity and change to sustain future generations.

1. Habitat Loss and Degradation

Biodiversity is threatened when there is significant habitat loss or degradation. This
happens when an area that was once used as a habitat is no longer inhabited by
nature. Things like deforestation, mining, agriculture and industrial activities often
remove crucial habitat space for wildlife and plants.

However, natural events could also cause habitat degradation. This would include
events such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions and forest fires.

Activities like raw material extraction because of increased consumerism puts stress
on more than just mines. Lithium and cobalt mining for batteries stresses wildlife
because of destruction and operational pollution. However, it also impacts
biodiversity through humans.

Numerous workers are in these fields because of necessity, deepening a

community’s degree of poverty. Poverty is directly correlated with areas with lower
environmental quality and increased degradation, which translates to habitat loss.

2. Invasive Species
Another reason for the loss of biodiversity is the introduction of invasive species.
Invasive species include any plants or animals that are unnatural or non-native to an
ecosystem. These species threaten and often outcompete the plants and animals
already present in a habitat.

For example, the Emerald Ash Borer has wiped out a considerable portion of the ash
trees in North America. It was likely introduced through cargo materials and has
created a loss in biodiversity.

3. Pollution
Whether the pollution is in the water, air or land, any form of pollution is a threat to
biodiversity. Toxic synthetic chemicals and products enter ecosystems, which has led
to the extinction of animal and plant species.

Sulfur and nitrogen are some of the worst offenders, harming soil and water. These
pollutants hinder crop yields and enter aquatic species. This unfortunate combo is
responsible for acid rain, encouraging acidification in everything it touches.
Acidification in the water kills necessary phytoplankton the ocean needs to thrive,
and pH-disrupted soil means food doesn’t hit dinner tables in a cost-effective way.
Eventually, they could reach humans through trophic transfer — the consumption of
pollutants through food that is already contaminated.

Even natural substances can become pollution if they’re overabundant in a particular

area. Plastic pollutants have gone deep into the oceans and have even been found at
microscopic levels on Mount Everest and in the human digestive system.

4. Climate Change
The increase in global temperatures has had significant effects on the environment.
Seasons are coming earlier or later than expected, which can leave animals
struggling to find resources to survive and adapt. The world is changing so fast that
every species can’t adapt fast enough.

It’s such an issue the COP27 conference addressed funding adaptation efforts to
mitigate some of the intensity of climate change during the transition to a greener
planet.

Additionally, climate change has led to a rise in sea levels and a decreasing amount
of sea ice, which has affected both animals in the sea and on land. As climate and
temperatures continue to change, the threats to biodiversity will only increase.

5. Overexploitation of Natural Resources

Activities such as targeted hunting, fishing and gathering of animals, plants and other
natural resources threaten biodiversity. The loss of large populations of animals or
plants in a short amount of time can cause a rippling effect on the other wildlife in
that region. For example, if a primary predator is over-fished, there will be nothing
to keep prey populations in check. Furthermore, overexploitation of non-renewable
resources will affect daily human life.

6. Human Activity and Population

The increase in the population of humans has had a significant impact on
biodiversity. About 200 years ago, less than 1 billion people were living on earth.
There are about 7 billion people on earth now, and by the year 2050, the population
is expected to be at 9.7 billion people.

As the human population increases, the need for resources like food, water and
shelter will increase, and more human activity will occur. Biodiversity is likely to
decrease because of those needs, as well as urbanization and development. People
will need places to live, work and play, so regions once filled with forests and
diversity will become concrete jungles, forcing animals to leave their habitats and
depleting the area of plants.
 Conservation Of Ecosystem And Biodiversity

Definition of Biodiversity Conservation

 Biodiversity conservation is the practice of protecting the natural environment and its
biological diversity. This includes the conservation of genetic variation, ecosystems, and
landscapes.
 In order to achieve this, conservationists often promote the sustainable use of natural
resources and public education.

Conservation of Biodiversity
 Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, and is one of the planet’s most important
resources. The conservation of biodiversity is the practice of protecting the natural
environment and its many species. This can be done through the establishment of protected
areas, such as national parks and nature reserves, and by encouraging responsible land-use
practices.
 The conservation of biodiversity important for a number of reasons. First, it is necessary to
maintain the ecosystems that provide us with essential services, such as clean air and water.
Second, many of the world’s medicinal plants come from biodiversity hotspots, and so it is
important to protect these regions in order to ensure that we continue to have access to
new drugs. Third, biodiversity is important for tourism, and many people visit parks and
reserves to see the amazing array of plants and animals that exist there. Finally, it is simply
morally wrong to destroy species just for the sake of it, when we have no need to do so.
 There are a number of ways that we can help to conserve biodiversity. First, we can reduce
our consumption, especially of resources that are derived from endangered species. Second,
we can support the establishment of protected areas and the funding of conservation
projects. Third, we can vote for politicians who are committed to conservation, and we can
speak out about the importance of biodiversity. Finally, we can educate ourselves and our
children about the importance of conserving our planet’s biodiversity.

Biodiversity Conservation Methods

There are a number of different methods that can be used to help conserve biodiversity.
Some of the most common methods include:

 Preserving Habitats: One of the most important things that can be done to help conserve
biodiversity is to protect the habitats that are home to various species. This can be done
through the establishment of protected areas, such as national parks and nature reserves.
 Restoring Habitats: Another way to help conserve biodiversity is to restore degraded
habitats. This can involve things such as planting new trees and restoring wetlands.
 Reducing Habitat Destruction: Habitat destruction is one of the biggest threats to
biodiversity. Reducing the amount of habitat destruction can help to conserve the species
that live in those habitats.
 Promoting Sustainable Use of Resources: Sustainable use of resources is another important
way to help conserve biodiversity. This includes things such as using resources in a way that
does not harm the environment and does not reduce the availability of those resources in
the future.
 Educating the Public: Educating the public about the importance of biodiversity and the
threats that it faces is another important way to help conserve it. This can involve things
such as providing information about the different species that exist and the habitats that
they live in.

In Situ Conservation
 In situ conservation is the conservation of natural resources within their natural habitats.
This includes the conservation of plant and animal species, their ecosystems, and the
ecological processes that sustain them. In situ conservation is often called “on-site” or “in-
place” conservation.
 In situ conservation is a critical component of the global strategy to protect biodiversity. It is
also the most cost-effective and least intrusive form of conservation. By protecting species
and their habitats in situ, we can safeguard the greatest number of plants and animals
possible, while minimizing the impact on the environment.

In situ conservation can be implemented in a variety of ways, including:

1. Establishing protected areas and reserves

2. Preserving and restoring natural habitats
3. Implementing sustainable land-use practices
4. Conducting research and monitoring the natural environment
5. Educating the public about the importance of conserving biodiversity

In situ conservation is often more successful than ex situ conservation (conservation outside
of their natural habitats), because it does not disrupt the natural ecology of the species or
ecosystem. In addition, in situ conservation is more cost-effective and can be more easily
adapted to changing environmental conditions.

National Parks
 are areas of land and/or water set aside by national governments as natural areas for the
protection and enjoyment of the public.
 National parks are typically large areas of unspoiled, natural scenery. They are set aside by
national governments to protect the environment and the public’s right to enjoy it. National
parks are often home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, and they offer opportunities
for outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

Biodiversity Hotspots
 A biodiversity hotspot is a region with a high concentration of species that are threatened with
extinction. Hotspots are often found in tropical or subtropical regions.
 The most well-known biodiversity hotspot is the rainforest in the Amazon Basin. The Amazon
rainforest is home to more than 10,000 species of plants, 2,000 species of birds, and 400 species of
mammals.
 Other hotspots include the rainforests of Southeast Asia, the African savannahs, and the coral reefs
of the Pacific and Caribbean.

Gene Sanctuary
 The Gene Sanctuary is a location inside the Biologic Space Laboratories research station. It is
a place where the Metroids are kept and studied. The sanctuary is a large, enclosed area
with a high ceiling, and is filled with Metroids in various stages of growth.
 The Gene Sanctuary is a location on the planet SR388. It is a large, enclosed area with a high
ceiling, and is filled with Metroids in various stages of growth.

Sacred Groves
Sacred groves are areas of natural vegetation that are considered sacred by a particular
culture. They are often found near temples or other religious sites. Sacred groves are often
used for ceremonies or as places of refuge.

Ex Situ Conservation
In situ conservation is the conservation of plants and animals in their natural habitats. It is
the most effective way to protect biodiversity.

Advantages of Ex Situ Conservation Include

The main advantage of ex situ conservation is that it allows for species to be preserved even
when they are not found in the wild. This is important because it means that species that
are on the brink of extinction can be saved. Additionally, ex situ conservation allows for
researchers to study and learn more about threatened and endangered species.

Need for Biodiversity Conservation

 The world’s biodiversity is in trouble. Species are becoming extinct at an alarming
rate, and many ecosystems are in danger of collapsing.
 The loss of biodiversity has serious consequences for humans. It can disrupt the
food chain, damage ecosystems that provide important services such as water
purification and climate regulation, and reduce the genetic diversity of crops and
livestock.
 Biodiversity is also necessary for human enjoyment and recreation. It is responsible
for the beauty of the natural world, and provides opportunities for hiking, bird
watching, and other forms of outdoor recreation.
 Humans must take action to protect biodiversity if we want to ensure a healthy,
sustainable future for ourselves and for future generations.