Ways to Protect and Conserve Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the pillar that allows ecosystems to function and humans to thrive. Without biodiversity in an ecosystem we would not have the many plants and animals we find in our world today, including us. Biodiversity is the “biological diversity in an environment as indicated by numbers of different species of plants and animals.”
This includes the number of different species and genetic variation within the same species. The different plants and animals in an environment work together to maintain balance in the ecosystem [1]. These interactions create functioning systems that provide food, medicine, and new technologies for us.
Unfortunately, as we have spread across the globe we have disrupted and destroyed many ecosystems by reducing their biodiversity. This damage can be seen in many places, like reduced crop yields in developing countries and the increasing rate of animal extinction.
Learning ways to protect and conserve biodiversity has never been more important for the well-being of our planet and the stability of future generations.
Why Is Biodiversity Important?
Biodiversity is important for many reasons and they can be generally divided into two categories: the importance for ecosystems and for us.
Biodiversity is what allows ecosystems to work and flourish. Over millions of years many different species of plants and animals have come to live in the same habitats. Over time they balance each other and hold the ecosystem together. When a species is removed (biodiversity is reduced) the ecosystem can lose its balance, causing it to break down.
One iconic example of this is sea otters in kelp forests along the California coast. Sea otters feed on sea urchins and sea urchins feed on kelp. If sea otters are removed sea urchins multiply, eating large portions of the kelp forest, destroying the habitat and eventually leading to the death of other animals that live there. The whole ecosystem falls apart.
Having a large biodiversity protects against a situation like this and makes ecosystems more resilient to change. In short, biodiversity maintains the balance of an ecosystem to keep them functioning and self-regulating.
For us biodiversity provides billions of dollars’ worth of resources, which we call ecosystem services. These services are separated into three types:
- provisioning services
- regulating services
- cultural services
Provisioning services encompass anything relating to the production of renewable resources, like farming or energy production. In farming having a larger biodiversity of crops reduces the risk that they all die from the same weather event or disease. This increases the overall yield and protects the farmer.
Regulating services refers to anything that lessens environmental change. Maintaining biodiversity of tree species in a forest increases the amount of trees that grow there. Having more trees means they absorb more CO2, helping contain climate change.

Cultural services are anything that we get direct value or enjoyment from. This can be any type of outdoor recreation.
Biodiversity has played an important role in creating the planet we live on and continues to help us improve our lives. So, the real value of biodiversity is beyond anything our mind can even imagine.
Various Threats to Biodiversity
Biodiversity has been continually under threat since the dawn of man. As we expand we remove, change, and use land to serve our purposes. The changes we make often damage natural habitats and reduce their biodiversity.
One of the primary threats to biodiversity is habitat loss. This can be through clear cutting forests, polluting oceans, or anything that alters the natural habitat. We harvest large amounts of natural resources and when this is not done sustainably it has disastrous consequences.
One of the largest causes of habitat destruction is land development. As urbanization has increased over the last 100 years more and more land has been repurposed, destroying the natural habitat, increasing noise, and pollution. When habitats change animals flee the area or die, dramatically reducing the area’s biodiversity [2].
Climate change goes hand in hand with urbanization and habitat loss. As urbanization has increased, human development has increased, and this has increased consumption of many natural resources.
Climate change alters regional climates, making many species specifically adapted to those regions struggle to survive. Additionally, as the climate changes species will move into new areas, altering the ecosystems already present there.
Finally, with these changes some climates will completely disappear. Glaciers will melt and islands will be covered with water.
A final threat to biodiversity are invasive species. Invasive species are plants or animals that are not naturally found in a region and often come from very far away. These organisms are moved intentionally and unintentionally by us.
Sometimes new animals are brought to an area as pets or they secretly hitch a ride on human transport. Sometimes when invasive species are introduced to an area they are able to thrive because the existing ecosystem is not adapted to their presence.
Invasive species often outcompete native species leading to their extinction. One example of this is the brown tree snake that was accidentally introduced to Guam via aircraft in the 1950’s. Over the last 50 years the brown tree snake is credited with leading to the extinction of 3 bird and 5 reptile species in Guam [3].

Ways to Protect and Conserve Biodiversity
Even though the biodiversity of many habitats has become threatened there are many things we can do to help reduce this danger. These are some of the steps you can take to conserve biodiversity.
Protecting Natural Habitats
Governments have significant power to control and protect the habitats within their countries, often through legislation. By enacting laws that prohibit harmful development, resource extraction, or other forms of exploitation, they can help maintain natural biodiversity.
For example, in the Amazon, Brazil’s environmental regulations have helped preserve large tracts of rainforest crucial for biodiversity, though recent deforestation pressures highlight the need for strong enforcement and community involvement.
In addition to protecting habitats, laws aimed at specific species have proven effective. The United States’ Endangered Species Act (ESA) has played a key role in recovering populations of species like the American bald eagle and the grizzly bear. Due to strict protections under the ESA, the bald eagle’s numbers surged from just 417 nesting pairs in 1963 to over 10,000 today. This success demonstrates how targeted conservation efforts can restore species once on the brink of extinction.
Protecting habitats before they are altered remains the most effective approach to biodiversity conservation, with government regulations being vital in implementing these protections. The establishment of protected areas such as nature preserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and marine reserves is among the most widely used methods.
Protected Areas and Reserves
Nature preserves, national parks and marine reserves, are powerful conservation tools that protect ecosystems from human interference while allowing people to experience and appreciate these natural wonders.
For example, Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia provide essential refuge for countless species and attract millions of visitors annually, promoting public awareness and support for conservation.
Currently, around 15% of the Earth’s terrestrial area and 7% of marine areas are designated as protected, which has led to stabilization and recovery of species populations within these areas.
In fact, Costa Rica, known for its remarkable biodiversity, has set aside nearly 30% of its land as protected areas. This initiative has led to a resurgence of wildlife, including species like the scarlet macaw and jaguar. The goal is that over time, these preserves help cultivate a sense of respect toward the natural world, and foster public support and increase pressure on governments to expand protections.
Community-Led Conservation
Local communities and indigenous peoples are integral to effective biodiversity conservation. Indigenous territories make up about 20% of the Earth’s landmass and hold around 80% of the planet’s remaining biodiversity.
In the Amazon, indigenous tribes have traditionally managed their lands sustainably by employing practices that support forest regeneration and protect local wildlife. Studies have shown that areas managed by indigenous communities often experience lower deforestation rates than surrounding regions.
A notable example is the Indigenous Land Management Program in Australia, where Aboriginal communities manage protected areas that encompass millions of hectares of land.
Likewise, in Canada, the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is co-managed by the Haida Nation to balance conservation with cultural values.
By supporting the role of communities and indigenous peoples, governments promote conservation strategies that are locally adapted and culturally respectful. Through such collaborative efforts, protecting biodiversity becomes a shared goal.
Sustainable Land and Water Use
By 2050 the world’s population will be close to ten billion. We will need to produce 60 percent more food than we do presently.
Producing more food without expansion into natural habitats and causing further environmental degradation and pollution, which then causes even further loss of biodiversity in an already precarious world is a daunting challenge to say the least.
That’s where a truly sustainable land use system comes into the play, as it should conserve resources, promote biodiversity, and minimize environmental impact of our activities to sustain our population.
Agroforestry and Sustainable Agriculture
Agroforestry and other mixed farming practices enhance biodiversity on farmlands, improve soil health, and reduce dependency on synthetic chemicals. By integrating trees and crops together, agroforestry systems create a complex ecosystem where diverse plant and animal species can coexist.
This method promotes natural pest control, improves nutrient cycling, and helps stabilize soil structure, all while reducing the need for additional land.
In the U.S. Corn Belt researchers at Iowa State University demonstrated the benefits of sustainable farming practices through a long-term experiment. Over seven years, they found that sustainable crop rotations reduced synthetic fertilizer application by 90% and required 50% less herbicide application than conventional farming. Crop diversity also increased yields, with corn production rising by 3% and soybeans by more than 10%.
Beyond productivity, sustainable agriculture supports rural communities by creating a reliable food system that’s better adapted to climate change.
This shift toward sustainability can also help to restore already degraded land. Ethiopia is a great example: through sustainable farming practices like crop rotation and terracing, 390,000 hectares of degraded land have been brought back to life. Wonderful achievement.
Sustainable Fisheries
You may have heard already: overfishing has depleted fish populations across the world. Researchers have found that it often takes three pounds of wild fish, like anchovies, to produce just one pound of farmed salmon – a model that strains marine resources.
One sustainable approach to tackling this problem is to reduce reliance on ocean-caught fish for fish feed in fisheries for human consumption. Instead, plant-based proteins or recycled seafood waste for fishmeal can be used.
Shifting to plant-based feeds and regulating fish farms at a broader level, rather than focusing only on individual sites, can greatly reduce pollution, disease, and invasive species issues that affect local water systems.
Additionally, regulations to prevent harmful algae blooms in fish farms show how sustainable practices can make a real difference. These changes prove that sustainable fisheries can support both the economy and the environment. It is possible to keep marine ecosystems healthy and productive in the long run with the right approach.
Urban Green Spaces
With the growth of urbanization globally, cities are becoming the main force in driving trends in environmental protection. Future development planners should prioritize biodiversity protection within the city as one of the most important aspects of landscape planning. This includes techniques that cherish the natural elements of an area and allow sustainable co-existence of people with native species.
Parks, green corridors, and native vegetation areas help sustain urban wildlife, reduce air pollution, and promote mental and physical health among city dwellers. Urban planning that includes green spaces can create natural corridors that connect wildlife habitats and encourage biodiversity even in densely populated areas.
For example, New York City’s High Line transformed a former railway into a green corridor filled with native plants, offering a safe haven for pollinators, birds, and other urban wildlife. Similarly, Singapore’s extensive green roof initiatives have made it a leader in urban greening, showcasing how thoughtful design can enhance biodiversity while adapting to climate change.
Combating Climate Change
Another major threat to biodiversity is climate change. The Earth is warming rapidly, largely due to fossil fuel burning, which releases excessive carbon into the atmosphere. This has profound effects on ecosystems and species, disrupting natural balances that have taken millennia to establish. That’s why this issue needs to be addressed if we focus on protecting biodiversity worldwide.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
High greenhouse gas levels trap heat and cause rapid warming that disrupts seasonal cycles and habitats. This added strain forces plants and animals to change their behavior or relocate, which often breaks the natural balance within ecosystems.
Deforestation, for instance, accounts for nearly 20% of greenhouse gas emissions—more than the world’s entire transport sector. When we clear forests, we release stored carbon back into the atmosphere and worsen the climate crisis. The problem is that these impacts are not easily seen. It takes time until these changes are detectable, but we need to be aware of these negative consequences right away.
Rainforests, often called the “lungs of the planet,” are among our best defenses against climate change. By preserving and restoring these forests, we retain their carbon-storing abilities, which not only stabilize the climate but also protect countless species that rely on these ecosystems. Protecting these forests is one of the most effective ways to maintain biodiversity while reducing carbon emissions.
When we cut emissions, we slow these rapid temperature changes, giving ecosystems the chance to function within their natural rhythms. Forests, oceans, and wetlands—key carbon sinks—can better manage and store carbon. They help to stabilize habitats so species can thrive without constantly fighting against climate-induced threats.
Promoting Renewable Energy
Transitioning to renewable energy helps to reduce the biodiversity loss tied to fossil fuel extraction and pollution. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, provide cleaner alternatives that reduce our reliance on coal, oil, and gas.
Investing in clean energy is an investment in biodiversity. Renewable energy lessens air and water pollution, and ultimately creates a more balanced relationship with nature.
Solar power has a great potential for mitigating the impact of the energy sector on climate change. A research study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) indicates that replacing coal power plants with 100 GW of solar power could eliminate over 100 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Even now, the 20 GW of solar installations operating in the United States offset 17 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.
Carbon Sequestration Projects
Carbon sequestration projects capture and store carbon while also creating healthier ecosystems. By planting trees (afforestation) or using soil management practices (carbon farming), we can trap carbon in natural landscapes rather than letting it accumulate in the atmosphere. These projects have multiple benefits. They address climate change, provide habitats for wildlife, protect water sources, and improve soil health.
A practical example is found in Costa Rica, where reforestation efforts have turned deforested areas into thriving ecosystems. Over recent decades, Costa Rica’s reforestation programs have helped restore habitats for species like the jaguar and scarlet macaw, while also capturing significant amounts of carbon.
These efforts demonstrate that carbon sequestration isn’t just about reducing carbon—it is also about creating spaces for biodiversity to recover and flourish. It is a perfect collaboration.
Controlling Invasive Species
As our natural environment continues to undergo damage and development around the world, disturbed ecosystems are now becoming increasingly vulnerable to invasion by invasive species. In disturbed ecosystems, introduced invasive species can take advantage of niches that have been opened up that were previously occupied by native species.
Invasive species overwhelm native plants and animals and threaten biodiversity. Targeted actions and public education are the best tools to prevent these harmful impacts.
Early Detection and Rapid Response
One of the best ways to control invasive species is to spot them early through early detection and rapid response (EDRR). This means keeping a close watch on areas like waterways and forests so that new invasive plants, insects, or aquatic species can be caught before they spread too far.
For example, in the Great Lakes, monitoring teams regularly check for invasive zebra mussels. Zebra mussels are a problem because they latch onto hard surfaces and multiply quickly. Then, they go on clogging water pipes, covering boats, and outcompeting native mussels for food.
By spotting them early, teams can take quick action—like setting up traps or removing small colonies—before they have a chance to spread and crowd out native fish and plants.
Quick responses like these make a huge difference by stopping invasives from settling in and taking over native ecosystems.
Restoration of Native Species
Once invasive species are under control, the next important step is to help native species make a comeback. Restoring native plants, animals, and fish gives ecosystems a better chance to recover from the damage invasives leave behind.
In the Mississippi River and Great Lakes, for example, invasive Asian carp have become a big problem. These fish eat so much plankton that they crowd out native fish species and disrupt the entire food chain. To help the native fish bounce back, conservation teams have stocked waterways with native fish and built barriers to keep the carp out.
Asian carp can eat up to 40% of their body weight in plankton each day, so keeping them out is essential for native fish like bass and perch to survive. By reintroducing and supporting these native species, the ecosystem becomes more balanced, giving native plants and animals room to thrive without competition from aggressive invaders. This makes waterways healthier and more resilient for the future.
Public Education on Non-native Species
Many invasives are unintentionally spread by human activity, like transporting firewood or releasing exotic pets into the wild. Raising awareness about the risks of non-native species helps people make informed choices on their behavior. For example, programs educating boaters on how to clean equipment to prevent the spread of zebra mussels have been crucial in limiting this invasive species’ spread across lakes and rivers.
Through public education in areas where needed, we can effectively combat the spread of invasive species and support healthier ecosystems for generations to come.
Sustainable Tourism Practices
Sustainable tourism is about enjoying natural beauty without harming the environment, and it can make a huge difference for biodiversity when done right. Sustainable tourism is the right way to approach this industry.
Ecotourism
Ecotourism encourages people to experience nature while actively supporting conservation efforts. Costa Rica is a prime example: it attracts over 3 million tourists annually, many of whom come specifically for ecotourism.
With more than 25% of Costa Rica’s land protected as national parks or reserves, the revenue generated by ecotourism supports conservation initiatives and local economies alike. This approach provides jobs and funding for wildlife protection and reforestation projects.
Tourists are often intrigued by the fact that they can witness unique ecosystems on earth in their full health, while contributing with their money spendings to their further protection.
Minimizing Impact on Wildlife
Simple guidelines—like sticking to marked trails, keeping a respectful distance from animals, and limiting noise—help protect sensitive habitats. In the Galapagos Islands, where around 250,000 tourists visit each year, strict visitor guidelines are enforced to prevent stress on the native wildlife. Trained naturalist guides accompany all visitors to supervise whether they follow these rules.
The system is to protect species like the Galapagos tortoise and blue-footed booby while allowing people to observe these animals in their natural habitat.
Supporting Conservation through Tourism Revenue
Funds generated from tourism can directly support conservation efforts. In Kenya, entry fees to Maasai Mara National Reserve contribute to anti-poaching patrols and habitat restoration projects for species like elephants and lions.
The reserve attracts about 300,000 tourists each year, and the revenue supports both conservation projects and local communities. In many cases, these funds also help create educational programs that promote conservation for future generations to understand the value of biodiversity.
We have written a detailed article on this topic: Positive Impacts of Tourism on the Environment – check it out if interested in learning more.
Conservation Education and Public Awareness
As with most environmental topics, education is one of the keys to success. Educating people about the importance of biodiversity conservation increases public awareness of the issue. As public awareness increases people become more involved and eventually influence their government representatives, pushing for more environmental protection.
Understanding how species interact within their environment is crucial to protecting them. As we further understand species interaction we find new and more direct ways to help protect organisms and maintain biodiversity.

One example is the use of wildlife corridors in urbanized areas. By researching many different species we have found that this dramatically increases their populations [9]. It reduces the number of animals that come into direct contact with humans and provides areas for migratory animals to move long distances.
Environmental Education Programs
Raising awareness about biodiversity can begin right in the classroom. Imagine a class of curious students learning about endangered species, exploring the amazing diversity of rainforests, or discovering how their everyday choices can help or harm the environment.
When kids are engaged with hands-on activities—like planting native trees, observing local wildlife, or creating school gardens—they start to see themselves as part of the ecosystem. These lessons go beyond textbooks, they make conservation feel real and exciting.
Outside the classroom, community programs—like weekend nature hikes or citizen science projects—turn learning into a shared experience for families and friends. And media campaigns, from captivating documentaries to catchy public service announcements, keep the message of conservation alive for people of all ages.
When kids grow up with these experiences, they are not just learning; they are building a lifelong respect for the natural world that’s essential for future conservation efforts.
Citizen Science Initiatives
Citizen science is a fantastic way to involve the public in biodiversity conservation. Through apps and local projects, anyone can help track species, monitor environmental changes, and contribute to real scientific research.
In the U.K., the Big Butterfly Count encourages people across the country to record butterfly sightings and helps scientists monitor butterfly populations and identify trends. These types of initiatives connect people to nature in a meaningful way.
It’s a win-win: people learn about their local biodiversity, and scientists gain valuable data.
Corporate Responsibility
Companies can also play a big role in conservation by adopting sustainable practices and funding biodiversity projects. For example, Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company, has invested millions in conservation projects and uses only sustainably sourced materials in its products.

Many companies now see the value of preserving the natural resources they rely on. Some of them commit to reducing waste, source materials responsibly, and even fund restoration projects.
What Can You Do Personally to Help Conserve Biodiversity
Even though the biodiversity of many habitats has become threatened there are many things we can do to help reduce this danger. These are some of the steps you can take to conserve biodiversity.
Reduce Resource Consumption
Our consumption of natural resources is one of the main reasons for biodiversity loss, so it is our responsibility to consume products that are produced in the most sustainable way possible.
Many products are now labeled with ecolabels that state if they are environmentally friendly. Some of the most prominent ecolabels are Energy Star (for energy-efficient appliances), USDA Organic (for organic foods), and Rainforest Alliance Certified (for products supporting sustainable agriculture).
To make a difference, consider some of these practical steps:
- Opt for reusable items: Choose reusable bags, bottles, and containers to cut down on single-use plastics that harm marine life and pollute ecosystems.
- Support local and organic products: Local, organic foods are often grown with fewer pesticides and less transport.
- Choose energy-efficient appliances: Energy-efficient appliances reduce electricity use and help to lower emissions and lessen the impact on habitats affected by fossil fuel extraction.
- Reduce water usage: Simple actions like fixing leaks, using water-saving appliances, and choosing native plants in gardens conserve water resources, which are essential for countless species.
Small changes in our daily habits can collectively make a significant impact on preserving biodiversity. Additionally, when we consume these goods it increases demand for environmentally conscious products pushing more producers to make them.
Support Sustainable Products
Choosing sustainable products is one of the simplest ways to help protect biodiversity. When we buy items made responsibly, we’re supporting companies that prioritize the planet. Look for labels like Fair Trade for ethically sourced products, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for sustainable wood, and MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) for responsibly harvested seafood. These labels show that the products were made with practices that protect ecosystems and conserve natural resources.
For example, by choosing FSC-certified wood, we support forests that provide habitats for over 80% of the world’s terrestrial species. Products carrying this label are harvested with minimal impact on wildlife, and this certification now protects nearly 200 million hectares of forests worldwide. Similarly, MSC-certified seafood helps keep our oceans healthier by ensuring fish populations aren’t overexploited. With over 20,000 MSC-certified seafood products available globally, these options help consumers support marine biodiversity in a practical way.
Each time we make these choices, we’re creating demand for products that respect our planet and encouraging companies to keep adopting sustainable practices. These small, everyday decisions add up, helping to protect biodiversity and ensure that future generations can enjoy the richness of our natural world.
Participate in Local Conservation Efforts
Getting involved in local conservation efforts is a hands-on way to make a difference for biodiversity. Whether it’s volunteering or donating, supporting local conservation projects helps protect the unique species and habitats in our own communities. Volunteering could mean anything from joining a beach cleanup, planting native trees, or helping out at a wildlife rescue center. Every bit counts!
For instance, volunteers in California have helped restore over 1,000 acres of native coastal habitats by planting trees and removing invasive species. These efforts provide vital shelter and food for local wildlife like the endangered California least tern and monarch butterflies. Similarly, donations to local conservation groups fund essential programs, like protecting wetlands, which are disappearing at an alarming rate and serve as critical homes for countless species.
When we volunteer or donate locally, we are not just preserving nature—we are building stronger communities and helping to ensure that these natural spaces and species are there for future generations to enjoy. It’s a simple, powerful way to be part of the change.
Encourage Biodiversity in Home Gardens
Creating a wildlife-friendly garden at home is a wonderful way to support biodiversity right in your backyard. By planting native species, reducing pesticide use, and setting up spaces that attract beneficial insects, you will help local ecosystems thrive. Yes, even in urban settings. Every little haven of biodiversity counts.
Native plants are especially important because they provide the right food and shelter for native insects, birds, and small mammals.
For example, planting milkweed in North American gardens supports the declining monarch butterfly population, as monarchs rely on milkweed as a food source. Reducing pesticide use also makes a big difference. Many pesticides harm pollinators, especially bees and butterflies that are crucial for healthy gardens and healthy food we eat. Instead, consider natural pest control options or simply let nature handle the balance!
Adding simple features like bird feeders, small ponds, or piles of leaves can attract a variety of wildlife, from songbirds to frogs and beneficial insects. By making these small changes, we create mini-habitats that support local biodiversity and make our gardens come alive with nature. It’s a rewarding way to bring conservation right to our doorsteps.

The role of science and technology in conserving biodiversity
As our society develops we continually use more resources, which stains natural biodiversity, but development also leads to improved science and technology.
We use science, and specifically ecology, to understand the web of interactions in our biomes. By understanding these interactions scientists are able to pinpoint the key species in ecosystems. This information is used to guide conservation efforts.
It is also used to understand pollution and its cascading effects within an ecosystem. Bio-magnification of toxins in a food chain can cause huge problems for top predators. This is an ever adapting field of science and these two examples are just a few ways to implement the information it uncovers [10].
Technology is becoming more and more important in conservation biology. Sustainable technologies, like renewable energies, biodegradable packaging, and recycling, help reduce our impact on the environment.
Additionally, technologies like cloning give scientists the ability to bring back species that are already considered extinct.
Biodiversity in natural ecosystems is of the utmost importance. It helps provide the resources and services that we rely on every day. The development and urbanization of humans poses a serious risk for natural biodiversity.
If nothing is done to reduce these changes, there will be disastrous consequences. There are many things we can do in politics, science, and even in our daily lives to help fix these issues. As humans we need to understand the risks associated with our consuming lifestyles and work hard to fix what is already damaged and prevent future harm.
The time has come for us to unite and save biodiversity.
[2] http://www.biodiv.be/biodiversity/threats/
[3] https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/envirobiology/chapter/21-2-threats-to-biodiversity/
[4] https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/envirobiology/chapter/5-3-preserving-biodiversity/
[5] http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2011/04/30/what-you-can-do-to-protect-biodiversity/
[6] https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/04/protected-planet/
[7] http://www.jamaicachm.org.jm/BHS/conservation.htm
[8] https://www.agroprofessional.com/article/update-worlds-15-largest-seed-banks
[9] https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/landholderNotes15WildlifeCorridors.pdf
[10] https://ncbi.nim.nih.gov/books/NBK219322/