Importance of conservation

Extinction of a species is an irreversible act. Once gone, an exterminated species represents a lost resource of unknown value. While the net value of any one species is virtually impossible to represent in pure numerical or monetary figures, individual reasons for conservation can be demonstrated.

The Indianapolis Prize is the world's leading award for animal conservation. The Indianapolis Prize includes a US$100,000 cash award and the Lilly Medal, which are presented every two years to a conservationist who has made substantial contributions toward the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. Selected by a globally-renowned nominating committee and jury, the finalists for the 2006 Indianapolis Prize include Dr. George Archibald (cranes); Dr. Holly Dublin (African elephants and other IUCN-listed species); Dr. Iain Douglas Hamilton (African elephants); Dr. David Meche (wolves); Dr. Roger Payne (whales and other cetaceans); and Dr. Simon Stuart (amphibians). Award-winning actress Jane Alexander is the host of the 2006 Indianapolis Prize Gala. Honorary Chairs include Harrison Ford, Ted Turner, Roger Sant, Senator Richard Lugar, and Senator Evan Bayh.

Ehmm...what u think about this ??

Conservation biology

Conservation biology, or conservation ecology, is the protection and management of biodiversity that uses principles and experiences from the biological sciences, from natural resource management, and from the social sciences, including economics. Put another way, conservation biology is the scientific study of the phenomena that affect the maintenance, loss, and restoration of biological diversity. Much of conservation ecology deals with the problems associated with the small population sizes of rare species.

The term "conservation biology" refers to the science and sometimes is used to encompass also the application of this science, that is, the conservation of genetic diversity, species and populations. It also includes saving and restoration of ecosystems and habitats.

The concern of this branch of biology is to help save the diversity of life on Earth through applied conservation research. In the realm of research, biologists seek creative and effective ways to address a wide diversity of ecological problems, ranging from endangered species to regional conservation planning. This translates to developing better conservation tools, analyses, and techniques.

The terms ecology and conservation are frequently used interchangeably, although not all ecologists are conservationists.

One theoretical tool useful in conservation biology is the Unified neutral theory of biodiversity.

I got this from wikipedia.com..