By Momina Shehzadi | BS Zoology Graduate, Pakistan In this article, we will learn Fungi - Morphology, Reproduction, Physiology and Importance - in simple words with diagram. This topic is very important for BS Zoology and Microbiology students. Fungi are found everywhere around us. They are present in soil, in water, in air, on dead plants, on dead animals, on our food, on our skin and even inside our body. When bread becomes old, green or black spots appear on it. These spots are fungi. When we see mushroom growing after rain, that is also a fungus. When yeast is used to make bread soft, that is also a fungus. Fungi are very different from bacteria and plants. They are eukaryotic organisms. It means their cells have a true nucleus and other membrane bound organelles. They do not have chlorophyll, so they cannot make their own food like plants. They get their food from other living or dead things. That is why they are called heterotrophic organisms. The study of fungi is called mycolog...
15 International agencies involved for the conservation of wildlife (complete guide for students 2026)
By Momina Shehzadi | BS Zoology Graduate, Pakistan
In this article, we will learn about 15 Wildlife Conservation Agencies in simple words with years and tricks. This topic is very important for BS Zoology, Wildlife Management, and Environmental Sciences students.
What are Wildlife conservation agencies?
Wildlife conservation is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. Due to illegal trade, habitat loss, and climate change, many species are at risk of extinction. To solve this global problem, many international agencies were created.
If you are preparing for exams or writing an assignment, this post will help you remember all agencies with years and tricks.
Table of contents
1. WWF
2. IUCN
3. CITES and its 3 Appendices
4. BirdLife International
5. Wetlands International
6. World Pheasant Association
7. Oriental Bird Club
8. Ramsar Convention
9. CBD
10. Bonn Convention
11. CCD
12. ISLT
13. SLN
14. Snow Leopard Conservancy
15. WSPA-Pakistan
Why is wildlife conservation important?
Before we start the list, let's understand why these agencies are needed. Pakistan has a rich biodiversity including Snow Leopard, Indus Dolphin, and Western Tragopan. Without international support, it is difficult to protect them. These agencies provide funds, research, and legal protection.
1. World wide fund for nature (WWF)-1961
Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland | Symbol: Giant Panda
WWF is the most famous wildlife organization in the world. It was established on 29 April 1961 as World Wildlife Fund. Later in 1990, it was renamed as World Wide Fund for Nature to include all nature conservation.
Mission: To stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
How WWF works:
1. Conserving biological diversity
2. Ensuring sustainable use of renewable resources
3. Reducing pollution and wasteful consumption
4. Raising funds for conservation projects
5. Promoting education and public awareness
Important for Exam: WWF's executive committee has 1 President and 10 Trustees. It works with IUCN, UNO, UNESCO, and UNEP.
2.IUCN- International union for conservation of nature (1948)
Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland | Status: Oldest Organization
Founded in 1948, IUCN is the world's oldest conservation organization. It has 475+ member organizations and 116 government agencies from 133 countries.
Collaboration in Pakistan: IUCN Pakistan is jointly working with NWFP Wildlife Department and WWF on a Biodiversity project to maintain biodiversity in Pakistan.
Functions: Monitoring conservation status, making conservation strategies, promoting action plans, and coordinating between members.
3. CITES(1973) - Convention on International Trade In endangered species
Came into Force: 1975 | Members: 180 Countries | Species Protected: 35,000
CITES is the only global treaty that ensures international trade of plants and animals does not threaten their survival. Its secretariat is in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Three Appendices of CITES - Very Important for MCQs:
Appendix I - Threatened with Extinction (BANNED):Commercial trade is banned. Examples: Gorillas, Sea Turtles, Giant Pandas, Lady Slipper Orchids.
Appendix II - May Become Threatened (CONTROLLED): Trade is controlled by permit. Examples: Lions, American Alligators, Corals, Mahogany.
Appendix III - Needs Help (HELP NEEDED): One country asks other countries for help to control trade. Examples: Map Turtles, Walrus, Cape Stag Beetles.
Permit System: This is the backbone of CITES. A permit is only issued if Management Authority confirms trade is legal.
4. Bird life international : (International Council for Bird Preservation) (ICBP)
It is the world's leading authority on bird status and habitats. Its main aims are to prevent extinction of any bird species, reduce threatened species, and conserve important bird areas.
Work in Pakistan:It is working in Palas Valley, Kohistan to conserve Western Tragopan with the help of local tribes.
5. WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFIC - 1985
Formed in October 1985 after merger of Asian Wetland Bureau and International Waterfowl and Wetland Research Bureau. It promotes protection and sustainable use of wetlands in Asia Pacific. It has been coordinating Asia Waterfowl Census since 1954.
6. WORLD PHEASANT ASSOCIATION SOUTH ASIA (WPA-SARO) - 1992
Established in April 1992. Its purpose is to initiate short and long-term research projects on Pheasants and other Galliformes birds in South Asia to produce useful data.
7. ORIENTAL BIRD CLUB (OBC) - 1985
Established in 1985. Its three main aims:
1. Encourage interest in oriental birds
2. Promote work of existing regional societies
3. Collate and publish material on oriental birds
8. RAMSAR CONVENTION (1971)
Full Name: Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat
Pakistan Signed: 1976 | Sites in Pakistan:8
It was formed to prevent encroachment into wetlands. It has three main obligations for member countries: include wetlands in national planning, designate at least one Ramsar site, and create nature reserves.
9. CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (CBD) 1992
Origin: Rio Earth Summit, Rio de Janeiro | Ratified by:183 countries
Pakistan ratified it in 1992 with 161 nations. Its main requirements are to create protected areas, restore degraded ecosystems, identify damaging activities, and ensure sustainable use of biodiversity.
10. BONN CONVENTION (1979) - CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY SPECIES
Also called CMS. Its secretariat is called CMS Secretariat. It provides strict protection for migratory species and provides framework for collaborative agreements between states. It is mainly applied to birds, but also to bats and dolphins.
11. CONVENTION ON COMBATING DESERTIFICATION (CCD)
Pakistan Signed: 1997 | Affected Area: 45 million hectares
It is an international treaty for collaborative action against desertification and poverty in drylands. In Pakistan, SCOPE (Society for Conservation and Protection of Environment) is working on it.
12. SNOW LEOPARD TRUST (ISLT)
Headquarters: Washington, USA
This trust uses science and community partnership. It assesses snow leopard habitat, identifies key threats, and runs conservation programs in high-priority areas. It publishes a newsletter and maintains a bibliography database.
13. SNOW LEOPARD NETWORK (SLN)
A worldwide organization dedicated to developing and implementing the Snow Leopard Survival Strategy (SLSS).
14. SNOW LEOPARD CONSERVANCY (SLC)
It promotes innovative and creative grassroots measures to help local people become better stewards of endangered snow leopards and protect their habitat.
15. WSPA-PAKISTAN - WORLD SOCIETY FOR PROTECTION OF ANIMALS
Works for animal welfare and protection. Its country office is in Islamabad, Pakistan. It works by petitioning governments and creating awareness.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these 15 international agencies are the backbone of global wildlife conservation. From the Giant Panda symbol of WWF (1961) to the oldest organization IUCN (1948), and from CITES with its three appendices to the Snow Leopard Trust in Washington, each organization has a unique and important role.
For Pakistani students, it is important to remember that Pakistan is part of Ramsar (1976), CBD (1992), and CCD (1997), and has 8 Ramsar sites. By understanding these agencies, we can better protect our own wildlife like the Snow Leopard and Indus Dolphin.
FAQs for Students:
Q1: What is the symbol of WWF?
Ans: The symbol of WWF is the Giant Panda. Its headquarters is in Gland, Switzerland. It was established on 29 April 1961.
Q2: Which is the oldest wildlife conservation organization?
Ans: IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature, founded in 1948, is the world's oldest conservation organization. Its headquarters is also in Gland, Switzerland.
Q3: What are the three appendices of CITES?
Ans: Appendix I = Banned - Threatened with Extinction. Example: Gorilla, Giant Panda, Sea Turtle. Appendix II = Controlled - May become threatened. Example: Lion, Coral. Appendix III = Help Needed - One country asks for help. Example: Walrus, Map Turtle.
Q4: How many Ramsar sites are in Pakistan?
Ans: There are 8 Ramsar sites in Pakistan. Pakistan signed the Ramsar Convention in 1976. Ramsar Convention was formed in 1971 for the protection of wetlands.
Written by Momina Shehzadi, BS Zoology Graduate from Pakistan.
Disclaimer: This article is written for educational purposes in original wording based on textbook notes.
Comments
Post a Comment