Conservation refers to the management of natural resources with a view to maintain or increase their quantity, quality and genetic diversity. In conservation, human population growth is controlled so as not to overpower natural regeneration and other sources of renewal.
Conservation is often thought of as being mostly about wildlife and forest management, but it also involves fisheries management, urban ecology, landscape architecture and other environmental protection measures.
Conservation preserves the ecological diversity and preserves the genetic diversity of plants and animals.
- The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act was implemented in 1972, for protecting habitats and an all India list of protected species was published.
- The central government also announced several projects for protecting specific animals. Under the Wildlife Act of 1980 and 1986, several hundred butterflies, moths, beetles, and one dragonfly have been added to the list of protected species.
- In 1991, for the first time plants were also added to the list, starting with six species.