Actually, what is biodiversity and why do many say that it is being seriously threatened in the province of West Papua? Furthermore, how important is all this biodiversity that everyone who is there must protect it from being damaged?
In the language that leads to biology, biodiversity is a variable that varies and lives in one place. The diversity that exists in one habitat will be calculated, how much there is, and whether it is decreasing when compared to the previous period.
But around the world, the number of species continues to decrease, and this is a decline in biodiversity. If left unchecked, this of course can become a danger and this is all due to threats that continue to come naturally or because of humans themselves.
Lucky if we can still see the dense forests of Papua with their beauty. But if you want to see it in the next 10 to 20 years, then everyone has to be involved. Do not let what we do even endanger the safety of biodiversity.
What are 3 Types of Biodiversity in West Papua
Biodiversity draws the richness and variety of life on earth. This may sound complex and difficult to determine, but in fact, the calculation of biodiversity has been started in 1985. All-natural wealth will be calculated with other species.
The question of biodiversity is also to facilitate calculations, it will be used what is called division. The division is divided into genetic types of biodiversity, division based on species, and ecological. This is also what is practiced in West Papua by:
- Genetic Diversity
The calculation of biodiversity in the province begins by calculating the gene diversity of a particular species. And since it’s a matter of genes, the DNA level is what counts. Experts will look at the specimen accurately from the DNA.
Diversity at the gene level is calculated very carefully because some are affected by the disease. From this genetic variation, it is also what determines how broad the regional wealth of West Papua is at an environmental level.
- Ecological or Ecosystem Diversity
Variations within a habitat are also taken into account. Unlike diversity in terms of genetics and species, this ecosystem calculates vegetation based on its distribution in one area only, not added to those in other areas.
West Papua often practices this system because the area is still very large. However, the more often the ecosystem burns and natural disasters, the more the numbers will be eroded. But this is something that maintains species diversity.
- Species Diversity
The level of diversity calculation based on species can be said to be the most frequently performed and easier to identify. This is a community calculation of how many a species with a shape that is almost similar to the main parent.
For example, fish, of course, the calculation will be different from another marine biota. In contrast to the level of genes that may still be put together. This also makes the species level at the bottom of the biodiversity calculation.
The Threats for Biodiversity in West Papua
From here, we will reconnect with what is currently the biggest threat in West Papua. The first is Habitat Loss, a primary cause that causes many animals to be eroded. For example, animals that live in the forest, their habitat loss means in the forest too.
This can happen thanks to forest fires, logging, to restoring habitats that landscape changes generate. Another threat to biodiversity is due to humans themselves. Sometimes because of someone’s selfishness, animals and plants can be eroded in number.
In addition, illegal catching of animals is also what causes extinction. At sea, for example, fishing by trawling, or trying to build illegal embankments around the coast. This is the most real threat to the biodiversity of the Papua area.
West Papua Needs from the Biodiversity
So what will be the problem if this biodiversity is damaged or something? This question is still often asked, even though if you think rationally, the answer is certain. With the loss of biodiversity, the cycle environment and its food will also be disturbed.
For example, if you lose a snake species, then the eagle will lose its natural food. And over time, the eagles will also decrease in number one by one. As a result, there will be fewer animals that need eagles to eat.
In West Papua, biodiversity may have been imbalanced and it all started because of humans themselves. What already exists in nature should always be maintained so the amount does not decrease. The higher the level of biodiversity, the tourism rate would be higher.
Biodiversity in a particular country also indicates how rich the fauna and flora in an area is. Therefore, now there are several agreements and penalties if there are violations. This is made with the hope that children and grandchildren can still enjoy what is now.
Tanah Papua is a rich area with very abundant resources. These resources also indicate the level of biodiversity they have. In the province of West Papua itself, nature must be better maintained so that the number of species does not decrease.
