NPTEL Wildlife Ecology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Wildlife Ecology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Ecological restoration is the process that focuses specifically on reversing or halting environmental degradation by returning ecosystems to a condition that can thrive. This strategy involves active intervention to repair and rehabilitate damaged ecosystems, reintroducing native species, restoring natural functions, and improving biodiversity. It recognizes the degradation that has occurred due to human activity and seeks to heal the land by restoring natural habitats and ecological processes.

This approach is crucial for reestablishing natural balances and ensuring that ecosystems can continue to provide essential services such as clean water, carbon storage, and habitat for wildlife. For instance, activities may include planting native vegetation in deforested areas or restoring wetlands that have been drained, thereby enhancing ecological resilience and supporting biodiversity.

In contrast, other strategies like climate adaptation focus on adjusting to the changing climate rather than actively restoring degraded ecosystems, environmental mitigation emphasizes reducing and preventing further environmental harm, and sustainable development aims at developing practices that meet present needs without compromising future generations. While these are all important aspects of environmental strategy, ecological restoration specifically targets the recovery of damaged ecosystems.