Nature reserves are typically established to restrict which of the following activities?

Nature reserves play a crucial role in environmental management by protecting vital ecosystems and endangered species. They are established with the primary aim of preserving biodiversity and preventing habitat degradation. The correct answer highlights activities that are often detrimental to these objectives.

Building can lead to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and pollution, negatively impacting both flora and fauna. Poaching poses a direct threat to wildlife populations, especially those that are endangered or vulnerable, leading to declines in biodiversity. Farming, particularly when involving intensive agricultural practices, can result in the loss of natural habitats, soil degradation, and water pollution through pesticide and fertilizer runoff. Therefore, restricting these activities helps ensure that the ecological integrity of nature reserves is maintained, allowing for the preservation of ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

In contrast, while tourism and recreation can sometimes have negative impacts on reserves, well-managed ecotourism can also contribute positively, such as by raising awareness and providing funding for conservation efforts. Research and education are often encouraged within nature reserves as they contribute to the understanding and protection of ecosystems. Mining and resource extraction are generally prohibited in such areas due to their highly invasive nature, but the primary focus of nature reserves is on prohibiting activities that directly lead to habitat destruction and the depletion of wildlife populations.