Question

Comment on in-situ and ex-situ conservation.

Hint:

In-situ = conserve in natural habitat (National Parks). Ex-situ = conserve outside habitat (Seed banks, Zoos).

Answer 1

Biodiversity conservation strategies are of two main types: in-situ (on-site) and ex-situ (off-site). 1. In-situ Conservation (On-site): \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Conservation of species in their natural habitats.} \\ \bullet & \text{Protects entire ecosystems and natural processes.} \\ \bullet & \text{Examples: Biosphere reserves (Nilgiri, Nanda Devi), National parks (Kaziranga, Gir), Wildlife sanctuaries.} \\ \bullet & \text{Advantage: Maintains natural evolutionary processes and preserves interactions among species.} \\ \end{array}\] 2. Ex-situ Conservation (Off-site): \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Conservation of species outside their natural habitats.} \\ \bullet & \text{Used when species are critically endangered or natural habitats are lost.} \\ \bullet & \text{Examples: Botanical gardens, zoological parks, seed banks (e.g., Svalbard Global Seed Vault), cryopreservation of gametes.} \\ \bullet & \text{Advantage: Provides intensive care and protection to endangered species.} \\ \end{array}\] Conclusion: Both in-situ and ex-situ methods are complementary. In-situ ensures natural conservation, while ex-situ serves as backup for threatened species.