Question

The Alipore zoo is known for the captive breeding of the Manipur brow-antlered deer. This is an example of which method of biodiversity conservation ?

• A. In situ conservation of fauna in its natural habitat
• B. Ex situ conservation of fauna in a controlled environment
• C. In situ conservation of fauna in a controlled environment
• D. Ex situ conservation of fauna in its natural habitat

Answer 1

The correct option is B Ex situ conservation of fauna in a controlled environment

Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability amongst the lifeforms at genetic, species or ecological levels.

Conservation of biodiversity can be done using two different approaches as follows :

• In situ conservation - It involves conserving and protecting organisms in their natural habitat. Examples include sacred groves (patches of forest which are protected around places of worship).
• Ex situ conservation - It involves conservation of organisms in controlled environments, outside their natural environment. Examples include zoos.

Ex situ conservation is preferred when organisms face imminent threats of extinction in the near or immediate future.

Zoos or zoological parks are one of the most popular ex situ strategies for conservation of animals (fauna). Some zoological parks have provisions for captive breeding of animals. This has helped in maintaining many animals in the controlled environment of the zoos while they have become extinct in the wild.

Manipur brow-antlered deer is an endemic species confined to Manipur. It is a vulnerable species that is not endangered but is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild due to poaching, habitat loss and over exploitation.

The Alipore zoo in Kolkata is known for the captive breeding of the Manipur brow-antlered deer. The first pair of this animal was gifted to Alipore zoo in Kolkata in 1956. Since then it has been bred and maintained in captivity with the enclosure of the zoological park. Hence option b is correct.

Figure : Manipur brow-antlered deer