Question

The Tapanuli orangutan is on the brink of extinction in the wild and is being protected in captivity. This is an example of which method of 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 of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems. 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 (tracts of forest which are protected around places of worship). Hence option a and c are incorrect.
• Ex situ conservation : It involves conservation of organisms in controlled environments, outside their natural environment. 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 or fauna. There are many animals who are on the verge of extinction in the wild but are being maintained in captivity in zoological parks.

The Tapanuli orangutan, an inhabitant of the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, is an animal which is facing imminent risk of extinction in the wild but is being maintained in captivity. This is an example of ex situ conservation of fauna in a controlled environment. Hence option b is correct and option d is incorrect.

Figure : Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis)