Question

Write a note on various in situ conservation methods.

Answer 1

In-situ conservation:

1. In-situ is a method of conservation that involves the conservation of species in its natural habitat i.e in the area where the species naturally occurs.
2. The natural habitat or the entire ecosystem is maintained and protected.
3. There is no need for isolation of a few individuals of the species, creating artificial habitat for their maintenance, feeding them and providing a mate for their reproduction.

Advantages of in-situ conservation:

1. It is a convenient and cheap way of conserving biological diversity.
2. A large number of species are protected and maintained by this process.

Methods of in-situ conservation:

1. Biosphere reserve: It is a method of in-situ conservation in which there is the management of biodiversity and the floral and faunal individuals are protected in their habitat. Example: Nilgiri biosphere reserve, etc.
2. National parks: Kanha tiger reserve, Jim Corbett national park are examples of national parks.
3. Wildlife sanctuaries: Bharatpur bird sanctuary, Gir national park, etc are examples of wildlife sanctuaries.
4. Biodiversity hotspots, sacred groves, gene sanctuaries, etc are also methods of in-situ conservation.