MEVE 014: Unit 11 - In-Situ and Ex-Situ Conservation

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 UNIT 11: IN-SITU AND EX-SITU CONSERVATION

11.1 Introduction

Biodiversity conservation is essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the survival of species and ecosystems. Conservation efforts are broadly categorized into in-situ (on-site) and ex-situ (off-site) methods. In-situ conservation involves protecting species in their natural habitats, allowing evolutionary processes to continue. Ex-situ conservation, on the other hand, refers to the preservation of components of biological diversity outside their natural habitats, often as a complementary strategy when in-situ methods are insufficient. This unit explores both approaches, along with examples and case studies that illustrate their importance and implementation.

11.2 Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

  • Understand the concepts of in-situ and ex-situ conservation.
  • Distinguish between various protected areas under in-situ conservation.
  • Describe the types and importance of ex-situ conservation.
  • Evaluate the role of conservation approaches in biodiversity protection.
  • Analyze real-world examples through case studies.

11.3 In-situ Conservation

In-situ conservation involves protecting and managing biodiversity in its natural location. This method maintains not only individual species but also their interactions within the ecosystem.

11.3.1 National Park

National Parks are protected areas declared under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, where ecosystems are preserved in their natural state. Key features:

  • No human habitation or exploitation is permitted.
  • Strict protection is enforced to prevent hunting, logging, and other extractive activities.
  • Focus is on preserving biodiversity and ecological integrity.

Examples: Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), Kaziranga National Park (Assam), Gir National Park (Gujarat).

11.3.2 Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere Reserves are large tracts of land that combine conservation, sustainable use, and research. Designated under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO, they consist of three zones:

  • Core Zone: Strictly protected for conservation.
  • Buffer Zone: Limited human activity for research and education.
  • Transition Zone: Sustainable economic activities allowed.

Examples:Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve.

11.3.3 Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife Sanctuaries are protected areas aimed at conserving particular species or groups of species. Human activities like grazing and tourism may be permitted but regulated.

  • Less strict than national parks.
  • Suitable for species that require large territories.

Examples:Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan).

11.4 Ex-situ Conservation

Ex-situ conservation is the practice of protecting endangered species by removing part of the population from a threatened habitat and placing it in a new location under human supervision.

11.4.1 Colony Conservation

This method involves establishing new populations of a species in controlled environments or natural areas away from the original site. It helps:

  • Maintain genetic diversity.
  • Provide insurance populations against extinction in the wild.

Examples: Captive breeding and release programs for California condor, Arabian oryx, and Indian gharial.

11.4.2 Human Care Methods

These include the use of human-managed facilities for the conservation of species:

  • Botanical Gardens: For conservation and research on plant species.
  • Zoological Parks: Breeding and education centers for fauna.
  • Seed Banks: Preservation of plant genetic material for future use.
  • Cryopreservation: Storage of gametes, embryos, or tissues at ultra-low temperatures.
  • Gene Banks: Facilities to conserve genetic material of plants and animals.

Examples:

  • Svalbard Global Seed Vault (Norway).
  • National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (India).

11.5 Case Studies

  1. Project Tiger (India):
    • Launched in 1973 to protect Bengal Tigers in their natural habitats.
    • Successes include population recovery and creation of tiger reserves.
  2. Seed Vault in Svalbard:
    • Houses over 1 million seed samples to secure global food security.
    • Backup for national seed banks.
  3. Giant Panda Conservation (China):
    • Integrated in-situ (reserves) and ex-situ (breeding centers) approaches.
    • Led to reclassification from "endangered" to "vulnerable."
  4. Amur Leopard:
    • Breeding in zoos and reintroduction programs support the world’s rarest big cat.

11.6 Let Us Sum Up

  • In-situ conservation is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in its natural context and supports ecological processes.
  • National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves are key in-situ strategies.
  • Ex-situ conservation serves as a backup when in-situ methods are not enough, helping preserve genetic resources and species facing extinction.
  • Methods like captive breeding, seed banks, and botanical gardens are integral to ex-situ efforts.
  • Combining both approaches enhances biodiversity protection and long-term sustainability.

11.7 Keywords

  • In-situ Conservation – Protection of species in their natural habitat.
  • Ex-situ Conservation – Conservation outside natural habitat under human care.
  • National Park – Protected area with strict restrictions on human activity.
  • Biosphere Reserve – Large area designated for conservation, research, and sustainable development.
  • Colony Conservation – Establishing populations outside original habitats.
  • Cryopreservation – Ultra-cold storage of genetic materials.
  • Gene Bank – Repository for the preservation of genetic material.

 

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