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Biodiversity refers to the difference or diversity of organisms that can be observed within the life that exists on the Earth. The term denotes variety of species or genetic as well as variation in ecosystem level. Some factors are there that are causing problems within the biodiversity. Those are pollution, invasive species, overexploitation and change in climatic conditions. All these things are causing exploitation of both plants and animal species. The number of endangered species is increasing day by day. Here comes the importance of conservation. Conservation of both plants and animals is very important to decrease the number of extinct species in biodiversity. Conservation means taking care of different species and prohibiting them from extinction by providing them special care and protection. Two types of conservation are possible based on the place where the conservation is done- ex-situ and in-situ.
Ex-situ Conservation
Ex-situ conservation is one of the key goals of the Botanical Survey of India is conservation (BSI). It is a type of ‘off-site’ conservation policy that entails a set of strategies that relate the transfer of an objective species under threat from its natural environment to a considerably safer haven, such as a Botanical Garden, Seed Bank, Zoological Garden, or Gene Bank, among other places. The primary purpose of this strategy is to provide appropriate support for conservation initiatives by ensuring the survival of vanishing and threatened species as well as their associated genetic diversity.
In-situ Conservation
In-situ conservation refers to the preservation of animals in its native environment. Using a network of protected areas, such as biosphere reserves, national parks, and animal sanctuaries, this strategy aims to safeguard the natural habitat. These protected areas for the preservation of wildlife occupy 4.7 percent of the Indian landmass.
Examples
The nation’s parks : Human activities like forestry, grazing, or gardening are not permitted because the region is set aside for the conservation of animals. India has 104 national parks totaling 40,501 square kilometres.
Ex-situ and in-situ conservation importance
Conservation of wildlife, both ex-situ and in-situ is important for the ecosystem. Wildlife provides balance to nature and the natural process. It is important to conserve both flora and fauna of a specific area. Conservation also saves a huge number of species from extinction of both plants and animals. It also saves a wide range of plants having medicinal properties which would help in the invention of different medicines. Both ex-situ and in-situ conservation have their own importance. Ex-situ conservation is necessary for conservation of species whose natural habitat gets destroyed for some reasons. This also preserves genes, spores and gametes as well which is necessary for performing further studies. In case of in-situ conservation, it is important as both habitats as well as the animals are saved by this type.
Difference between Ex-situ and in-situ conservation
| In-situ Conservation | Ex-situ Conservation |
| This represents the process of conserving all living species in their natural climate and habitat, mainly wild and endangered species to avoid the transportation. | This includes the process of conservation of living species in man-made artificial habitat which is similar to their natural habitat. |
| In this case, both habitat and living organisms are protected | Only living organisms are protected here |
| It is appropriate only when large numbers of members are found. | It is appropriate in case of limited number of members |
| Examples include national parks, biosphere reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. | Examples consist of Aquariums, cryopreservation, botanical gardens, gene banks and so on. |
Conclusion
The number of endangered species is increasing day by day. Here comes the importance of conservation. Conservation of both plants and animals is very important to decrease the number of extinct species in biodiversity. Conservation means taking care of different species and prohibiting them from extinction by providing them special care and protection. Two types of conservation are possible based on the place where the conservation is done- ex-situ and in-situ. Both the conservations have their limitations but are of extreme importance. According to the red data book, the number of endangered species is increasing day by day and a wide range of species, undiscovered, have become extinct as well.
