The biological wealth of our planet has been declining rapidly and the accusing finger is clearly pointing to human activities. The colonisation of tropical pacific islands by humans is said to have led to extinction of more than 2000 species of native birds. The IUCN red list documents the extinction of 784 species. Since the origin and diversification of life on earth, there were five episodes of mass extinction of species. Current species extinction rate as estimated to be 100-1000 times faster. There are four major causes called “The Evil quartet” Habitat loss, over exploitation, Alien species invasion and co-extinction. Conservation efforts are necessary to preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species and their habitats.

Identify the in-situ ways to conserve biodiversity from the following

A. Zoological parks

B. Eggs fertilised in-vitro

C. Sacred groves

D. Biosphere reserves

Choose the correct answer from the options

C, D only

The correct answer is Option (3) – Cryopreservation

In situ,conservation strategies involve the protection and conservation of species and ecosystems within their natural habitats. In-situ conservation is a set of methods aimed at preserving all living species, particularly wild and endangered ones, within their natural habitats and environments. This approach involves the protection and management of biodiversity in its original ecosystem. Examples of in-situ conservation strategies include biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and other protected areas that aim to maintain the ecological integrity and diversity of the region. These designated areas serve as havens for various plant and animal species, ensuring their survival and contributing to the overall conservation of biodiversity .In many cultures, tracts of forest were set aside, and all the trees and wildlife within were venerated and given total protection. Such sacred groves are found in Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, Western Ghat regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra and the Sarguja, Chanda and Bastar areas of Madhya Pradesh. In Meghalaya, the sacred groves are the last refuges for a large number of rare and threatened plants.

Ex situ conservation refers to conservation efforts that focus on protecting species or ecosystems outside their natural habitats, often in specialized facilities like botanical gardens, zoos, seed banks, or captive breeding centers. In these facilities, endangered or threatened species are taken out of their natural environment and provided with a controlled and protected setting where they can be bred, cared for, and preserved. Cryopreservation of seeds, embryos, or genetic materials,in-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are common strategies used to safeguard genetic diversity for future use.