Which of the following options includes in situ conservation strategies?
I. national parks
II. wildlife sanctuaries
III. biosphere reserves
IV. sacred groves
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → I, II, III and IV
In situ means “on site”. In this approach the whole ecosystem is protected, so species are saved in their natural habitat. Ex situ (off site) conservation takes threatened species out of their habitat, as in zoos, botanical gardens and seed banks.
I. national parks — In situ. A national park protects a whole natural area by law, with its plants and animals in place.
II. wildlife sanctuaries — In situ. Wildlife is protected inside its own habitat.
III. biosphere reserves — In situ. These are large, biodiversity-rich regions legally protected as they are.
IV. sacred groves — In situ. These are tracts of forest set aside by religious and cultural tradition. All the trees and wildlife in them are protected where they grow.
NCERT Extract:
How do we Conserve Biodiversity? – “When we conserve and protect the whole ecosystem, its biodiversity at all levels is protected - we save the entire forest to save the tiger. This approach is called in situ (on site) conservation.”
In situ Conservation – “… In India, ecologically unique and biodiversity-rich regions are legally protected as biosphere reserves, national parks and sanctuaries. India now has 14 biosphere reserves, 90 national parks and 448 wildlife sanctuaries. India has also a history of religious and cultural traditions that emphasised protection of nature. 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.”