Identify the correct approach for in situ conservation.

The correct answer is Option (3) → National parks

In in situ conservation, a threatened species is protected in its own natural habitat, so that the whole ecosystem is protected. In ex situ conservation, the threatened plants and animals are taken out of their natural habitat and kept in a special place where they get care.

(1) Wildlife safari parks — Incorrect. These are ex situ. The animals are kept in a managed setting.

(2) Zoological parks — Incorrect. These are ex situ. Animals that are extinct in the wild are also kept here.

(3) National parks — Correct. National parks, together with biosphere reserves and sanctuaries, are legally protected areas where wildlife is kept in its natural habitat. This is in situ conservation.

(4) Botanical gardens — Incorrect. These are ex situ. Plants are grown outside their natural habitat.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 26-05-2025 (Slot 2).

NCERT Extract:
How Do We Conserve Biodiversity? – “… 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. In Meghalaya, the sacred groves are the last refuges for a large number of rare and threatened plants. Ex situ Conservation– In this approach, threatened animals and plants are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in special setting where they can be protected and given special care. Zoological parks, botanical gardens and wildlife safari parks serve this purpose.”