Which of the following is not a method of in-situ conservation of biodiversity?

Botanical garden

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.

Types of In-Situ Conservation Areas:

1. National Parks: These areas are designated and maintained by the government primarily for the conservation of wildlife and natural ecosystems. Activities such as cultivation, grazing, habitat manipulation, and hunting are strictly prohibited within national parks to ensure the protection of biodiversity.
2. Sanctuaries: Sanctuaries are designated tracts of land, with or without water bodies, where wild animals and fauna can seek refuge and protection. While hunting is strictly prohibited in sanctuaries, some other activities like collection of forest products, timber harvesting, and certain forms of land use may be allowed to a limited extent.
3. Biosphere Reserves: Biosphere reserves are multipurpose protected areas established to preserve genetic diversity in representative ecosystems of various natural biomes and unique biological communities. They aim to protect not only wild populations of plants and animals but also traditional lifestyles of indigenous communities and domesticated plant/animal genetic resources. Biosphere reserves allow for multiple uses of the land, including sustainable development practices, research, and educational activities.
4. 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.

These in-situ conservation areas play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and preserving natural habitats for the benefit of present and future generations.

Ex-situ conservation involves removing threatened animals and plants from their natural habitat and placing them in specialized facilities or locations where they can be protected and given special care. Examples of ex-situ conservation methods include zoological parks, botanical gardens, wildlife safari parks, gene banks, germplasm banks, and seed banks.