In-situ method of conservation of flora, or on-site preservation, safeguards biodiversity in its natural settings like national parks. Ex-situ conservation, however, protects biodiversity outside its habitat through methods like zookeeping and seed banks. Botanical gardens, despite cultivating plants, aren’t in-situ sites as they focus on controlled cultivation rather than protecting plants in their natural ecosystems.
Question: Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora?
(b) Botanical Garden
(c) National Park
(d) Wildlife Sanctuary
(This question was previously asked in UPSC Civil Services Exam 2011 Prelims)
Answer: The correct answer is (b) Botanical Garden
📌📌📌 Explanation:
In-situ conservation methods are those that involve the conservation of plant and animal species in their natural habitats. These methods aim to protect and preserve biodiversity within the ecosystems where these species naturally occur.
Here’s an explanation for each of the options:
(a) Biosphere Reserves: Biosphere reserves are designated areas that aim to conserve and sustainably manage the biological diversity of a particular region. They typically include core areas where natural ecosystems are protected, as well as buffer and transition zones where human activities are regulated to promote conservation.
(b) Botanical Garden: Botanical gardens are not sites for in-situ conservation of flora. Instead, they are primarily focused on ex-situ conservation. In botanical gardens, plants are grown and maintained outside their natural habitats for various purposes, including research, education, public display, and the preservation of plant diversity. While they can contribute to the conservation of plant species, they do not represent in-situ conservation because the plants are not in their natural, wild habitats.
(c) National Park: National parks are protected areas that are created to conserve the natural landscapes, ecosystems, and wildlife found within their boundaries. They are established for the primary purpose of preserving the ecological integrity of the region and providing opportunities for public enjoyment and education.
(d) Wildlife Sanctuary: Wildlife sanctuaries are designated areas where the conservation of wildlife and their habitats is the primary objective. They are similar to national parks but may have some differences in terms of management and usage regulations. Wildlife sanctuaries are intended to protect specific wildlife species and their habitats.
🏅🏅🏅 Additional Information:
- In-situ conservation, also known as on-site conservation, involves preserving biodiversity in its natural habitats, such as national parks, Sacred Groves (SG), biosphere reserves, and sanctuaries etc.
- On the other hand, Ex-situ conservation focuses on conserving biological diversity outside its natural environment, using methods like zookeeping, captive breeding, aquariums, botanical gardens, and seed/gene banks, microbial cultures, scientific laboratories, cryopreservation etc.
Conclusion: Botanical gardens are not considered in-situ conservation sites for flora because they primarily involve the cultivation and management of plants in controlled settings, rather than the protection of plant species in their natural ecosystems.
