(2)

(4)

The historic convention on biological diversity. "The Earth Summit" held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, called upon all nations to take appropriate measures for conservation of biodiversity and sustainable utilisation of its benefits.

(2)

National parks are the method of in-situ conservation (Conservation in natural habitat).

(1)

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. However, when there are situations where an animal or plant is endangered or threatened (organisms facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future) and needs urgent measures to save it from extinction, ex situ (off site) conservation is the desirable approach.

(3)

'The Earth Summit' held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, called upon all nations to take appropriate measures for conservation of biodiversity and sustainable utilisation of its benefits.

(4)

Botanical garden comes under ex-situ method of conservation of biodiversity.

(1)

(2)

Sacred groves come under in-situ conservation and represent the pristine forest patches around places of worship which are held in high esteem by tribal communities. Cutting of trees and branches is prohibited due to religious reasons. Wildlife safari parks, botanical gardens and seed banks come under ex-situ conservation.

(4)

Ex-situ conservation is conservation of selected rare or threatened animals and plants in places outside their natural homes. It includes offsite collections like botanical gardens, zoological parks, wildlife safari parks, gene banks, etc.

(4)

Core zone or Natural zone area of a biosphere reserve is undisturbed and legally protected ecosystem. No human activity is allowed in this zone. Little human activity is allowed in the buffer zone whereas in transition zone, an active cooperation is present between reserve management and local people for activities like settlements, cropping, etc. Restoration region is degraded area which is selected for restoration to near natural form.

(3)

Biodiversity hotspots are a method to identify those regions of the world where attention is needed to address biodiversity loss and to guide investments in conservation. The idea was first developed by Norman Myers in 1988 to identify tropical forests hotspots characterised both by exceptional levels of plant endemism and serious habitat loss which he then expanded to a more global scope. Currently 34 biodiversity hotspots have been identified most of which occur in tropical forests.

(4)

(1)

(3)

In-situ (on site) conservation is conservation and protection of the whole ecosystem and its biodiversity at all levels, in order to protect the threatened species. Two in-situ methods are being used to save biodiversity viz., hotspots and protected areas. Protected areas include national parks, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves and sacred groves. Ex-situ (off site) conservation is conservation of selected rare plants/animals in places outside their natural homes. Ex-situ conservation includes offsite collections, seed banks, gene banks, in vitro fertilization, botanical gardens, cryopreservation techniques and tissue culture.

(4)

Cryopreservation is an advanced method of ex-situ conservation. It involves preservation at -196°C in liquid nitrogen. It can maintain tissue culture, embryos, animal cells/tissues, spermatozoa indefinitely. The cryopreserved material is revived through special technique, when required.

(2)

Ex-situ (off site) conservation is conservation of selected rare plants/animals in places outside their natural homes. Ex-situ conservation includes offsite collections, seed banks, gene banks, in vitro fertilization, cryopreservation techniques and tissue culture.

(3)

Zoological parks (Zoos), botanical gardens and wildlife safari parks are examples of ex-situ conservation. Sacred groves, biosphere reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are examples of in-situ conservation.

(2)

The Evil Quartet       –     Causes of biodiversity losses

Ex situ conservation –     Cryopreservation

Lantana camara       –     Alien species invasion

Dodo                        –     Extinction