Project File on In-Situ Conservation
Name: Syeda Iqra Fatima
Class: B.Sc in BZC, 1st Year
Roll Number: 10
College: Progress Degree College
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. What is In-Situ Conservation?
3. Features of In-Situ Conservation
4. Examples of In-Situ Conservation in India
5. Importance of In-Situ Conservation
6. Difference Between In-Situ and Ex-Situ Conservation
7. Conclusion
8. Acknowledgement
9. Viva Questions
10. References
Introduction
Biodiversity is essential for the stability of ecosystems and the survival of life on Earth.
Conservation of biodiversity can be done in two main ways:
- In-situ conservation (on-site)
- Ex-situ conservation (off-site)
This project focuses on In-situ conservation, which means conserving species in their
natural habitats.
What is In-Situ Conservation?
In-situ conservation refers to the conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats, and the
maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings.
It is the most appropriate way to conserve large populations of flora and fauna, especially
those that are endangered.
Features of In-Situ Conservation
- Protects whole ecosystems
- Supports species interaction and evolution
- Maintains natural food chains and webs
- Cheaper than ex-situ conservation
- Dynamic and long-term
Examples of In-Situ Conservation in India
1. National Parks
Protected areas where human activities like hunting, grazing, or forestry are strictly
prohibited.
Example: Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand) – Famous for Bengal tigers
2. Wildlife Sanctuaries
Areas where animals are protected in their natural habitats but some human activities like
grazing may be allowed.
Example: Gir Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat) – Only home to Asiatic lions
3. Biosphere Reserves
Large areas covering multiple ecosystems that allow both conservation and sustainable use.
Example: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – Home to elephants, tigers, and diverse plants
4. Sacred Groves
Forest areas protected by local communities due to religious beliefs.
Example: Found in Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Kerala
Importance of In-Situ Conservation
- Maintains ecosystem integrity
- Supports endangered species in their habitat
- Preserves genetic diversity
- Encourages local community participation
- Helps in environmental education and ecotourism
Difference Between In-Situ and Ex-Situ Conservation
Feature In-Situ Conservation Ex-Situ
Conservation
Location Natural habitat Artificial habitat
(zoos, seed banks)
Cost Relatively low High
Species interaction Natural Limited
Long-term survival High May be difficult
Conclusion
In-situ conservation plays a vital role in protecting biodiversity in its natural form. Through
national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves, we can ensure that future
generations inherit a rich and thriving environment.
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my teachers and the faculty of Progress
Degree College for their guidance and support. Their encouragement and valuable insights
made this project possible.
Viva Questions
1. What is In-situ conservation?
2. Give two examples of In-situ conservation methods in India.
3. How is In-situ conservation different from Ex-situ conservation?
4. What is the role of sacred groves in conservation?
5. Name one biosphere reserve in India.
References
- NCERT Biology Class XII
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), India
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
