Conservation approaches — in-situ vs ex-situ
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UPSC Prelims frequently tests the distinction between in-situ and ex-situ conservation through case studies (Project Tiger, seed banks, zoos) and policy frameworks (CBD targets, National Biodiversity Action Plan). Examiners assess understanding of cost-benefit trade-offs, habitat preservation vs. captive breeding, and India-specific conservation models. Common errors include conflating protected areas with habitat corridors or overestimating ex-situ effectiveness without ecosystem context.
In-situ = species in natural habitat; ex-situ = artificial/controlled environment
Protected areas, corridors, sanctuaries = in-situ strategy
Zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks = ex-situ strategy
In-situ preserves evolutionary adaptation; ex-situ prevents extinction
India uses both: Tiger Reserves (in-situ) + National Gene Bank (ex-situ)