What are the different approaches to biodiversity conservation in India?
In India, there are two major approaches to the conservation of biodiversity. They are:- i) In-situ conservation:- It is the process of protecting the endangered species of plant or animal in the natural habitat lay either protecting or cleaning up the habitat or by defending species from predators It includes:- a) Biosphere Reserves:- There are 425 biosphere reserves in the world of which 14 are in India. Hotspots have been identified for maximum protection to endemic or endangered species. b) National park or wildlife Sanctuaries:- India has about 90 national parks and 448 wildlife sanctuaries. c) Sacred forests:- These are undisturbed forests without any human intervention and are surrounded by highly degraded landscapes. ii) Ex-situ Conservation:- It is the process by which the endangered species of plants or animals are given protection by removing them from threatened habitat and placing them under the care of humans. It includes:- a) Botanical garden, zoological park, and arboreta are conventional methods of ex-situ conservation b) Cryopreservation to the storage of materials at an ultra-low temperature either by rapid cooling or by gradual cooling and simultaneous dehydration at low temperature.
