Biodiversity conservation is one of the most
important environmental priorities for India and the world. Among the various
approaches, in-situ conservation — conserving species in their natural
habitats — is widely recognized as the most effective way to maintain
ecological integrity. For UPSC aspirants, in-situ conservation is a core topic
under Environment & Ecology in Prelims and GS Paper-III (Mains).
This method not only preserves species but also safeguards the complex web of
life that sustains ecosystems, making it crucial for climate resilience, food
security, and sustainable development.
In-Situ Conservation
In-Situ Conservation – Detailed Notes for
Prelims & Mains
1. Definition
In-situ conservation means protecting species in
their natural habitat without removing them from their ecosystem. This
allows natural evolutionary processes to continue and helps species adapt to
environmental changes.
Key Features:
- Conservation occurs in
the original ecosystem.
- Maintains ecological
processes.
- Allows natural
adaptation and interaction.
- Often implemented
through protected areas.
2. Importance of In-Situ Conservation
- Preserves genetic
diversity
within and between species.
- Maintains ecosystem
services
(pollination, water purification, carbon sequestration).
- Protects cultural
and indigenous heritage linked to biodiversity.
- Ensures species
survival in changing climates.
- Allows continuous
scientific research in a natural setting.
3. Difference Between In-Situ and Ex-Situ
Conservation
|
Feature |
In-Situ Conservation |
Ex-Situ Conservation |
|
Location |
Natural habitat |
Artificial setting |
|
Example |
National parks, wildlife
sanctuaries |
Zoos, botanical gardens |
|
Adaptation |
Natural evolutionary
adaptation |
Limited adaptation |
|
Cost |
Long-term lower cost |
Often high maintenance |
4. Types of In-Situ Conservation in India
India follows multiple approaches:
a) Protected Areas
- National Parks: Strictly protected
for biodiversity (e.g., Kaziranga, Gir).
- Wildlife Sanctuaries: Allow some human
activity (e.g., Periyar, Bharatpur).
- Biosphere Reserves: Include core, buffer,
and transition zones (e.g., Nilgiri, Sundarbans).
b) Sacred Groves
- Community-managed
patches of forests.
- Found in Meghalaya,
Maharashtra, Karnataka.
c) Community Reserves
- Protected by local
communities under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002.
d) Conservation Reserves
- Buffer zones between
protected areas and human settlements.
e) Marine Protected Areas
- Coral reefs, mangroves,
and marine biodiversity zones.
5. Legal Framework in India
- Wildlife Protection
Act, 1972 –
Provides legal basis for national parks, sanctuaries.
- Biological Diversity
Act, 2002 –
Promotes conservation and sustainable use.
- Environment Protection
Act, 1986 –
Framework for environmental safeguards.
- Forest Rights Act, 2006 – Recognizes community
rights and roles in conservation.
6. International Conventions Supporting
In-Situ Conservation
- Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD) – Aims to conserve biodiversity globally.
- Ramsar Convention – Protects wetlands of
international importance.
- CITES – Regulates trade in
endangered species.
- World Heritage
Convention –
Protects natural heritage sites.
7. Major In-Situ Conservation Sites in India
a) National Parks
- Jim Corbett
(Uttarakhand) – First national park in India.
- Kaziranga (Assam) –
One-horned rhinoceros habitat.
- Gir (Gujarat) – Asiatic
lion conservation.
b) Biosphere Reserves
- Nilgiri
– Rich biodiversity hotspot.
- Sundarbans
– Largest mangrove forest.
- Great
Nicobar – Unique island ecosystem.
c) Marine Reserves
- Gulf of Mannar
Biosphere Reserve.
- Rani Jhansi Marine
National Park.
8. Challenges in In-Situ Conservation
- Habitat
fragmentation due
to urbanization.
- Human-wildlife
conflicts.
- Illegal
poaching and trade.
- Climate
change impacts on
ecosystems.
- Inadequate
funding for
management.
- Encroachment on protected areas.
9. Case Studies
a) Project Tiger
- Started in 1973 to
protect Bengal tigers.
- Increased tiger numbers
from 1,800 (1972) to over 3,000 (2023).
b) Asiatic Lion Project in Gir
- Unique habitat
conservation leading to stable population growth.
c) Community-led Dolphin Conservation in Bihar
- Vikramshila
Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary – example of community involvement.
10. Way Forward
- Strengthening
community participation.
- Integrating
eco-tourism with conservation.
- Enhancing
funding and technology use (GIS, drones).
- Expanding
protected area network.
- Climate
adaptation strategies for species survival.
Conclusion
In-situ conservation is the foundation of
biodiversity protection in India. It aligns with constitutional provisions
(Article 48A, Article 51A(g)) and India’s international commitments. For UPSC
aspirants, understanding its scope, mechanisms, and challenges is vital for
answering both objective and analytical questions in Prelims and Mains.
Top 10 FAQs on In-Situ Conservation
1. What is in-situ conservation?
In-situ conservation means protecting species in their natural habitats,
allowing them to live and evolve without relocation.
2. What are examples of in-situ conservation in
India?
Examples include Kaziranga National Park, Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, Gir
National Park, and Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
3. How is in-situ different from ex-situ
conservation?
In-situ conservation happens in natural habitats; ex-situ occurs outside, like
in zoos or seed banks.
4. Why is in-situ conservation important?
It maintains genetic diversity, supports ecosystem functions, and helps species
adapt naturally.
5. Which laws support in-situ conservation in
India?
Main laws are the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Biological Diversity Act
(2002), and Environment Protection Act (1986).
6. What role do communities play in in-situ
conservation?
Communities protect sacred groves, manage community reserves, and reduce
human-wildlife conflict.
7. What are biosphere reserves?
Large areas combining conservation and sustainable use, divided into core,
buffer, and transition zones.
8. How does in-situ conservation help against
climate change?
It keeps ecosystems intact, which helps in carbon sequestration and climate
resilience.
9. What challenges does in-situ conservation face?
Poaching, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and inadequate funding.
10. How can in-situ conservation be improved in
India?
Through community participation, better technology, more funding, and policy
reforms.
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