Conservation of Biodiversity is of importance because of two major reasons firstly because of services that biodiversity provides and secondly the rapid pace at which at which biodiversity is being destroyed. There are two broader categories in which the efforts for conservation of biodiversity can be grouped – i) In-situ (on site) and ii) Ex-Situ(off site).

In-Situ conservation

It is on-site conservation of genetic resources in natural populations of plants or animal species such as forest genetic resources, in natural populations of tree and animal species.
The process of protecting an endangered plant or animal species in its natural habitat is commonly known as in situ conservation.
For ex. Identifying and declaring Biosphere reserves (Nilgiri / Manas / Nanda devi etc.)

Ex-situ conservation

In this approach, threatened animals and plants are taken out from their natural habitat and placed in special setting where they can be protected and given special care.
Zoological parks, botanical gardens and wildlife safari parks serve this purpose.
There are many animals that have become extinct in the wild but continue to be maintained in zoological parks.

Biomes

Biomes are large-scale ecological regions characterized by distinct climate patterns, vegetation types, and species adaptations. They represent major terrestrial ecosystems found across the planet.

Here are some examples of biomes:

Tropical Rainforest

Located near the equator, these biomes are characterized by high temperatures, abundant rainfall, and diverse vegetation.
The Amazon Rainforest in South America is the largest tropical rainforest, known for its incredible biodiversity.

Desert

Deserts are arid regions with low precipitation and extreme temperature variations.
The Sahara Desert in Africa is the largest hot desert, while the Mojave Desert in North America is an example of a cold desert.

Temperate Forest

These biomes occur in regions with moderate temperatures and distinct seasons.
The temperate forests of North America, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, are characterized by deciduous trees that shed their leaves in the fall.

Grassland

Grasslands are characterized by vast expanses of grasses and few trees.
The African savanna, home to iconic species like lions, elephants, and giraffes, is a prime example of a grassland biome.

Taiga/Boreal Forest

The taiga is the world’s largest terrestrial biome, found in high-latitude regions with long, cold winters.
The boreal forests of Canada, with their coniferous trees and extensive wetlands, represent this biome.

Tundra

The tundra biome occurs in the Arctic and alpine regions, characterized by extreme cold, permafrost, and a short growing season.
The Arctic tundra in northern Russia is a prime example of this unique biome.

Mediterranean Scrubland

Found in regions with a Mediterranean climate, these biomes have hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
The Mediterranean Basin, including countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece, features Mediterranean scrubland known as maquis and garrigue.

Mangrove Forest

Mangroves are unique coastal biomes found in tropical and subtropical regions.
The Sundarbans mangrove forest in Bangladesh and India is the largest mangrove ecosystem, known for its dense mangrove trees and rich biodiversity.

Conservation of Biodiversity: In-Situ & Ex- Situ & Biomes

Conservation of Biodiversity: In-Situ& Biomes

Conservation of Biodiversity: In-Situ & Ex- Situ