Write a note on in situ conservation of biodiversity.

Answer: In situ (on-site) conservation is the protection of species in their natural habitat, by protecting the whole ecosystem.

• Protected areas: ecologically important areas are legally protected.
  • National parks: strictly reserved for wildlife; no grazing, cultivation or private ownership, e.g. Tadoba (Maharashtra), Jim Corbett, Kaziranga.
  • Wildlife sanctuaries: animals are protected but some human activities such as collecting forest produce are allowed, e.g. Karnala bird sanctuary.
  • Biosphere reserves: large multipurpose areas with a core zone (no human activity), buffer zone (limited activity, research) and transition zone (human settlements), e.g. Nilgiri, Sundarbans.
• Biodiversity hotspots: regions very rich in endemic species and under threat get special attention, e.g. Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, Himalaya, Indo-Burma.
• Sacred groves: forest patches protected by local communities on religious grounds, e.g. devrai in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Khasi and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya.

Advantages: species continue to evolve in their natural surroundings and the whole community, including unknown species, is protected at low cost.