- This approach involves relocating endangered animals and plants from their natural habitat to a specified location where they can receive specialized care and protection.
- Zoological parks, botanical gardens, wildlife safari parks, and seed banks are instrumental in carrying out this method.
- Despite facing extinction in the wild, many species of animals are preserved in zoological parks.
- Ex-situ conservation has expanded beyond safeguarding vulnerable species, now incorporating cryopreservation technology.
- This allows gametes of endangered species to be stored in a viable and fertile state for extended periods.
- Additionally, in vitro fertilization of eggs and tissue culture techniques are feasible.
- Seed banks play a role in preserving seeds of various genetic strains of commercially important plants for an extended duration.
- The primary objective of the national gene bank at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Delhi, is the long-term conservation of rare accessions, particularly in the form of seeds, as fundamental collections for future generations.
FACILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH EX SITU CONSERVATION
Botanical Gardens:
- This method involves conserving endangered and threatened species outside their natural habitats, and it is widely employed in botanical gardens.
- Governments at various levels, educational institutions, and international entities collaborate to maintain these gardens.
- Globally, there are over 80,000 species housed in more than 1500 botanic gardens and arboreta.
- Many botanical gardens are equipped with tissue culture labs, seed banks, and other ex-situ technologies.
Zoological Parks (Zoos):
- Professionally managed zoos worldwide, numbering over 800, host around 3000 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Zoos often implement advanced captive breeding programs, providing breeders and genetic engineers with a valuable source of genetic material from the wild ancestors of crop plants, animals, or microbes.
- Tropical islands, with a high degree of agro-biodiversity and numerous indigenous animal species, are particularly noteworthy.
Wildlife Safari Parks:
- A wildlife safari park, akin to a zoo, serves as an ex-situ conservation technique.
- These establishments, sometimes referred to as “wildlife parks,” are larger than zoos but smaller than game reserves.
- Visitors can observe freely roaming animals from the comfort of vehicles provided by the park or their own cars.
- An example is the 750-acre African Lion Safari in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Seed Banks:
- Seed banks play a crucial role in conserving genetic diversity for future generations.
- These banks store seeds in jars and vaults that are resistant to bombs, floods, and radiation.
- The preservation of seeds is essential for various purposes, including enhancing crop output, developing disease resistance, fostering drought tolerance, improving nutritional quality, flavor, and other traits.
- Plant breeders rely on preserved genes.
- Additionally, seed banks prevent the loss of genetic diversity in rare or threatened plant species, contributing to the ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.
- Seeds are typically stored in conditions of low humidity and cold temperatures, around -20°C.
TECHNIQUES FOR PLANTS
- Cryopreservation:
- Cryopreservation involves storing seeds, pollen, tissue, and embryos in liquid nitrogen. This method allows for virtually unlimited storage without deterioration over an extended timeframe. It is extensively used in the conservation of plant genetic resources.
- Seed Banking:
- Seed banking preserves seeds in a controlled environment with regulated humidity and temperature. This method is suitable for taxa with seeds that can endure desiccation. Seed banks can range from climate-controlled walk-in freezers to sealed boxes.
- Field Gene Banking:
- Field gene banking employs open-air plantings to preserve the genetic diversity of wild, domesticated, or forest species. It is often used for species challenging to conserve in seed banks. Field gene banks enable cultivation and harvesting of offspring from species preserved through various ex situ methods.
- Cultivation Collections:
- Cultivation collections involve horticultural care of plants in a constructed landscape, such as a botanic garden or arboretum. While resembling field gene banks, cultivation collections may be smaller and less genetically diverse. They are vulnerable to disease spread, genetic drift, artificial selection, and hybridization.
- Inter situ:
- Inter situ conservation involves horticultural care of plants while maintaining a setting as close to natural as possible. This method is applied in semi-natural and restored habitats, particularly for rare taxa or those found in severely degraded environments.
- Tissue Culture:
- Tissue culture maintains somatic tissue in vitro for a short period. Controlled lighting and temperature conditions manage cell development. This method is primarily used for clonal growth of vegetative tissue or immature seeds as an ex situ conservation strategy.
TECHNIQUES FOR ANIMALS
- Gene Banks:
- Gene banks, equipped with cryogenic facilities, store living sperm, eggs, or embryos of animal species. This method is crucial for the conservation of genetic diversity in endangered animals.
- Cryopreservation:
- Cryopreservation is employed in creating “frozen zoos,” preserving samples from various animal species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. The Zoological Society of San Diego, for example, utilizes cryopreservation techniques.
- Interspecific Pregnancy:
- Interspecific pregnancy is a method to facilitate reproduction in endangered species. It involves implanting embryos of an endangered species into a female of a related species and allowing them to bring the embryo to term. Successful cases, such as the Spanish ibex, have been documented.
ADVANTAGES
- Protection from Predators and Poachers:
- Organisms are shielded from threats posed by predators and poachers, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Health Monitoring and Medical Assistance:
- Individual health can be closely monitored, and necessary medical assistance can be provided promptly.
- Effective Population Division:
- Populations can be efficiently divided, especially in the face of disasters or emergencies, ensuring better management.
- Genetic Diversity Measurement:
- The genetic diversity of the population can be accurately measured, aiding in conservation planning.
- Implementation of Selective Breeding:
- Selective breeding programs can be implemented to enhance desirable traits within the population.
- Modern Reproductive Technology:
- Utilizing modern reproductive technology increases the chances of reproductive success in captive populations.
- Population Increase through Breeding:
- Controlled breeding allows for the increase in the numbers of endangered animals and plants.
- Simplified Research:
- Research on reproductive physiology, behavior, and ecology of endangered species is facilitated in a controlled environment.
- Fundraising Opportunities:
- Conservation sites can serve as attractions, contributing to fundraising efforts for additional conservation initiatives.
- Educational Activities:
- Educational activities can be conducted at conservation areas, raising awareness about endangered species and conservation efforts.
DISADVANTAGES
- Limited Genetic Diversity:
- Captive populations often have minimal genetic diversity, which may pose challenges for long-term viability.
- Nutritional Challenges:
- Animals residing outside their natural habitat may face nutritional problems due to differences in diet and environment.
- Disease Exposure:
- Captive animals may be exposed to a range of diseases, which can spread within confined spaces.
- Abnormal Behavior:
- Animals may exhibit abnormal behavior in captivity, impacting their natural instincts and social dynamics.
- Reproduction Challenges:
- Reproduction attempts may be challenging, and natural mating behaviors may be disrupted.
- Environmental Conditions:
- Maintaining appropriate environmental conditions for survival in captivity can be complex.
- Acceptance by Wild Members:
- Reintroduction efforts may face challenges as individuals raised in captivity may not be readily accepted by wild populations.
FAQs – Ex-situ Conservation
1-What is ex-situ conservation?
A: Ex-situ conservation involves relocating endangered animals and plants from their natural habitat to a designated location for specialized care and protection. Facilities such as zoological parks, botanical gardens, wildlife safari parks, and seed banks play a crucial role in this method.
2-How do zoological parks contribute to ex-situ conservation?
A: Zoological parks house endangered species and implement advanced captive breeding programs, providing protection and preservation for species facing extinction in the wild.
3-What is the role of seed banks in ex-situ conservation?
A: Seed banks play a critical role in preserving genetic diversity for future generations. They store seeds in controlled environments, safeguarding them against environmental threats and contributing to the conservation of plant species.
4-How has ex-situ conservation expanded beyond safeguarding species?
A: Ex-situ conservation now includes cryopreservation technology, allowing the storage of gametes in a viable state for extended periods. In vitro fertilization and tissue culture techniques are also employed for enhanced reproductive success.
5-What are the facilities associated with ex-situ conservation?
A: Facilities include botanical gardens, zoological parks, wildlife safari parks, and seed banks. Botanical gardens house diverse species and often have advanced technologies like tissue culture labs. Zoos globally host thousands of species, and wildlife safari parks provide a drive-in experience to observe animals. Seed banks store seeds in controlled environments for extended preservation.
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