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Species
Conservation
Strategies |
The two methods of preserving biodiversity are in
situ and ex situ methods. In situ methods take place within
the species' natural habitats. Establishing protected areas is the main example of in
situ conservation. Ex situ conservation strategies rely on non-natural
habitat environments for protecting species. Often times, ex situ
strategies are employed for additional practices such as breeding programs. Zoos,
aquaria, seed banks, and botanical gardens are examples of ex situ methods. |
IN
SITU |
EX
SITU |
- ESTABLISHING AND MANAGING PROTECTED
AREAS
Conserving ecosystem communities can preserve large numbers of species in a
single area: the larger the area, the more species can be protected. Protected
areas should seek to include endemic (native) populations, healthy populations of species
that are threatened elsewhere, and keystone species. This approach to species
conservation require an extensive knowledge of the natural history of the species and its
habitat.
- REINTRODUCTION OF SPECIES
The reintroduction of endangered species onto lands that were once the
species historical range is a method that is being used more frequently to bring nearly
extinct species back to viable populations. Reintroduction is often used in
conjunction with captive breeding programs.
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- ZOOS AND AQUARIA
Zoos and aquaria enable
some populations to be periodically released into the wild to help maintain numbers and
genetic variability. Captive breeding programs which strive to augment natural
population size are carried out almost entirely within the realm of zoos and aquaria.Zoos
and aquaria are also means of educating the public about biodiversity and the need to
preserve species and habitats.
- SEED BANKS AND BOTANICAL
GARDENS
These ex situ methods are used primarily for plants and
economically important agricultural crops. They preserve the genetic diversity of
the world's crop species and protect against the destruction of species because of
changing environmental conditions.
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| This is not an
exhaustive list. However, those methods listed above are the most commonly used
methods for protection and conservation. |
