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India is home to 2.4% of the world’s biodiversity.

In situ conservation is the protection and management of plant and animal species within their natural habitats. This approach is crucial for preserving India’s rich biodiversity, which is facing numerous threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, and overexploitation of resources.

Advantages of In Situ Conservation:

  1. Preservation of Ecosystem Services: In situ conservation helps maintain ecosystem services like pollination, pest control, and nutrient cycling, which are essential for human well-being.
  2. Protection of Endemic Species: In situ conservation is particularly important for protecting endemic species found only in specific regions of India, such as the Western Ghats and the Himalayas.
  3. Maintenance of Ecological Balance: By conserving species within their natural habitats, in situ conservation helps maintain ecological balance and prevents the disruption of delicate ecosystem processes.
  4. Community Engagement and Empowerment: In situ conservation often involves local communities in conservation efforts, promoting community engagement, empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.

Disadvantages of In Situ Conservation:

  1. Habitat Fragmentation: Human activities like agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development can lead to habitat fragmentation, making it challenging to conserve species in situ.
  2. Human-Wildlife Conflict: In situ conservation can sometimes lead to human-wildlife conflict, particularly when wildlife encroaches on agricultural lands or human settlements.
  3. Climate Change: Climate change can alter ecosystem processes and disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, making it challenging to conserve species in situ.
  4. Limited Resources: In situ conservation requires significant financial and human resources, which can be a limitation, particularly in developing countries like India.

India’s Efforts :

  1. The Indian government has established 903 protected areas, covering about 5% of the country’s geographical area, to conserve biodiversity in situ – MoEFCC, 2020.
  2. In situ conservation efforts have helped recover populations of endangered species like the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, and Indian rhinoceros – NTCA, 2020.
  3. Community-led conservation initiatives, such as the Bishnoi community’s efforts to protect the blackbuck in Rajasthan, demonstrate the importance of community engagement in in situ conservation
Legacy Editor Changed status to publish April 14, 2025