{"id":183,"date":"2019-03-06T10:21:03","date_gmt":"2019-03-06T10:21:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/esp03.epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=183"},"modified":"2019-04-16T07:08:36","modified_gmt":"2019-04-16T07:08:36","slug":"strategies-for-biodiversity-conservation","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/chapter\/strategies-for-biodiversity-conservation\/","title":{"rendered":"Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation"},"content":{"raw":"<div><span style=\"float: right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OfhXuvVTuh0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img src=\"http:\/\/epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/download.png\" alt=\"epgp books\" width=\"75px\" height=\"75px;\" \/><\/a>\r\n<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Learning outcomes<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Biodiversity Conservation Methods <em>In-situ <\/em>conservation<\/li>\r\n \t<li><em>Ex-situ <\/em>conservation<\/li>\r\n \t<li><em>In-vitro <\/em>techniques of conservation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>International Framework For Biodiversity Conservation National Framework For Biodiversity Conservation<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Introduction<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">In previous modules we have learnt about causes and threats to biodiversity, importance of biodiversity and its loss. In this module we will study about different strategies which can be adopted for the conservation of biodiversity.<\/p>\r\n<strong>Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Biological diversity is the key foundation of a healthy, livable and sustainable planet but the increasing exploitation coupled with natural calamities has led to the rapid dwindling of important species. Large numbers of organisms are facing loss or extinction due to natural and anthropogenic reasons. It is estimated that 60,000 to 1,00,000 species with diverse economic uses are under threat of extinction and needs to be protected. This necessitates urgent measures to conserve the biodiversity at ecosystem, species and gene pool levels, and to enable sustained use for present and future generations. Conservation refers to the protection, preservation, management and restoration of the landscapes, ecosystems and species.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">An organism can be conserved in a natural\/ artificial habitat or in the form of a germplasm (bacterial cultures, animal tissues, seeds <em>etc.<\/em>) by employing various methods. A number of efforts have been put forward by various governmental and non-governmental organizations aiming for the conservation of biodiversity. It includes certain <em>in-situ<\/em> and <em>ex-situ<\/em> approaches. Emergence of <em>in-vitro<\/em> technology as an adjunct to <em>ex-situ<\/em> conservation is being viewed with great expectations for conservation of threatened species. The need of hour is to amalgamate\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">the traditional as well as emerging technologies towards conservation of biodiversity and genetic resources for sustainable development.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">The first and foremost step required in the direction of biodiversity conservation is about gathering knowledge on the existing biodiversity. It has been stated that the earth inhabits millions of plants and animal species, only a few of which have been identified so far. The taxonomists are required to identify and quantify more and more species so that closer estimates could be build up while measuring the biodiversity loss. Thereafter, appropriate plans and policies should be designed, depending on the habitats, species and conservation priorities. The last step requires the strong implementation of these conservation strategies by enforcing the laws in order to achieve the objective. Also, promoting awareness among the general public about the ongoing overexploitation and its future implications are required. It is also important for all the developed and developing countries to work in coordination, share as much information as they have about the biodiversity in their region and help each other for the realization of this goal.<\/p>\r\n<strong>BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION METHODS<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><em>a)\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>In-situ <\/em><\/strong><strong>conservation<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>In-situ <\/em>or \u201con-site\u201d conservation is the protection of organism in its natural habitat where evolutionary progression continues. The <em>in-situ<\/em> approach includes protection of a group of typical ecosystems or the regions with high biodiversity through a network of protected areas. These are the terrestrial or marine areas, exclusively meant to protect biological diversity and its allied resources. This is the most appropriate method as the species are being conserved in their natural habitats. It includes National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Sacred groves, and Biosphere Reserves.<\/p>\r\n<strong>i) National Parks<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">National Parks are protected areas under government, secluded from any kind of human interference. These are the small reserves meant for the protection of wild life and their natural habitats. Activities like grazing, forestry <em>etc.<\/em> are not permitted in these areas.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<strong><em>Some Major National Parks in India<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gir National Park, Gujrat\r\n\r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jim Corbett National Park, Uttrakhand\r\n\r\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kaziranga National Park, Assam\r\n\r\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bandipur National park, Karnataka\r\n\r\n5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tudula national Park, Maharashtra\r\n\r\n6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh\r\n\r\n7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Manas National Park, Assam\r\n\r\n8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-186\" src=\"http:\/\/esp03.epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-51.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"529\" height=\"309\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>ii) Wildlife Sanctuaries<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">The Wildlife Sanctuaries are bounded to conserve the wild flora and fauna. Similar to National Parks, these are also government owned areas, but limited human activities such as harvesting of timbers, collection of forest products, cultivation of lands <em>etc.<\/em> are allowed in wildlife sanctuaries as long as these do not interfere with the wild environment.<\/p>\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-187\" src=\"http:\/\/esp03.epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-52.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"565\" height=\"380\" \/>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<strong><em>Some Wildlife Sanctuaries in India<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka\r\n\r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Orissa\r\n\r\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gibbbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam\r\n\r\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu and Kashmir\r\n\r\n5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sunderbans Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal\r\n\r\n6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Keoladeo Bird sanctuary, Rajasthan ( Now converted to National Park)\r\n\r\n7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Periyar Wildlife Samctuary, Kerela\r\n\r\n8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu\r\n\r\n<strong>iii)\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Sacred Groves<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Sacred groves are the forest fragments of varying sizes, which are communally protected and usually have a significant religious importance. Economic activities like hunting, timber production <em>etc.<\/em> are strictly prohibited in these areas. Sacred groves do not enjoy protection <em>via<\/em> federal legislation in India but are protected by locals and associated NGO\u2019s. For example Scrub Forest in Thar Desert of Rajasthan maintained by Bishnois community and Sacred Hindu Grove near Chandod on the banks of Nerbudda worshiped by local communities. Largest\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">sacred grove in India is Hariyali, near Ganchar in Chamoli district in Uttrakhand. According to an estimate there are nearly 14000 to 1, 00,000 sacred groves all over India.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-188\" src=\"http:\/\/esp03.epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-53.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"435\" height=\"329\" \/>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Picture of a sacred Groove<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<strong>Biosphere Reserves<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Biosphere Reserves, on the other hand are a special category of protected areas of land, where people are an integral component of the system. A biosphere reserve consists of a core, buffer and transition zones. The natural or core zone represents an undisturbed or least disturbed area of representative ecosystem. The buffer zone surrounds the core zone, and is managed for research, education and training activities. The transition zone is an area of active cooperation between reserve management and the local people. Its goal is to facilitate the conservation of biodiversity, foster sustainable economic and human development and to provide support for research, monitoring, education and information. Nine of the 18 Biosphere Reserves in India are included in UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program list.<\/p>\r\n<strong>List of Biosphere Reserves in India<\/strong>\r\n\r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nilgiri, Western Ghats (1986)\r\n\r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nandadevi, Uttrakhand (1988)\r\n\r\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nokrek, Meghalaya (1988)\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu (1989)\r\n\r\n5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sunderbans, West Bengal (1989)\r\n\r\n6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Manas, Assam (1989)\r\n\r\n7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Great Nicobar, Andaman and Nikobar Islands (1989)\r\n\r\n8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Simlipal, Odisha (1994)\r\n\r\n9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dibru-Saikhowa, Assam (1997)\r\n\r\n10.\u00a0 Dehang-Dibang, Arunachal Pradesh (1998)\r\n\r\n11.\u00a0 Panchmarhi, Madhya Pradesh (1999)\r\n\r\n12.\u00a0 Khangchendzonga, Sikkim (2000)\r\n\r\n13.\u00a0 Agasthyamalai, Western Ghats (2001)\r\n\r\n14.\u00a0 Achanakamar-Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh (2005)\r\n\r\n15.\u00a0 Kuchchh, Gujrat (2008)\r\n\r\n16.\u00a0 Cold desert, Himachal Pradesh (2009)\r\n\r\n17.\u00a0 Seshachalam, Andhra Pradesh (2010)\r\n\r\n18.\u00a0 Panna, Madhya Pradesh (2011)\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Protected area network in India<\/strong>\r\n<table class=\"aligncenter\" style=\"width: 60%\" border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Protected area<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Status<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>National parks<\/td>\r\n<td>103<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Wildlife sanctuaries<\/td>\r\n<td>543<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Biosphere reserves<\/td>\r\n<td>18<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Community reserves<\/td>\r\n<td>45<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Conservation reserves<\/td>\r\n<td>73<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Total protected area: 1, 62,024.69 km\u00b2 (4.93% of total geographical area) (Source: www.wiienvis.nic.in [July, 2017])<\/p>\r\n<strong><em>b)\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>Ex-situ <\/em><\/strong><strong>conservation<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>Ex-situ <\/em>or \u201coff site\u201d conservation refers to the protection of elements of biodiversity outside their natural habitats. In this case, there is a cessation of evolutionary progression, but the desired genes would be preserved. This conservation strategy plays an important role in recovering the endangered species. It is particularly useful in the field of agriculture as the\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">domesticated plants which cannot survive in nature unaided, can be preserved using various <\/span><em style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">ex-situ <\/em><span style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">techniques.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">It includes<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">1.<strong>Zoological gardens <\/strong>where the animals are confined in enclosures, displayed to public for educational and recreational motives and may even bred for conservation purposes<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">2.<strong>Botanical gardens <\/strong>has a collection of wide range of plants grown outside natural habitat in some artificially provided conditions and are meant for conservation, research and education.<\/p>\r\n3.<strong>Arboreta <\/strong>are the botanical gardens specialized in trees.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">4.<strong>Nurseries <\/strong>are a place where plants are propagated to a usable size, usually up to the seedling stage, generally meant for ornamental purposes.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">5.<strong>Field gene banks <\/strong>are useful for conserving plant genotypes (generally vegetatively propagated) as live plants that undergo continuous growth and require continuous maintenance. These provide an easy access to plant genetic resources but are expensive to maintain, require more labor, inputs and space and have higher levels of risk from natural disasters and attacks from pests and pathogens. 42,000 varieties of rice are conserved in Central Rice Research Institute in Orissa.<\/p>\r\n6.<strong>Captive breeding <\/strong>of animals with possible reintroduction into the wild.\r\n\r\n<strong>7.<\/strong><strong>Artificial propagation of plants<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">8.<strong><em>In-vitro <\/em><\/strong><strong>techniques <\/strong>include the laboratory practices used for the conservation of plant\/ animal and microbial diversity through its storage in germplasm banks, propagation <em>via<\/em> tissue culture methods, preservation using the technique of cryopreservation, conversion into artificial seeds, maintenance as slow growth cultures, and long term perpetuation as DNA clones.<\/p>\r\n<strong><em>c)\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>In-vitro <\/em><\/strong><strong>techniques<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>i) Germplasm banks<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Germplasm banks or biobanks provide controlled storage facilities of temperature, humidity <em>etc. <\/em>for the material to be conserved. These are variously called as seed banks, gene banks, DNA banks <em>etc.<\/em> depending on the material that is conserved in them. They are generally used for the storage of seeds, sperm and ova. The germplasm banks save large variety of plants &amp;\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">animals in a very small space and at the same time ensure the authenticity of scientific identity of the conserved material. It also insures the responsible use of the material, equitable benefit sharing by all parties, and international networking with other <\/span><em style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">in-vitro<\/em><span style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\"> banks, thereby facilitating the exchange of knowledge\/ material.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nMaterial conserved in germplasm banks are of 3 types:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Base collection: Samples which is kept for long term and is not to be used as a routine distribution source.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Active collection: Samples maintained for medium term viability (about 30 years)which are available when required.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Working collection: Samples which are easily accessible to be used by breeders or researchers for various experiments and crop improvement programmes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>ii) Seed banks<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">In case of plant species, seeds are a convenient means of long term storage of genetic diversity, as the samples are small in size, easy to handle, require low maintenance and frequently remain viable for long periods. In seed banks, material in the form of seeds are stored at nearly -10 to -20\u00b0C, often using silica gel in the seed containers to reduce humidity. In general, conditions of low temperature and desiccation allow seeds to maintain viability, in many cases indefinitely. Further, the method provides ease of storage, economy of space, low labor demands, maintenance of large samples and cost related advantages. Thus, storage of material in the form of seeds is one of the most widespread and valuable <em>ex-situ<\/em> approaches to conservation.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">However, they are found to be ineffective for recalcitrant seeds (seeds which get killed or become unviable over a period of time when exposed to drying and freezing conditions), plants which reproduce by vegetative means and materials modified by genetic engineering which are generally unstable.<\/p>\r\n<em>Famous Seed Bank projects<\/em>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Millennium Seed Bank Project, associated with royal botanical garden, Kew. In October, 2009 it has reached its 10% goal of banking the entire world\u2019s wild plant species. Its 47 plant organizations in 17 countries intend to store 25% of world\u2019s plant species by 2020.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div><\/div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">10 international agricultural research institutions, coordinated by Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Washington, focused on crops and have extensive seed collection.<\/span><\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Svalbard Global Seed Vault opened on February 26, 2008 near Norway, 600 miles from North Pole. It is designed to hold 4.5 billion batches of seeds of world\u2019s main crops. On March, 2013 the number of samples has increased to 7, 70,000.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, India has over 3.43 lakh samples of 2.47 lakh varieties of various species which include around 28,000 accessions of wild relatives of various crops.<\/p>\r\n<strong>iii) Tissue culture<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Tissue culture is an <em>in-vitro<\/em> technique, based on the concept of \u201ctotipotency\u201d of plant cells. Cellular totipotency is the capability of a cell to give rise to a whole new plant. Mature cells undergo dedifferentiation to become meristematic and then undergo redifferentiation to form a whole new organism. Tissue culture methods are increasingly being employed for storing valuable threatened species. This is because it offers the unique opportunities of storing several valuable species in a comparatively small space under secure and pathogen free environment, with relative ease of multiplication. Germplasm available in the form of microbial cultures, cells or organs in case of animal species and seeds, cuttings or vegetative propagules in case of plants is used for micropropagation.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">However, this proves to be uneconomical in terms of labor and physical resources and time consuming as well. Also, it may have constraints such as somaclonal variations or loss of morphogenetic potential in some cases.<\/p>\r\n<em>Plants conserved by tissue culture<\/em>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Mature trees of <em>Ulmus americana<\/em>, which survived the epidemics of Dutch elm disease and are potential sources of disease resistance, are conserved using mature leaf as an explant by tissue culture techniques (Shukla <em>et al.<\/em>, 2012).<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>Leptadenia reticulata <\/em>(Jeewanti), a medicinally important endangered woody climber, is preserved using leaf as explant (Patel <em>et al.<\/em> Jan, 2014a).<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">Caralluma edulis<\/em><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">, an endangered and endemic edible plant species of the Thar Desert, is tissue cultured using nodal segments as explant (Patel <\/span><em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">et al.,<\/em><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\"> 2014b).<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n<div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>Orchis lanata, <\/em>native to South Europe and endangered in Kashmir and Kumaon regions of India is conserved by callus formation (Shreshta and Joshi, 1992).<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>Gentiana kurroo, <\/em>a medicinally important plant, endemic to Kashmir and Himalayas is cultured using axillary shoots in order to conserve it <em>in-vitro<\/em> (Sharma <em>et al.,<\/em> 1993).<\/p>\r\n<strong>iv) Cryopreservation<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Cryopreservation or freeze preservation is a technique of preservation of germplasm at ultra low temperature of -196\u00b0C <em>i.e.<\/em> the temperature of liquid nitrogen. The principle underlying cryopreservation involves bringing the culture to a state of non-dividing and zero metabolism, so that any biological activity, is effectively stopped. Cryopreservation also helps in storing tissues of animal origin such as cultured animal cells, spermatozoa, ovarian or embryonic tissues and whole embryos for livestock breeding programmes. Freeze preservation of microbes, algae, insects and other organisms can also be done which can possibly be used in future for biotechnological researches.<\/p>\r\n<strong>v) Artificial seeds<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Somatic embryos are cultured in vitro through embryogenesis and can be preserved as artificial or synthetic seeds by coating with gels like sodium alginate, calcium alginate, and polyacralamide gel <em>etc.<\/em> which prevent them from desiccating. These somatic embryos are then dehydrated to a suitable level and subjected to slow growth or cryopreservation in a manner similar to zygotic seeds. Production of sodium alginate beads by encapsulation of shoot tips and nodal segments of medicinally important plant <em>Mentha arvensis<\/em> helps in its <em>in-vitro<\/em> regeneration and conservation (Islam and Bari, 2014).<\/p>\r\n<strong>vi) DNA clones<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">DNA, the basic unit of heredity of a cell, can effectively be used for conservation of threatened plant species. Germplasm can be stored in the form of DNA segments cloned into a suitable vector such as cosmids, plasmids and bacteriophage. With the recent progress in the field of molecular biology such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), combined with gene cloning, small amounts of tissues can provide substantial collections of all the DNA of a plant genome.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div><\/div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">This is particularly useful in the case of threatened species where the material is available in limited numbers. Additionally, DNA can be isolated from dead tissues (herbarium specimens), providing information that would be otherwise lost if living tissues are dead. However, this option can only be considered for those species where no other strategy is workable as the technique is highly sophisticated, technically demanding and expensive.<\/span><\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Currently extracted or preserved DNA cannot be used to regenerate whole organism, but any chosen gene can be isolated for use in genetic engineering. Its preservation can be used for conservation of valuable genes or DNA segments from threatened species.<\/p>\r\n<strong>INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<em>The World Heritage Convention<\/em>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Since its beginning in 1972, this convention has been responsible for the preservation of cultural properties with 190 parties under it. It enhances public knowledge, awareness and appreciation for the heritage sites.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) (now called as World Conservation Union (WCU)<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">It was founded in 1948 in order to bring governmental\/ non-governmental agencies around the world together to conserve biodiversity and natural resources and promote their sustainable use at local, national and international levels. 81 countries all over the world are its members and the headquarters of the organization are located in Gland, Switzerland.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">The Convention was signed in Washington DC in March, 1973, basically to put ban on the overexploitation and international trade of wild fauna and flora. Currently 178 parties are there under CITES and nearly 30,000 species are protected by this convention<\/p>\r\n<em>Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)<\/em>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">The convention came into force on 29 December, 1993 with objective of conserving the biodiversity, sustainable use of biodiversity and fair and equitable share of benefits arising by the use of natural resources. 193 countries have adopted this convention including India<\/p>\r\n<em>International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)<\/em>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources, popularly known as International Seed Treaty is a comprehensive international agreement in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity, which aims at guaranteeing food security through the conservation, exchange and sustainable use of the world\u2019s plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, as well as the fair and equitable benefit sharing arising from its use.<\/p>\r\n<em>Ramsar Convention on wetlands of International Importance<\/em>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">It is an international collaboration of 168 parties covering 21431 wetlands of international importance. It was initiated in 1971 for the conservation of wetlands, mangrove and coral reefs.<\/p>\r\n<em>The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)<\/em>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Also known as Bonn Convention, it is an international treaty aiming to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species.<\/p>\r\n<strong>NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION<\/strong>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">State and Union government of India has developed a number of Wildlife Acts for the enforcement of conservation strategies<\/p>\r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Madras Wild Elephant Preservation Act, 1873\r\n\r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 All India Elephant Preservation Act, 1879\r\n\r\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Wild Birds and Animals Protection act, 1912\r\n\r\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bengal Rhinoceros Preservation Act, 1932\r\n\r\n5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Assam Rhinoceros Preservation Act, 1954\r\n\r\n6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended in 1983, 1986 and 1991)\r\n\r\n7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (amended in1988)\r\n\r\n8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986\r\n\r\n9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Biodiversity Act, 2002 (implemented in 2004)\r\n\r\n10.\u00a0 The National Environmental Policy, 2006\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Apart from that, Individual projects for the conservation of endangered species. For example Project Tiger was launched in 1973 and tiger reserves were formed to promote their conservation. Similar projects on crocodiles (1954), lion (1952) and elephants (1991-1992) have also been undertaken.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">The Indian Board of Wildlife (IBWL) is the main advisory body of Govt. of India, constituted in 1952 (reconstituted in 1991 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister) and it ensures the conservation of species diversity in the country, establishment of protected areas, sustainable use of ecological services, and control of unethical activities that could harm the biodiversity.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Other non-governmental organizations such as World Wide Fund for Nature, Wildlife Preservation Society of India, Dehradun and Bombay Natural History Society <em>etc.<\/em> also help in management and conservation of natural flora and fauna.<\/p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>you can view video on Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OfhXuvVTuh0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-120\" src=\"http:\/\/epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/download.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"36\" height=\"36\" \/><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n<strong>REFERENCES<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Islam, M. S., &amp; Bari, M. A. (2014). <em>In vitro<\/em> regeneration protocol for artificial seed production in an important medicinal plant <em>Mentha arvensis<\/em> L. <em>Journal of Bio-Science<\/em>, <em>20<\/em>, 99-108.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Patel, A. K., Agarwal, T., Phulwaria, M., Kataria, V., &amp; Shekhawat, N. S. (2014a). An efficient <em>in vitro <\/em>plant regeneration system from leaf of mature plant of<em> Leptadenia reticulata <\/em>(Jeewanti): a life giving endangered woody climber. <em>Industrial crops and products<\/em>, <em>52<\/em>, 499-505.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Patel, A. K., Phulwaria, M., Rai, M. K., Gupta, A. K., Shekhawat, S., &amp; Shekhawat, N. S. (2014b). <em>In vitro<\/em> propagation and <em>ex vitro<\/em> rooting of <em>Caralluma edulis<\/em> (Edgew.) Benth. &amp; Hook. f.: an endemic and endangered edible plant species of the Thar Desert. <em>Scientia<\/em> <em>Horticulturae<\/em>,<em> 165<\/em>, 175-180.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Sharma, N., Chandel, K. P. S., &amp; Paul, A. (1993). <em>In vitro<\/em> propagation of <em>Gentiana kurroo<\/em>\u2014 an indigenous threatened plant of medicinal importance. <em>Plant cell, tissue and organ<\/em> <em>culture<\/em>,<em> 34<\/em>, 307-309.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Shrestha, J. N., &amp; Joshi, S. D. (1992). Tissue culture techniques for medicinal important herbs <em>Orchis incarnata <\/em>and<em> Swertia chirata<\/em>.<em> Banko Janakari<\/em>,<em> 3<\/em>, 24-26.<\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Shukla, M. R., Jones, A. M. P., Sullivan, J. A., Liu, C., Gosling, S., &amp; Saxena, P. K. (2012). <em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">In<\/em> <em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">vitro <\/em><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">conservation of American elm (<\/span><em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">Ulmus americana<\/em><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">): potential role of auxin metabolism in sustained plant proliferation. <\/span><em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">Canadian Journal of Forest Research<\/em><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">, <\/span><em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">42<\/em><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">(4), 686-697.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n&nbsp;","rendered":"<div><span style=\"float: right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OfhXuvVTuh0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/download.png\" alt=\"epgp books\" width=\"75px\" height=\"75px;\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Learning outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Biodiversity Conservation Methods <em>In-situ <\/em>conservation<\/li>\n<li><em>Ex-situ <\/em>conservation<\/li>\n<li><em>In-vitro <\/em>techniques of conservation<\/li>\n<li>International Framework For Biodiversity Conservation National Framework For Biodiversity Conservation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">In previous modules we have learnt about causes and threats to biodiversity, importance of biodiversity and its loss. In this module we will study about different strategies which can be adopted for the conservation of biodiversity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Biological diversity is the key foundation of a healthy, livable and sustainable planet but the increasing exploitation coupled with natural calamities has led to the rapid dwindling of important species. Large numbers of organisms are facing loss or extinction due to natural and anthropogenic reasons. It is estimated that 60,000 to 1,00,000 species with diverse economic uses are under threat of extinction and needs to be protected. This necessitates urgent measures to conserve the biodiversity at ecosystem, species and gene pool levels, and to enable sustained use for present and future generations. Conservation refers to the protection, preservation, management and restoration of the landscapes, ecosystems and species.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">An organism can be conserved in a natural\/ artificial habitat or in the form of a germplasm (bacterial cultures, animal tissues, seeds <em>etc.<\/em>) by employing various methods. A number of efforts have been put forward by various governmental and non-governmental organizations aiming for the conservation of biodiversity. It includes certain <em>in-situ<\/em> and <em>ex-situ<\/em> approaches. Emergence of <em>in-vitro<\/em> technology as an adjunct to <em>ex-situ<\/em> conservation is being viewed with great expectations for conservation of threatened species. The need of hour is to amalgamate\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">the traditional as well as emerging technologies towards conservation of biodiversity and genetic resources for sustainable development.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">The first and foremost step required in the direction of biodiversity conservation is about gathering knowledge on the existing biodiversity. It has been stated that the earth inhabits millions of plants and animal species, only a few of which have been identified so far. The taxonomists are required to identify and quantify more and more species so that closer estimates could be build up while measuring the biodiversity loss. Thereafter, appropriate plans and policies should be designed, depending on the habitats, species and conservation priorities. The last step requires the strong implementation of these conservation strategies by enforcing the laws in order to achieve the objective. Also, promoting awareness among the general public about the ongoing overexploitation and its future implications are required. It is also important for all the developed and developing countries to work in coordination, share as much information as they have about the biodiversity in their region and help each other for the realization of this goal.<\/p>\n<p><strong>BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION METHODS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>a)\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>In-situ <\/em><\/strong><strong>conservation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>In-situ <\/em>or \u201con-site\u201d conservation is the protection of organism in its natural habitat where evolutionary progression continues. The <em>in-situ<\/em> approach includes protection of a group of typical ecosystems or the regions with high biodiversity through a network of protected areas. These are the terrestrial or marine areas, exclusively meant to protect biological diversity and its allied resources. This is the most appropriate method as the species are being conserved in their natural habitats. It includes National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Sacred groves, and Biosphere Reserves.<\/p>\n<p><strong>i) National Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">National Parks are protected areas under government, secluded from any kind of human interference. These are the small reserves meant for the protection of wild life and their natural habitats. Activities like grazing, forestry <em>etc.<\/em> are not permitted in these areas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><strong><em>Some Major National Parks in India<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gir National Park, Gujrat<\/p>\n<p>2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jim Corbett National Park, Uttrakhand<\/p>\n<p>3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kaziranga National Park, Assam<\/p>\n<p>4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bandipur National park, Karnataka<\/p>\n<p>5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tudula national Park, Maharashtra<\/p>\n<p>6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh<\/p>\n<p>7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Manas National Park, Assam<\/p>\n<p>8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-186\" src=\"http:\/\/esp03.epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-51.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"529\" height=\"309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-51.png 529w, https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-51-300x175.png 300w, https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-51-65x38.png 65w, https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-51-225x131.png 225w, https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-51-350x204.png 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 529px) 100vw, 529px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>ii) Wildlife Sanctuaries<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">The Wildlife Sanctuaries are bounded to conserve the wild flora and fauna. Similar to National Parks, these are also government owned areas, but limited human activities such as harvesting of timbers, collection of forest products, cultivation of lands <em>etc.<\/em> are allowed in wildlife sanctuaries as long as these do not interfere with the wild environment.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-187\" src=\"http:\/\/esp03.epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-52.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"565\" height=\"380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-52.png 565w, https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-52-300x202.png 300w, https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-52-65x44.png 65w, https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-52-225x151.png 225w, https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-52-350x235.png 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 565px) 100vw, 565px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><strong><em>Some Wildlife Sanctuaries in India<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka<\/p>\n<p>2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Orissa<\/p>\n<p>3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gibbbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam<\/p>\n<p>4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu and Kashmir<\/p>\n<p>5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sunderbans Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal<\/p>\n<p>6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Keoladeo Bird sanctuary, Rajasthan ( Now converted to National Park)<\/p>\n<p>7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Periyar Wildlife Samctuary, Kerela<\/p>\n<p>8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu<\/p>\n<p><strong>iii)\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Sacred Groves<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Sacred groves are the forest fragments of varying sizes, which are communally protected and usually have a significant religious importance. Economic activities like hunting, timber production <em>etc.<\/em> are strictly prohibited in these areas. Sacred groves do not enjoy protection <em>via<\/em> federal legislation in India but are protected by locals and associated NGO\u2019s. For example Scrub Forest in Thar Desert of Rajasthan maintained by Bishnois community and Sacred Hindu Grove near Chandod on the banks of Nerbudda worshiped by local communities. Largest\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">sacred grove in India is Hariyali, near Ganchar in Chamoli district in Uttrakhand. According to an estimate there are nearly 14000 to 1, 00,000 sacred groves all over India.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-188\" src=\"http:\/\/esp03.epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-53.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"435\" height=\"329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-53.png 435w, https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-53-300x227.png 300w, https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-53-65x49.png 65w, https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-53-225x170.png 225w, https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/164\/2019\/03\/2-53-350x265.png 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 435px) 100vw, 435px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><strong>Picture of a sacred Groove<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Biosphere Reserves<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Biosphere Reserves, on the other hand are a special category of protected areas of land, where people are an integral component of the system. A biosphere reserve consists of a core, buffer and transition zones. The natural or core zone represents an undisturbed or least disturbed area of representative ecosystem. The buffer zone surrounds the core zone, and is managed for research, education and training activities. The transition zone is an area of active cooperation between reserve management and the local people. Its goal is to facilitate the conservation of biodiversity, foster sustainable economic and human development and to provide support for research, monitoring, education and information. Nine of the 18 Biosphere Reserves in India are included in UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program list.<\/p>\n<p><strong>List of Biosphere Reserves in India<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nilgiri, Western Ghats (1986)<\/p>\n<p>2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nandadevi, Uttrakhand (1988)<\/p>\n<p>3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Nokrek, Meghalaya (1988)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu (1989)<\/p>\n<p>5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sunderbans, West Bengal (1989)<\/p>\n<p>6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Manas, Assam (1989)<\/p>\n<p>7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Great Nicobar, Andaman and Nikobar Islands (1989)<\/p>\n<p>8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Simlipal, Odisha (1994)<\/p>\n<p>9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dibru-Saikhowa, Assam (1997)<\/p>\n<p>10.\u00a0 Dehang-Dibang, Arunachal Pradesh (1998)<\/p>\n<p>11.\u00a0 Panchmarhi, Madhya Pradesh (1999)<\/p>\n<p>12.\u00a0 Khangchendzonga, Sikkim (2000)<\/p>\n<p>13.\u00a0 Agasthyamalai, Western Ghats (2001)<\/p>\n<p>14.\u00a0 Achanakamar-Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh (2005)<\/p>\n<p>15.\u00a0 Kuchchh, Gujrat (2008)<\/p>\n<p>16.\u00a0 Cold desert, Himachal Pradesh (2009)<\/p>\n<p>17.\u00a0 Seshachalam, Andhra Pradesh (2010)<\/p>\n<p>18.\u00a0 Panna, Madhya Pradesh (2011)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Protected area network in India<\/strong><\/p>\n<table class=\"aligncenter\" style=\"width: 60%\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Protected area<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Status<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>National parks<\/td>\n<td>103<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Wildlife sanctuaries<\/td>\n<td>543<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Biosphere reserves<\/td>\n<td>18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Community reserves<\/td>\n<td>45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Conservation reserves<\/td>\n<td>73<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Total protected area: 1, 62,024.69 km\u00b2 (4.93% of total geographical area) (Source: www.wiienvis.nic.in [July, 2017])<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>b)\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>Ex-situ <\/em><\/strong><strong>conservation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>Ex-situ <\/em>or \u201coff site\u201d conservation refers to the protection of elements of biodiversity outside their natural habitats. In this case, there is a cessation of evolutionary progression, but the desired genes would be preserved. This conservation strategy plays an important role in recovering the endangered species. It is particularly useful in the field of agriculture as the\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">domesticated plants which cannot survive in nature unaided, can be preserved using various <\/span><em style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">ex-situ <\/em><span style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">It includes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">1.<strong>Zoological gardens <\/strong>where the animals are confined in enclosures, displayed to public for educational and recreational motives and may even bred for conservation purposes<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">2.<strong>Botanical gardens <\/strong>has a collection of wide range of plants grown outside natural habitat in some artificially provided conditions and are meant for conservation, research and education.<\/p>\n<p>3.<strong>Arboreta <\/strong>are the botanical gardens specialized in trees.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">4.<strong>Nurseries <\/strong>are a place where plants are propagated to a usable size, usually up to the seedling stage, generally meant for ornamental purposes.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">5.<strong>Field gene banks <\/strong>are useful for conserving plant genotypes (generally vegetatively propagated) as live plants that undergo continuous growth and require continuous maintenance. These provide an easy access to plant genetic resources but are expensive to maintain, require more labor, inputs and space and have higher levels of risk from natural disasters and attacks from pests and pathogens. 42,000 varieties of rice are conserved in Central Rice Research Institute in Orissa.<\/p>\n<p>6.<strong>Captive breeding <\/strong>of animals with possible reintroduction into the wild.<\/p>\n<p><strong>7.<\/strong><strong>Artificial propagation of plants<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">8.<strong><em>In-vitro <\/em><\/strong><strong>techniques <\/strong>include the laboratory practices used for the conservation of plant\/ animal and microbial diversity through its storage in germplasm banks, propagation <em>via<\/em> tissue culture methods, preservation using the technique of cryopreservation, conversion into artificial seeds, maintenance as slow growth cultures, and long term perpetuation as DNA clones.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>c)\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>In-vitro <\/em><\/strong><strong>techniques<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>i) Germplasm banks<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Germplasm banks or biobanks provide controlled storage facilities of temperature, humidity <em>etc. <\/em>for the material to be conserved. These are variously called as seed banks, gene banks, DNA banks <em>etc.<\/em> depending on the material that is conserved in them. They are generally used for the storage of seeds, sperm and ova. The germplasm banks save large variety of plants &amp;\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">animals in a very small space and at the same time ensure the authenticity of scientific identity of the conserved material. It also insures the responsible use of the material, equitable benefit sharing by all parties, and international networking with other <\/span><em style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\">in-vitro<\/em><span style=\"font-size: 1em;text-align: initial\"> banks, thereby facilitating the exchange of knowledge\/ material.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Material conserved in germplasm banks are of 3 types:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Base collection: Samples which is kept for long term and is not to be used as a routine distribution source.<\/li>\n<li>Active collection: Samples maintained for medium term viability (about 30 years)which are available when required.<\/li>\n<li>Working collection: Samples which are easily accessible to be used by breeders or researchers for various experiments and crop improvement programmes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>ii) Seed banks<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">In case of plant species, seeds are a convenient means of long term storage of genetic diversity, as the samples are small in size, easy to handle, require low maintenance and frequently remain viable for long periods. In seed banks, material in the form of seeds are stored at nearly -10 to -20\u00b0C, often using silica gel in the seed containers to reduce humidity. In general, conditions of low temperature and desiccation allow seeds to maintain viability, in many cases indefinitely. Further, the method provides ease of storage, economy of space, low labor demands, maintenance of large samples and cost related advantages. Thus, storage of material in the form of seeds is one of the most widespread and valuable <em>ex-situ<\/em> approaches to conservation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">However, they are found to be ineffective for recalcitrant seeds (seeds which get killed or become unviable over a period of time when exposed to drying and freezing conditions), plants which reproduce by vegetative means and materials modified by genetic engineering which are generally unstable.<\/p>\n<p><em>Famous Seed Bank projects<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Millennium Seed Bank Project, associated with royal botanical garden, Kew. In October, 2009 it has reached its 10% goal of banking the entire world\u2019s wild plant species. Its 47 plant organizations in 17 countries intend to store 25% of world\u2019s plant species by 2020.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">10 international agricultural research institutions, coordinated by Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Washington, focused on crops and have extensive seed collection.<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Svalbard Global Seed Vault opened on February 26, 2008 near Norway, 600 miles from North Pole. It is designed to hold 4.5 billion batches of seeds of world\u2019s main crops. On March, 2013 the number of samples has increased to 7, 70,000.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, India has over 3.43 lakh samples of 2.47 lakh varieties of various species which include around 28,000 accessions of wild relatives of various crops.<\/p>\n<p><strong>iii) Tissue culture<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Tissue culture is an <em>in-vitro<\/em> technique, based on the concept of \u201ctotipotency\u201d of plant cells. Cellular totipotency is the capability of a cell to give rise to a whole new plant. Mature cells undergo dedifferentiation to become meristematic and then undergo redifferentiation to form a whole new organism. Tissue culture methods are increasingly being employed for storing valuable threatened species. This is because it offers the unique opportunities of storing several valuable species in a comparatively small space under secure and pathogen free environment, with relative ease of multiplication. Germplasm available in the form of microbial cultures, cells or organs in case of animal species and seeds, cuttings or vegetative propagules in case of plants is used for micropropagation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">However, this proves to be uneconomical in terms of labor and physical resources and time consuming as well. Also, it may have constraints such as somaclonal variations or loss of morphogenetic potential in some cases.<\/p>\n<p><em>Plants conserved by tissue culture<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Mature trees of <em>Ulmus americana<\/em>, which survived the epidemics of Dutch elm disease and are potential sources of disease resistance, are conserved using mature leaf as an explant by tissue culture techniques (Shukla <em>et al.<\/em>, 2012).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>Leptadenia reticulata <\/em>(Jeewanti), a medicinally important endangered woody climber, is preserved using leaf as explant (Patel <em>et al.<\/em> Jan, 2014a).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">Caralluma edulis<\/em><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">, an endangered and endemic edible plant species of the Thar Desert, is tissue cultured using nodal segments as explant (Patel <\/span><em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">et al.,<\/em><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\"> 2014b).<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>Orchis lanata, <\/em>native to South Europe and endangered in Kashmir and Kumaon regions of India is conserved by callus formation (Shreshta and Joshi, 1992).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>Gentiana kurroo, <\/em>a medicinally important plant, endemic to Kashmir and Himalayas is cultured using axillary shoots in order to conserve it <em>in-vitro<\/em> (Sharma <em>et al.,<\/em> 1993).<\/p>\n<p><strong>iv) Cryopreservation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Cryopreservation or freeze preservation is a technique of preservation of germplasm at ultra low temperature of -196\u00b0C <em>i.e.<\/em> the temperature of liquid nitrogen. The principle underlying cryopreservation involves bringing the culture to a state of non-dividing and zero metabolism, so that any biological activity, is effectively stopped. Cryopreservation also helps in storing tissues of animal origin such as cultured animal cells, spermatozoa, ovarian or embryonic tissues and whole embryos for livestock breeding programmes. Freeze preservation of microbes, algae, insects and other organisms can also be done which can possibly be used in future for biotechnological researches.<\/p>\n<p><strong>v) Artificial seeds<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Somatic embryos are cultured in vitro through embryogenesis and can be preserved as artificial or synthetic seeds by coating with gels like sodium alginate, calcium alginate, and polyacralamide gel <em>etc.<\/em> which prevent them from desiccating. These somatic embryos are then dehydrated to a suitable level and subjected to slow growth or cryopreservation in a manner similar to zygotic seeds. Production of sodium alginate beads by encapsulation of shoot tips and nodal segments of medicinally important plant <em>Mentha arvensis<\/em> helps in its <em>in-vitro<\/em> regeneration and conservation (Islam and Bari, 2014).<\/p>\n<p><strong>vi) DNA clones<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">DNA, the basic unit of heredity of a cell, can effectively be used for conservation of threatened plant species. Germplasm can be stored in the form of DNA segments cloned into a suitable vector such as cosmids, plasmids and bacteriophage. With the recent progress in the field of molecular biology such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), combined with gene cloning, small amounts of tissues can provide substantial collections of all the DNA of a plant genome.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\"><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">This is particularly useful in the case of threatened species where the material is available in limited numbers. Additionally, DNA can be isolated from dead tissues (herbarium specimens), providing information that would be otherwise lost if living tissues are dead. However, this option can only be considered for those species where no other strategy is workable as the technique is highly sophisticated, technically demanding and expensive.<\/span><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Currently extracted or preserved DNA cannot be used to regenerate whole organism, but any chosen gene can be isolated for use in genetic engineering. Its preservation can be used for conservation of valuable genes or DNA segments from threatened species.<\/p>\n<p><strong>INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>The World Heritage Convention<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Since its beginning in 1972, this convention has been responsible for the preservation of cultural properties with 190 parties under it. It enhances public knowledge, awareness and appreciation for the heritage sites.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) (now called as World Conservation Union (WCU)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">It was founded in 1948 in order to bring governmental\/ non-governmental agencies around the world together to conserve biodiversity and natural resources and promote their sustainable use at local, national and international levels. 81 countries all over the world are its members and the headquarters of the organization are located in Gland, Switzerland.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><em>The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">The Convention was signed in Washington DC in March, 1973, basically to put ban on the overexploitation and international trade of wild fauna and flora. Currently 178 parties are there under CITES and nearly 30,000 species are protected by this convention<\/p>\n<p><em>Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">The convention came into force on 29 December, 1993 with objective of conserving the biodiversity, sustainable use of biodiversity and fair and equitable share of benefits arising by the use of natural resources. 193 countries have adopted this convention including India<\/p>\n<p><em>International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources, popularly known as International Seed Treaty is a comprehensive international agreement in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity, which aims at guaranteeing food security through the conservation, exchange and sustainable use of the world\u2019s plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, as well as the fair and equitable benefit sharing arising from its use.<\/p>\n<p><em>Ramsar Convention on wetlands of International Importance<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">It is an international collaboration of 168 parties covering 21431 wetlands of international importance. It was initiated in 1971 for the conservation of wetlands, mangrove and coral reefs.<\/p>\n<p><em>The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Also known as Bonn Convention, it is an international treaty aiming to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species.<\/p>\n<p><strong>NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">State and Union government of India has developed a number of Wildlife Acts for the enforcement of conservation strategies<\/p>\n<p>1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Madras Wild Elephant Preservation Act, 1873<\/p>\n<p>2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 All India Elephant Preservation Act, 1879<\/p>\n<p>3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Wild Birds and Animals Protection act, 1912<\/p>\n<p>4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bengal Rhinoceros Preservation Act, 1932<\/p>\n<p>5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Assam Rhinoceros Preservation Act, 1954<\/p>\n<p>6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (amended in 1983, 1986 and 1991)<\/p>\n<p>7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (amended in1988)<\/p>\n<p>8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986<\/p>\n<p>9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Biodiversity Act, 2002 (implemented in 2004)<\/p>\n<p>10.\u00a0 The National Environmental Policy, 2006<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Apart from that, Individual projects for the conservation of endangered species. For example Project Tiger was launched in 1973 and tiger reserves were formed to promote their conservation. Similar projects on crocodiles (1954), lion (1952) and elephants (1991-1992) have also been undertaken.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">The Indian Board of Wildlife (IBWL) is the main advisory body of Govt. of India, constituted in 1952 (reconstituted in 1991 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister) and it ensures the conservation of species diversity in the country, establishment of protected areas, sustainable use of ecological services, and control of unethical activities that could harm the biodiversity.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Other non-governmental organizations such as World Wide Fund for Nature, Wildlife Preservation Society of India, Dehradun and Bombay Natural History Society <em>etc.<\/em> also help in management and conservation of natural flora and fauna.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>you can view video on Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OfhXuvVTuh0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-120\" src=\"http:\/\/epgpbooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/download.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"36\" height=\"36\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>REFERENCES<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Islam, M. S., &amp; Bari, M. A. (2014). <em>In vitro<\/em> regeneration protocol for artificial seed production in an important medicinal plant <em>Mentha arvensis<\/em> L. <em>Journal of Bio-Science<\/em>, <em>20<\/em>, 99-108.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Patel, A. K., Agarwal, T., Phulwaria, M., Kataria, V., &amp; Shekhawat, N. S. (2014a). An efficient <em>in vitro <\/em>plant regeneration system from leaf of mature plant of<em> Leptadenia reticulata <\/em>(Jeewanti): a life giving endangered woody climber. <em>Industrial crops and products<\/em>, <em>52<\/em>, 499-505.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Patel, A. K., Phulwaria, M., Rai, M. K., Gupta, A. K., Shekhawat, S., &amp; Shekhawat, N. S. (2014b). <em>In vitro<\/em> propagation and <em>ex vitro<\/em> rooting of <em>Caralluma edulis<\/em> (Edgew.) Benth. &amp; Hook. f.: an endemic and endangered edible plant species of the Thar Desert. <em>Scientia<\/em> <em>Horticulturae<\/em>,<em> 165<\/em>, 175-180.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Sharma, N., Chandel, K. P. S., &amp; Paul, A. (1993). <em>In vitro<\/em> propagation of <em>Gentiana kurroo<\/em>\u2014 an indigenous threatened plant of medicinal importance. <em>Plant cell, tissue and organ<\/em> <em>culture<\/em>,<em> 34<\/em>, 307-309.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Shrestha, J. N., &amp; Joshi, S. D. (1992). Tissue culture techniques for medicinal important herbs <em>Orchis incarnata <\/em>and<em> Swertia chirata<\/em>.<em> Banko Janakari<\/em>,<em> 3<\/em>, 24-26.<\/li>\n<li style=\"text-align: justify\">Shukla, M. R., Jones, A. M. P., Sullivan, J. A., Liu, C., Gosling, S., &amp; Saxena, P. K. (2012). <em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">In<\/em> <em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">vitro <\/em><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">conservation of American elm (<\/span><em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">Ulmus americana<\/em><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">): potential role of auxin metabolism in sustained plant proliferation. <\/span><em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">Canadian Journal of Forest Research<\/em><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">, <\/span><em style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">42<\/em><span style=\"text-align: initial;font-size: 1em\">(4), 686-697.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"menu_order":20,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":["prof-daizy-batish"],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[62],"license":[],"class_list":["post-183","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","contributor-prof-daizy-batish"],"part":3,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/183","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/183\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":384,"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/183\/revisions\/384"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/3"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/183\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=183"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=183"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=183"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in\/esp03\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=183"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}