In Situ, Ex Situ Conservation

In situ and ex situ conservation focuses on the maintenance of species diversity within or away from their natural habitats, respectively. This article outlines why conservation is needed, the major threats to species, and how diversity is maintained at the ecosystem, species, and genetic levels. A model for biodiversity conservation is presented which includes: selection of target taxa for conservation, gene pool concepts, ecogeographic surveys, field surveying, clarification of conservation objectives, the two basic conservation strategies (in situ and ex situ) and the range of conservation techniques, and ways that conservation is often linked to some form of utilization.