In situ conservation protects species within their natural habitats, whereas ex situ conservation protects species outside their natural habitats under controlled conditions. In IB ESS, species-based conservation tends to involve ex situ strategies, while habitat-based conservation tends to involve in situ strategies.
Level: SL and HL
Subtopic: 3.3 Conservation and regeneration
| Feature | In situ conservation | Ex situ conservation |
|---|---|---|
| Location | The species remains in its natural habitat. | The species is protected outside its natural habitat. |
| Methods | National parks, nature reserves, marine protected areas and habitat restoration | Zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, seed banks and captive-breeding programmes |
| Best use | Protecting habitats, communities and ecological processes | Rescue breeding and genetic management of very small populations |
| Limitation | Threats such as poaching, invasive species and climate change may remain. | Expensive, limited in capacity and potentially reduces genetic diversity or wild-survival skills. |
In situ conservation maintains interactions among predators, prey, competitors and mutualists, as well as natural selection. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, mountain gorilla protection also conserves forest habitat and generates ecotourism income, although benefits should be distributed equitably.
Ex situ conservation is useful when a wild population faces immediate extinction. The Arabian oryx was bred in captivity after becoming extinct in the wild, then reintroduced into protected areas. This mixed conservation approach combines captive breeding to increase numbers with habitat protection for reintroduction.
A common misconception is that one strategy is always superior. Choice depends on population size, habitat, funding, threats and stakeholder perspectives. In situ protection can create environmental justice concerns if local or Indigenous communities lose access to resources.
Exam technique: For “compare and contrast,” refer to both strategies throughout, compare strengths and limitations, and use named examples. Do not claim all species-based conservation is ex situ it only tends to be.
