Gene Banks

Gene Banks Gene banks are a type of biorepository which preserve genetic materials. Seeds of different genetic strains of commercially important plants can be stored in long periods in seed banks, gametes of threatened species can be preserved in viable and fertile condition for long periods using cryopreservation techniques. However, it is not economically feasible to conserve all biological wealth and all the ecosystems. The number of species required to be saved from extinction far exceeds the conservation efforts. Insitu Conservation Exsitu Conservation It is the on-site conservation or the conservation of genetic resources in natural populations of plant or animal species. This is a conservation strategy which involves placing of threatened animals and plants in special care locations for their protection. It is the process of protecting an endangered plant or animal species in its natural habitat, either by protecting or restoring the habitat itself, or by defending the species from predators. It helps in recovering populations or preventing their extinction under simulated conditions that closely resemble their natural habitats. National Parks, Biosphere Reserve, Wild Life Sanctuaries form insitu conservation strategies. Zoological parks and Botanical gardens are common exsitu conservation programs. Table . Difference between Insitu and Exsitu Conservation XII Std Zoology Chapter XII Std Zoology Chapter Biodiversity and its Conservation in the preservation of biodiversity. The strategy involves developing alternate resources and sources of income for those who depend on the protected natural habitat (forest) for their livelihood. FREEP is conducting pilot ecodevelopment programmes in the Kalakad- Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in Tamil Nadu. The reserve contains a unique and varied array of flora ranging from thorn and dry teak to tropical evergreen, and supports a rich variety of birds and mammals, including tigers, leopards and elephants. The last tiger refuge in Tamil Nadu, the KMTR is one of sites covered under the Indian Government’s Project Tiger, a programme receiving international assistance to enhance tiger habitat. CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (CBD) The United Nations convention on Biological Diversity, known as CBD in short, was signed by India and other nations on December , . The CBD was an attempt to establish an international program for conserving and using the world’s biological resources. This historical treaty recognizes the “sovereign right of nation over their genetic resources” and considers “appropriate access to genetic resources.” The treaty also takes into account the “fair and equitable sharing” of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. Over villages are now participating in the KMTR project. Communities and individual farmers have planted fuelwood and fodder plantations. Some villagers have installed cow dung-based gas plants for home fuel needs and are using fuel-saving pressure cookers and more efficient wood-burning stoves (smokeless chulas). Loans for a wide array of alternative income-generating activities such as dairy and poultry farming, tailoring, coconut leaf weaving, and setting up tea and dry goods shops are made