Ecosystems &Biodiversity ex-situ conservation 1

Practical 3 ex-situ Conservation:

Zoos & Botanical Gardens

Reading
Primack, R.B. (1998). Essentials of Conservation Biology 2nd edition. Sinauer
Associates, Sunderland, Massachusetts. Chapter 14 “Ex situ Conservation Strategies”

Introduction
The best long-term strategy for protecting biodiversity is the conservation of natural
populations and communities in their natural habitat (in situ). However, for many species
this is no longer an option, and it is argued that the best alternative is to maintain
individuals under artificial conditions managed by people. This is called ex situ or off-site
preservation.

Facilities for ex situ preservation of plants and animals include zoos, aquaria, captive
breeding programs, game farms, botanical gardens, arboreta and seed banks. This
practical asks you to focus on two aspects. Firstly, to become familiar with biological
diversity at a global scale by visiting a zoo and a botanical garden, and secondly to
discuss the merits, shortcomings, and the ethics of ex situ conservation.

The task
Visit a Zoological Garden and a Botanical Garden (or a regional zoo/fauna park/garden).
If you cannot get to one, visit a “virtual zoo” or “virtual garden” on the web. A few web
sites to visit at are listed at the end of this practical, but you will find lots of sites if you
search around.

Your Report
Your report for this practical consists of two parts (1) a group presentation) and (2) an
individual written report.
Ecosystems &Biodiversity ex-situ conservation 2

Part 1 In a group of no more than three students, prepare a 10 minute presentation to be

given to your class, in which you describe how the survival of one plant or one animal
you “observed” is being assisted by ex situ conservation strategies. If possible, use some
images to illustrate your presentation.(Carry this out in PCK 2)

Part 2 Discuss in an individual “essay”-style report of about 300 words, the issues
below. Include a brief statement of the aim of the prac, and remember to cite your
references in the text and provide a reference list at the end in the correct format.

 What range of diversity is present ? How representative of total biodiversity at

(a) a national and (b) a global level are these zoo and garden collections? Do they
focus on particular groups and underrepresent others ? Explain.

 What do in situ and ex situ mean ? What are the merits and shortcomings of ex
situ conservation ?

 Why do some ecologists believe that in situ conservation, by careful habitat

management, is the only acceptable conservation strategy, and that it is
unacceptable to maintain species which no longer have any natural habitat, or
who are unable to breed in the wild, in zoos/gardens?

 Why do many people think it is not right to attemp to “bring back” extinct
species such as the Tasmanian tiger? What are the conservation implications of
these types of actions?
http://www.amonline.net.au/thylacine/index2.htm

Due Date

Check the Assessment Details File for the date. The presentation is worth 10 % of
your total mark. The written report is worth 5% of your total mark.