In Situ Conservationof Medicinal Plants
In situ conservation is the protection and maintenance of medicinal plants in their natural
habitats such as biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, sacred groves, and
gene sanctuaries, allowing them to grow, reproduce, and evolve naturally.
Objectives of In Situ Conservation:
- Maintain natural genetic diversity
- Protect plants in their ecological context
- Conserve rare, endangered, and threatened species
- Maintain ecosystem balance
- Ensures availability of crude drugs
- Preserves phytochemical diversity
- Supports drug discovery and research
- Maintains traditional medicine systems (Ayurveda, Unani etc.)
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Methods / Typesof In Situ Conservation
1. Biosphere Reserves
Large protected areas conserving entire ecosystems
Include core, buffer, and transition zones (The core is a strictly protected, undisturbed zone;
the buffer surrounds it, allowing limited, eco-friendly activities; and the transition zone is the outer layer
supporting sustainable community development)
Allow controlled human activities
Examples (India): Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve , Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
2. National Parks
Strict protection of flora and fauna
No human interference allowed
Medicinal plants grow naturally without disturbance
Examples: Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park
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3. Wildlife Sanctuaries
Lessstrict than national parks
Limited human activity allowed
Protects habitats of medicinal plants and animals
Examples: Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Sacred Groves
Forest patches protected due to religious beliefs and traditions
No cutting or exploitation allowed
Act as natural reservoirs of medicinal plants
Examples: Mawphlang Sacred Grove, Sacred groves in Maharashtra (many local village groves)
5. Gene Sanctuaries
Specifically conserved for genetic diversity of a particular species
Focus on rare/endemic medicinal plants
Example:
Garo Hills Gene Sanctuary (for citrus species)
