outline the roles of zoos, botanic gardens, conserved areas (including national parks and marine parks), ‘frozen zoos’ and seed banks, in the conservation of endangered species
Understanding how different institutions contribute to the preservation of biodiversity is essential for modern conservation biology. The following notes outline the roles of zoos, botanic gardens, conserved areas (including national parks and marine parks), “frozen zoos”, and seed banks.
1. Zoos
Ex‑situ conservation: Maintain captive breeding programmes for species that are extinct in the wild or have critically low populations.
Genetic management: Use studbooks and genetic analysis to minimise inbreeding and retain genetic diversity.
Re‑introduction: Prepare individuals for release by simulating natural habitats and teaching survival skills.
Education & public awareness: Provide visitors with information on threats and actions needed to protect wildlife.
Research: Study physiology, behaviour, and disease that can inform in‑situ conservation.
2. Botanic Gardens
Living collections: Preserve threatened plant species in cultivated settings.
Propagation & tissue culture: Produce large numbers of individuals for restoration projects.
Seed banking: Complementary role to seed banks; maintain backup collections of seeds and living plants.
Public education: Demonstrate the importance of plant diversity and ecosystem services.
Scientific research: Investigate plant genetics, physiology, and responses to climate change.
3. Conserved Areas
Conserved areas protect species in their natural habitats (in‑situ conservation). They can be terrestrial or marine.
3.1 National Parks
Provide large, protected landscapes that support viable populations.
Regulate human activities (e.g., tourism, resource extraction) to reduce habitat loss.
Serve as reference sites for ecological research and monitoring.
3.2 Marine Parks
Protect critical marine habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and spawning grounds.
Control fishing pressure and illegal harvesting of marine species.
Facilitate the recovery of over‑exploited fish stocks and marine mammals.
4. “Frozen Zoos” (Genetic Resource Banks)
Store gametes (sperm, eggs), embryos, and somatic cells at ultra‑low temperatures.
Preserve genetic material from species that are extinct in the wild or have very small populations.
Enable future assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as I \cdot F, cloning, or genome editing.
Act as an insurance policy against catastrophic loss of genetic diversity.
5. Seed Banks
Collect and store seeds of wild and cultivated plants under controlled temperature and humidity.
Maintain long‑term viability, often for decades, allowing future regeneration of plant populations.
Support restoration projects by providing locally adapted seed material.
Contribute to food security by safeguarding agricultural crop diversity.
Summary Table
Conservation Facility
Primary Role
Key Activities
Typical Example
Zoos
Ex‑situ animal conservation
Captive breeding, genetic management, re‑introduction, education, research
London Zoo’s Species Survival Plan
Botanic Gardens
Ex‑situ plant conservation
Living collections, propagation, seed banking, public outreach, research
Kew Gardens (UK)
National Parks
In‑situ terrestrial conservation
Habitat protection, regulated tourism, monitoring, research