Distinguish between a biosphere reserve, a national park and a wildlife sanctuary. Why are they called in situ methods of conservation?
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open in one line. All three are in situ protected areas that conserve species in their natural habitat, along with the whole ecosystem.
2 · Give the textbook figures. India has 14 biosphere reserves, 90 national parks and 448 wildlife sanctuaries.
3 · Describe a biosphere reserve. Conserves a whole ecosystem along with the sustainable life of local people; e.g. Nilgiri.
4 · Describe a national park. Strictest protection; no grazing, forestry or private rights; e.g. Jim Corbett, Kaziranga.
5 · Describe a wildlife sanctuary. Protects animals; some harmless activities allowed; e.g. Vedanthangal.
6 · Link to real life. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve protects elephants and tigers while Toda and Irula communities live around it.
7 · Close in one line. So protection is strictest in national parks and most people-friendly in biosphere reserves, and all three save whole ecosystems.
Scoring tip: A table with three columns (biosphere reserve, national park, sanctuary) is the fastest way to score full marks on the comparison.
