What is ex-situ conservation? Provide examples.

Ex situ conservation refers to the protection and preservation of species outside their natural habitats under controlled conditions. This method is used when species are at high risk of extinction in the wild or when their natural habitats are severely degraded. It involves maintaining and breeding species in artificial environments to ensure their survival and possible reintroduction into the wild. Examples of ex situ conservation include zoos, botanical gardens, seed banks, gene banks, and tissue culture laboratories. For instance, the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources in India preserves seeds of important plant species, while zoological parks maintain endangered animals for breeding and conservation programs.