Abstract

From the standpoint of human health, taking preventive actions tends to be less costly compared to providing treatment. On the other hand, when viewed through the lens of biodiversity preservation, the reverse is accurate since In-Situ conservation, as a preventive strategy, costs more than Ex-Situ conservation. Many species that have been declared extinct are genuinely lost forever and none exist anymore; however, there are instances where they surprisingly reemerge in their environments after a long absence. This highlights the significance of the paradox of In-Situ conservation along with the support from Ex-Situ conservation. Safeguarding the survival of wild plants and animals in their native ecosystems is significantly more strategic, vital and sustainable than merely relying on Ex-Situ preservation measures. Prioritizing the prevention of extinction in nature through In-Situ methods should be paramount as it shields species and their habitats, upholds greater genetic diversity and is inherently more ethical and financially sustainable. In practice, contemporary approaches to conservation require cooperative initiatives between In-Situ and Ex-Situ strategies. Within the realm of conservation development, Ex-Situ plays a crucial role as a necessary backup, providing vital resources like:
A. A source for germplasm and genetic material, where botanical gardens and seed banks act as “life reserves.” Consequently, Ex-Situ conservation becomes essential for the efficient storage of germplasm via methods like tissue culture and cryopreservation.
B. Situations when wild populations become critical, especially for species with very limited numbers
C. Supplying individuals for restoration efforts, as seen in modern strategies such as the One Plan Approach that effectively merges both methodologies. There is a concern regarding the cuscus (Phalangeridae spp) a species typical of the forests in the Wallacea and Papua Regions of Eastern Indonesia, which is on the brink of extinction. Currently, it appears that not every type of cuscus has been granted protection by the Minister of Environment, despite the fact that nearly all are nearing extinction and there are no indications of progress towards In-Situ conservation development as a preventive measure.