Ex-situ Conservation — Current Affairs 2026

Current Affairs Connections

Recent developments and news linked to Ex-situ Conservation.

India Launches 'Project Vulture Revival' with Enhanced Ex-situ Breeding Centers

October 2025

Building on the success of previous vulture conservation efforts, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has announced 'Project Vulture Revival,' a new national initiative. This project significantly expands the network of ex-situ conservation breeding centers across the country, focusing on the critically endangered Gyps vultures. The plan includes upgrading existing facilities with advanced veterinary care, genetic management protocols, and specialized aviaries designed to mimic natural habitats. The goal is to increase the captive population to a viable number, ensuring genetic diversity, before phased reintroduction into designated 'Vulture Safe Zones.' This initiative highlights the government's sustained commitment to ex-situ strategies for species on the brink, integrating scientific research with on-ground implementation.

UPSC Angle: This event is highly relevant for UPSC, showcasing a multi-species approach to ex-situ conservation. It can be linked to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the role of the Central Zoo Authority, and the broader National Biodiversity Action Plan. Questions could focus on the methods of captive breeding, challenges in reintroduction, and the importance of ex-situ efforts for critically endangered species like vultures.

Background (2024)

Earlier events that provide context for this topic.

Global Seed Vault Expands Capacity Amidst Climate Change Threats, India Contributes New Accessions

March 2024

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, often dubbed the 'doomsday vault,' has undergone a significant expansion and upgrade to enhance its capacity and resilience against future climate change impacts. Concurrently, India, through the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), has deposited a new batch of diverse crop landraces and wild relatives, particularly those showing drought and heat resistance. This move underscores the increasing global reliance on ex-situ seed banks as a critical safeguard against agricultural biodiversity loss due to climate change, pests, and diseases. The new accessions from India contribute to the global genetic pool, offering potential solutions for developing climate-resilient crops for future food security.

UPSC Angle: This development emphasizes the global nature of ex-situ conservation and its direct link to food security and climate change adaptation. UPSC questions might explore the role of seed banks in preserving agricultural biodiversity, the concept of 'crop wild relatives,' international cooperation in conservation, and the implications of climate change for genetic resources. It also connects to the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and India's role in global conservation efforts.