ABSTRACT
Introduction Most conservationists would agree that by far the best methods of conservation are those that involve the in situ approach (cf. Chapter 16), and we should strive to preserve species in their native habitat (295, 298, 301, 302). When this is done it allows the process of evolution to continue and it also conserves the other organisms on which plant species depend for such processes as pollination, dispersal, defence and nutrient absorption through mycorrhizae. Most importantly, species growing in the wild can gradually adapt to changing environments, especially today those caused by global warming and changing climate patterns. However, the rapid loss of natural habitats and the acceleration of climate change means that to protect species for the future ex situ conservation (51, 296) will, unfortunately, become increasingly more important. It is, therefore, appropriate to close this volume with a chapter that focuses on ex situ conservation techniques.
