Valleys, shade sides of mountains and western ghats have more trees and water resources where more diverse fauna and flora may be present due to the availability of their life-sustaining resources compared with the others. Foothills, when compared with the mountain peak, are more diverse because mountain peaks are at higher altitude there is more sunlight, less water or we can say no water and also colder climate when compared to foothills so it will mostly be covered with either snow or there will exist a grassland.

Alexander von Humboldt a German naturalist and geographer explored the South American jungles. Through his observations, he concluded that with the increasing explored area, the species diversification increased. But this increase in diversity of species was seen only up to a limit.

In the above figure, the blue line (A) correctly indicates the equation S = CA^z . It is a rectangular hyperbola. It tells us that within a region species richness increases but only up to a limit.

On a logarithmic scale, S = CAz is described as log S = log C + Z log A. Here S = Species richness, A = Area explored, Z = slope of the line (regression coefficient), and C = Y-intercept.

According to IUCN, when a taxon is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future, it is classified as:

• Critically endangered : This category is used when a taxon is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.


• Extinct in the wild: This category is used when a taxon is no longer found in the wild, but individuals may still exist in captivity or artificial populations.


• Endangered: This category is used when a taxon is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.


• Vulnerable: This category is used when a taxon is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild, but not as high as the critically endangered or endangered categories.


 

Protected areas are examples of in-situ conservation.
In-situ conservation refers to the conservation of species and their habitats within their natural environment. Protected areas are designated and managed to preserve and protect biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources. Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Definition of protected areas:
- Protected areas are specific geographical spaces, such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, or nature reserves, established and managed by governments or organizations.
- These areas have legal and regulatory frameworks that restrict human activities and provide a safe haven for wildlife, plants, and other organisms.
2. Purpose of protected areas:
- These areas are established to conserve biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and maintain ecological balances.
- They provide habitats for endangered species and promote their survival by minimizing threats from human activities like habitat destruction, pollution, and hunting.
3. Conservation within protected areas:
- Protected areas serve as natural laboratories for studying and understanding ecosystems, species interactions, and ecological processes.
- They allow for the monitoring and management of species populations, including the control of invasive species and the restoration of degraded habitats.
4. Benefits of in-situ conservation:
- In-situ conservation maintains the genetic diversity of species, which is crucial for their long-term survival and adaptation to changing environments.
- It contributes to the ecosystem services provided by natural habitats, such as clean water, air purification, and climate regulation.
- In-situ conservation also supports sustainable use of natural resources, including ecotourism, research, and education.
In conclusion, protected areas are a prime example of in-situ conservation as they focus on preserving biodiversity and ecosystems within their natural habitat.

According to ecologists, the value of Z ranges from 0.1 to 0.2. It is regardless of the taxonomic region or group and the slopes of the regression line are mostly similar.

• An ecosystem consists of biotic and abiotic components that interact within a system.
• If there is a decrease in the number of bird species, the prey (food that birds eat) and predator (animals eating those specific birds) both will be affected causing serious harm to the safety of the ecosystem.

Answer:
The Indian rhinoceros is the most important protected species in Kaziranga National Park.
The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the greater one-horned rhinoceros, is a critically endangered species. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is primarily found in the northeastern states of India and Nepal. Among the various national parks in India, Kaziranga National Park is particularly significant for the conservation of this species. Here's why:
Kaziranga National Park:
- Located in the state of Assam, Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- It is home to the largest population of Indian rhinoceros in the world, making it a crucial habitat for their conservation.
- The park covers an area of 430 square kilometers and is characterized by its unique ecosystem of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical forests.
- Apart from Indian rhinoceros, Kaziranga is also home to other iconic wildlife species such as tigers, elephants, and water buffaloes.
- The park has been successful in implementing conservation measures like anti-poaching patrols and habitat management, leading to a steady increase in the rhino population.
- Kaziranga National Park has become a major tourist attraction, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over the world.
Importance of Indian Rhinoceros:
- The Indian rhinoceros is a flagship species for conservation efforts in India. Its protection helps preserve the entire ecosystem and other associated species.
- As a herbivorous mammal, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by controlling vegetation growth and shaping the landscape.
- The rhinos also contribute to seed dispersal, helping in the regeneration of forests.
- Conservation of the Indian rhinoceros has significant ecological, economic, and cultural importance, making it a priority species for protection.
Overall, the Indian rhinoceros holds great importance in the conservation efforts of Kaziranga National Park and plays a vital role in preserving the biodiversity of the region.

Zoos are the artificial habitats of animals wherein animals are conserved for public view. Wildlife sanctuaries cover a large geographical area as compared to that of zoo. 
The Government of India has provided the private ownership rights in zoo as
the recent incident of a youth being killed by a white tiger at the Delhi zoo highlighted the need to restructure and revamp Indian zoological parks.