How We Decide Which Species to Save

Researchers have had some success in protecting some species once on the brink of extinction like condors, gray wolves, pandas or elephant seals. “But with dozens of new species going extinct every day – scientists say that more than 20,000 plants and animals are on the brink of disappearing forever – deciding which species to save is a tricky question,” writes Christine Dell'Amore for National Geographic, who describes how priorities are set. “Some conservationists argue that how we choose which species live or die is deeply flawed, that our bias for preserving cute and fuzzy animals diverts precious resources from creatures that actually keep our planet humming.” Too many decisions rely on popularity and public outcries. Often tourism or other business interests dictate how funds are invested in preserving a species. Overlooked are small creatures like insects that may form the base for entire ecological systems and make contributions not yet be known. – YaleGloal