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written by: allychevalier edited by: Niki Fears updated: 3/13/2012 The reasons for saving endangered species might seem obvious to many people, but many question why we should save a species from dying out. Isn't this part of the process of natural selection? Is there any environmental benefit to preserving a dying species? Read more about this debate.
For some it's a question with an obvious answer, for others... it requires some thought. What benefit is there to saving an endangered species from dying out? This article outlines some of the arguments both forand againstconservation of endangered species.
Cultural Value
Many endangered species have long been considered cultural or artistic symbols which ironically often lead to them becoming endangered species in the first place. The mysticism surrounding tiger pelts and elephant ivory, for instance, has in large part played into the poaching epidemic. An intangible argument, yes, but where would cultures be without such timeless symbols as our most celebrated creatures? Preserving endangered species, thus, has become to many analogous as restoring old cathedrals and temples.
Scientific Value
Many endangered species have also proven to be scientifically useful. Many plants including countless on the endangered species listshave proven to be boons to human happiness, for everything from cancer research (Pacific yew) to natural insecticides (scrub mint.) Destroying species before we've even the chance to study them in depth and see nature's own solutions to problems in our society can only do us harm.
Cost
Others argue, however, that too much money is being used to too little of an effect. The conservation efforts often cut local industries short that depend on the same land the species require, like farming, logging and mining. So stunting the local economy often proves all the more deadly for endangered species, as the locals turn to poaching and other illegal, environmentally-damaging alternatives to earn the money to even just feed the kids. Yet others argue that the cost of conservation is not a cost at all, rather, that it can prove to be quite lucrative. Ecotourism, and people looking for that last chance to see, has proven to be a successful draw of people. Safari adventures for the exotic and the endangered species of the world bring in money from the developed world to the places where it's needed mostsiphoned not only into further conservation efforts, but also the local economy and environmentally friendly businesses. This doesn't hold true just for undeveloped countries, either. The reintroduction of the gray wolf into Yellowstone National Park proved to be a huge draw for tourists, for instance, and much of this money was used to further scientific research into gray wolf conservation.
http://www.brighthub.com/environment/science-environmental/articles/38549.aspx