Are we doing conservation.

P

Pycnogonid

Well-Known Member
Sometimes, I feel like focusing on individual species is pointless and a waste of time. I think we should focus on ecosystems as a whole instead of individual species.

Yes, sometimes and entire ecosystem is carried on the back on/a few species in which case they do warrant special protection. But this is often not the case. So, instead of pouring money into a dozen breeding programs for a dozen small birds, just focus on protecting their habitat so that not only do you work on all birds at the same time but all the other species that live there as well.

Yes, sometimes some focus is necessary, but we should generally aim to look at the bigger picture.

What do you think?
 
that's a basic premise of conservation.

Irrespective of zoo claims of "saving species" trotted out every time any common animal is born, protecting ecosystems is what it is all about.

Individual species are generally focussed on because it is easier to get attention for one charismatic species, the conservation efforts of which benefit everything else in their habitat. Or because only specific species within an ecosystem are threatened (usually by poaching, perhaps by disease or other factors).

Ideally, ex situ zoo conservation (which I assume is what you are meaning) is a combination with in situ conservation efforts.

Who is "we" in your question?
 
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Both are needed - habitat preservation and species conservation. The best conservation zoos internationally work extensively in range countries, often running or assisting in breeding programs as well as working to preserve habitat. Others sponsor work by other agencies, often linking it to exhibits or animals in their zoos When it comes to species conservation it is most valuable when conducted in a managed program, linked to a recovery program for the species.

Just holding or breeding a threatened species is not in itself conservation, although overall I would prefer zoos held and bred threatened species rather than common species. Zoos also have an important role in education and building empathy for threatened species, and for many zoos this may be more important than any work they do with threatened species. But if a zoos only "contribution" to conservation is a list on their website of threatened species they hold, then indeed they are doing nothing,

Worst of all are those zoos that breed the likes of white tigers and lions, then make claims about their "rareness" implying some conservation outcome.
 
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