Question

In desperate times, painful decisions have to be made about priorities. Discuss the 'triage approach to conservation assessment List some highly endangered species of which you are aware and propose priorities for conservation action. Are any so hopeless that they should be allowed to go extinct?

Short answer

The triage approach prioritizes species with better survival chances; save species like the Amur Leopard when possible, but some may be too resource-intensive to save.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Triage Approach in Conservation

In conservation, the 'triage approach' involves making decisions about which species or ecosystems to save based on likelihood of survival and resources available. Just like in medical triage, where patients are prioritized for treatment based on urgency and survival chances, conservation triage prioritizes species that have a better chance of survival with the intervention.

Identifying Highly Endangered Species

Begin by listing some of the world's highly endangered species. Examples include the Amur Leopard, the Javan Rhino, and the Vaquita Porpoise. Each of these species has unique challenges that threaten its survival, such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.

Prioritizing Conservation Action

For effective conservation, prioritize species based on criteria such as ecological significance, the immediate threat level, and the feasibility of conservation efforts. For instance, species with critical ecological roles or those on the brink of extinction but can be saved with available resources might be prioritized.

Consideration of Species on the Edge of Extinction

Assess whether any species are so critically endangered that the resources required to save them would unreasonably detract from saving other species. While difficult, sometimes the focus should be on species and ecosystems where there is a better chance of success and significant ecological impact.

Key concepts

Endangered Species

Endangered species are animals or plants that are at risk of extinction. This risk arises due to various factors including habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and poaching. When a species becomes endangered, it means their population numbers are extremely low and their natural habitat is being compromised. Some well-known endangered species include:

• Amur Leopard
• Javan Rhino
• Vaquita Porpoise

Each of these species faces unique threats. For example, habitat loss due to deforestation is a significant problem for the Amur Leopard. The Javan Rhino suffers from both poaching and habitat destruction. Meanwhile, the Vaquita Porpoise is mostly affected by illegal fishing practices that entrap them. Understanding the specific challenges each species faces helps in designing effective conservation strategies.

Conservation Priorities

Conservation priorities are an essential aspect when it comes to deciding where and how to allocate resources in conservation efforts. These priorities are often dictated by several factors, such as:

• The likelihood of survival
• The level of threat faced
• The resources available
• The ecological importance of the species

When setting conservation priorities, it’s crucial to evaluate which species would benefit most from the intervention. This process involves identifying species that can recover if appropriate resources and strategies are applied. Additionally, species that play critical ecological roles but are on the brink of extinction may be prioritized if feasible conservation measures are in place. However, if a species' survival odds are extremely low and helping them redistributes resources from more viable efforts, difficult decisions must be made on whether to focus elsewhere.

Ecological Significance

Ecological significance refers to the role a species plays in its ecosystem. Some species, known as keystone species, have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their population size. The loss of such species can lead to dramatic changes in the ecosystem, sometimes causing a ripple effect that impacts many other species.
For instance, the Javan Rhino has significant ecological importance as it helps maintain the structure of the habitat in which it lives. Its grazing habits can influence the types of plants that grow, which in turn affects other animal species.
In conservation, prioritizing species with high ecological significance is vital. This is because preserving them often results in preserving biodiversity at a larger scale. These species' roles can include regulating species populations, providing critical food sources, or offering ecosystem services like pollination or seed dispersal. Conservation efforts that consider ecological significance tend to have broader and more sustainable impacts.