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Should we save the panda?

Posted by on September 21, 2012

Should we save the panda?by Rebecca Nesbit, Press Officer at the Society of Biology

This week I added a poll to the Society of Biology website in honour of our upcoming debate during Biology Week: ‘should we save the panda?’. I admit I haven’t yet voted, because I don’t know what to say.

If I look at the question from a purely scientific point of view the answer is a clear no. We only have limited resources for conservation and we should perhaps focus them on species which either are essential to the ecosystem they inhabit (such as being a food source for other species) or benefit humans directly (such as pollinating our crops or stabilising sand dunes which are flood defences).

Basically – cute and cuddly doesn’t mean ecologically valuable.

But ecological value isn’t all that matters. What shouldn’t be underestimated is the impact of wildlife on human health, both physical and mental.

I recently reviewed The Value of Species by Edward McCord for The Biologist. I wasn’t completely convinced by his arguments because, like it or not, we do have to make choices, but he made a relevant point.

Some species will never provide economic benefit, but he believes nature is so fascinating that all species are worthy of protection. Curiosity is fundamental to our consciousness and sparks our appreciation of other species. If we lost this what would it mean for human existence?

I’d be really interested to hear everyone’s thoughts, in the comments below or by email, and you can send me questions to put to the panellists or come along in person.

The questions I’m asking myself are:

Is it a problem if the panda survives only in the zoo? Most of us will never see one in the wild, and if ‘because we love them’ is our reason for acting, then perhaps captivity is good enough.

Is beauty important when choosing what to save? Should conservationists be trying to increase the street cred of ‘uglier animals’. I know one who is… check out panellist Simon Watt’s Ugly Animal Appreciation Society.

If we are genuinely keen to prioritise species because we like them, should we protect some invasive species rather then try to eliminate them?

Connected to these, I have already blogged about whether conservation is about protecting humans or whether biodiversity is intrinsically valuable.

Thanks in advance for all your comments.

Biology Week, organised by the by the Society of Biology, logo

24 Responses to Should we save the panda?

  1. Blair

    Hi, I am contacting you because we value your dedication to saving Pandas. We have an opportunity to raise more money for Pandas and we would like you to share it with your readers!

    The Saving Pandas App is an adorable game that challenges players to use their skills and powers to overcome obstacles, hurdles and enemies on unfriendly planets to save baby pandas which have been abducted by space aliens. In between levels, facts about Giant Pandas help to educate players and remind all about the importance of caring for the well-being and conservation of one of the world’s most loved animals.

    The Saving Pandas App is available for purchase for $1.99 in the App Store and portions of proceeds are going to Chengdu Panda Base, a research facility that YANUA has long supported.

    More information can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/savingpandasapp
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    We want to get this information out to as many people as possible and would appreciate it if you let your company and readers know about this fun opportunity to help save the pandas! Thank you for Saving Pandas!

  2. Katherine

    I think it’s a rather controversial debate, but very interesting. As much as I Iove pandas and would hate to see them extinct I defintely think that the limited budget of conservation would maybe be better spent on other species that directly affect the eco-system e.g. Bees.

  3. Jackie Ward

    We debated this in our school during biology week and both sides of the house debated the argument well. The overall decision was a tricky one to make but raised the issues around conservation.