The cost of recovering endangered species, according to the journal Science could reach almost $5 billion a year all over the world and an additional $76 billion to establish and maintain protected areas for threatened wildlife. This amount is definitely a lot of money which makes critics of the preservation of endangered species question its reasonableness.
One does not agree that the recovery of endangered species does not bring any benefit to mankind. First of all, this should be considered as an investment in the ecosystems which will benefit humanity in the future. Being the only specie that is capable of caring for the environment and its inhabitants, it is just proper that man care for the other creatures of this earth because of the dominion granted to us by the Creator.
The costs are minimal compared to the benefits that are gained. Furthermore, the preservation of endangered species are good indicators of larger environmental problems which can be detected, analyzed and resolved. From a biological perspective, biodiversity is important in sustaining the ecosystems that provide mankind with the things that it needs to survive such as food, health, shelter, and the other vital resources. Every species on earth, no matter how tiny has a role to play in the earth’s proper functioning.
Personally, one thinks that biodiversity is important because it provides a balance in our environment. Biodiversity is the source of the oxygen, water and food that man needs. Yes, one is willing to give up economic gains for the benefit of biodiversity. Whatever economic gains that man has now is a result of biodiversity. If men will not care for biodiversity now, economic gains will also be a thing of the past.
References
Chew, K. (2012, October 15). Over $76 billion needed to save endangered species. Retrieved from care2.com: http://www.care2.com/causes/over-76-billion-endangered-species-costs.html
Pister, E. P. (1978). Endangered species: Costs and benefits. Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and Western Division American Fisheries Society, (pp. 341-352).
