[Taxacom] Biodiversity and Species Value

[Haas, Fabian]

Oh yes, the more fur and feathers or nice cute eyes they have (limit there is two eyes) the easier it is to get funding. Why research on Gorillas? Quite clear what needs to be done, but they are so cute! (Nothing against Gorillas, they must be protected, but in terms of research we are already in the range of footnote to footnotes, nothing essential to be found, esp not in terms of conservation)

Also I see here, that people pay to see the "Big 5" in Africa but not the "Tiny 5000". ...




-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Manning [mailto:sdmanning at asub.edu]
Sent: Friday, June 11, 2010 12:39 AM
To: Haas, Fabian; Hans Henderickx; Steve Manning
Cc: Taxacom at mailman.nhm.ku.edu
Subject: RE: [Taxacom] Biodiversity and Species Value

Hi Fabian,

Yes, my main point though is that the NUMBER of species in a place is
more important than going to huge lengths to conserve one or a few
particular species no matter where they are, so at present reliable
estimates of the approximate NUMBER of species is more important than
info. on their relationships, anatomy, genetics or even on their
interactions.  Hence a higher priority to preserving tropical rain
forest areas, even if poorly known in details, than a particular
species of bird or bat that might be threatened there or anywhere
else if other unknown species perish while we are focused on the
"charismatic" species at their expense.

I know there are organizations doing this, but when it comes to
funding support for research and conservation, as I am sure you know,
sometimes one or a few species close to human habitation can get more
concern than the more distant majority.

Best,
Steve

At 01:21 AM 6/10/2010, Haas, Fabian wrote:
>Well Steve,
>
>Basically I share you view and habitat destruction is a key factor
>for biodiversity loss.
>
>The issue is that we need to make a point why exactly we want this
>area protected and defend the decision. That is best done by saying
>that this place is important because of... SPECIES living therein.
>So we need info on species. A lot of work but alas, that's the way.
>
>IUCN has a nice report on how to find and delimit Key Biodiversity Areas...
>
>Cheers
>Fabian
>
>
>----



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