Why Save Species?
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The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) has been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1967. Photo credit: J. Michael Lockhart/USFWS. |
Congress answered this question in the preamble to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, recognizing that endangered and threatened species of wildlife and plants "are of esthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people." In this statement, Congress summarized convincing arguments made by scientists, conservationists, and others who are concerned by the disappearance of unique creatures. Congress further stated its intent that the Act should conserve the ecosystems upon which endangered and threatened species depend.
Some of the many specific reasons to invest money and effort into actions to conserve species threatened by extinction include:
- Benefits of natural diversity
- Contributions to medicine
- Biodiversity and agriculture
- Environmental monitors
- Ecosystem services
- Other economic values
- Intangible values
To learn more about each of these benefits, download the Why Save Endangered Species? [1.11MB] brochure produced by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.