Page 21 - World of Animals - Issue #29

WHY SAVE THE

PANDA?

Pandas have become the face of conservation, used

to gain funding and attract attention. But with more
animals facing extinction than ever before, is it working?

Words Naomi Harding
The panda debate is a controversial one to say the least. animals into. Many conservationists believe adopting a
Many argue that the amount spent on pandas could habitat-based approach would be more beneficial in the

be better spent elsewhere and focusing on charismatic long run, rather than focusing on a select few species.
megafauna, like the panda, gorilla, tiger and elephant, On the other hand, these species typically have large
only draws attention away from the lesser-known species home ranges, meaning that by conserving them and their
that need our help more. Chris Packham made the habitat, you also help secure the future of all the other
headlines in 2008 when he said, “I’d eat the last panda if I species living there, even the smaller ones that may not
could have the money we’ve spent on panda conservation otherwise be protected.
back on the table for me to do more sensible things Largely thanks to human activity and behaviour, we
with.” This seemed to spark an international debate on are losing species at an alarming rate; this includes
the merits of pouring limited conservation resources into amphibians, insects, reptiles, and birds, as well as

the furry species. The main argument is that animals like mammals. At a time when funding is so limited, difficult
the panda are suffering so badly from habitat loss that decisions have to be made as to which animals we
spending large sums on captive breeding is a waste of concentrate our efforts on. Saving the world is an
resources, when there is no wild left to release these impossibly huge task, so where do we start?

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