SINGAPORE — With an estimated 37 per cent of Singapore’s biodiversity having been lost in the last 200 years, scientists have proposed prioritising “charismatic” species in conservation efforts.
Clockwise from top left: A Malayan Colugo, a Sunda Pangolin, an otter, a Raffles' banded langur and a common palm civet.Scientists in Singapore propose focusing conservation efforts on"charismatic" species, like otters and pangolins, due to significant biodiversity loss
Charismatic species, as defined in a recent report by the National University of Singapore , are those that attract more public interest due to their aesthetic appeal or cultural significance. One ecology expert told TODAY:"If the reaction to seeing one is 'wow' or 'aw' or 'cute', it is charismatic."
“ that the policies we devise to protect charismatic species will incidentally protect other species as well,” he told TODAY. Asked if adopting such a strategy would mean neglecting or overlooking non-charismatic species, Assoc Prof Chisholm said that in an ideal world, there would be sufficient conservation funding and public support for tailored conservation plans for all threatened species.
Still, Assoc Prof Chisholm stressed the importance of monitoring programmes based around charismatic species to measure the benefits for non-charismatic species and overall ecosystem health. Dr Lum said the most vulnerable charismatic species tend to be larger animals, such as the Raffles’ banded langur, leopard cat and greater mousedeer, which require large areas for their feeding and social territories.
“This, however, does not easily translate into soundbites that can excite, galvanise and inspire many policymakers, corporate leaders and the general public. At least not yet,” he said. "Safeguarding unusual species or restoring scarce ones is another approach to species protection strategies."Have we discovered enough about our biodiversity and natural ecosystems to decide what’s valuable?
“This makes it even more pressing to have more compassion, understanding and tolerance towards all forms of biodiversity, whether a snake, a monitor lizard or a pangolin.”
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