...“Around 80 mammal species (click here) are used by international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to raise funds for conservation,” Professor Possingham said.
“These flagship species, such as panda bears, tigers, lions and rhinos, are charismatic and have high marketing appeal, leading to the success of sponsorship programs.
“However, if money is being raised for 80 charismatic species, what happens to the other 1000 threatened mammal species and the 19,000 threatened plants, birds, reptiles, frogs, insects and obscure species?”
Most conservation dollars are spent within 100 kilometres of where they are raised, with the choice of which species to save is often based on ‘donor appeal' and the animal's closeness to extinction.
“So if you're an obscure animal or plant in a remote place, you have next to no hope of getting conservation resources,” Professor Possingham said....
“These flagship species, such as panda bears, tigers, lions and rhinos, are charismatic and have high marketing appeal, leading to the success of sponsorship programs.
“However, if money is being raised for 80 charismatic species, what happens to the other 1000 threatened mammal species and the 19,000 threatened plants, birds, reptiles, frogs, insects and obscure species?”
Most conservation dollars are spent within 100 kilometres of where they are raised, with the choice of which species to save is often based on ‘donor appeal' and the animal's closeness to extinction.
“So if you're an obscure animal or plant in a remote place, you have next to no hope of getting conservation resources,” Professor Possingham said....
