Prioritizing charismatic species is ‘pragmatic’
Dr. Sean Lam, a senior lecturer at Nanyang Technological University’s School of Asian Environment, while sharing his views on the study results, said the researchers were realistic in their proposed approach.
The authors did not think that they were saying that we should only care about protecting charismatic species.
“They are instead proposing to decision-makers and the public an approach that will have greater conservation benefits,” he told TODAY.
Dr Lam said the most vulnerable charismatic species tend to be large animals such as Raffles’ banded langurs, leopard cats and great mouse deer, which require large areas for food and social territory.
“Bringing attention to these species and their conservation needs means that if they are to continue to survive, a wide range of forests and other ecosystems need to be protected, well-managed, and restored. You will be sending a message.
“If we are to save a charismatic species that everyone can relate to and feel the urgency of its conservation, we must essentially protect the most diverse habitat, home to the majority of Singapore’s native flora and fauna. “We will do that,” he said. .
Dr. Lam acknowledged that it would be ideal to prioritize all species, regardless of charisma, as all species have an inherent right to exist.
“But this is not something that easily translates into a soundbite that excites, energizes and inspires many policymakers, business leaders and the general public. At least not yet,” he said.
The long-term strategy is for everyone to appreciate and celebrate nature “so that our children can be enriched and inspired by nature, just as our ancestors were.” , he added.
Stephen Benn, chairman of Friends of the Marine Park’s ground-led initiatives, said charismatic species were often used to raise awareness for pressing causes. His two examples include polar bears for the melting of the Arctic and sea turtles for plastic pollution.
“The best way to conserve a species is to protect its habitat, but saving species based on their cultural value or cuteness can leave behind species with more important roles in the ecosystem. ” he said.
“Conserving rare species or restoring rare species is another approach to species conservation strategies.”
Ben added that the questions to ask when planning in this regard are:
- Have we discovered enough about biodiversity and natural ecosystems to decide what is valuable?
- Do we know enough about the natural world and its operating limits to understand the consequences of our actions?
- Is it our role to conserve some species and write off others without first addressing the socio-economic root causes of biodiversity loss?
We value all lives, regardless of charisma: Acre
Kalaivanan Balakrishnan, co-chief executive officer of the Association for Animal Research and Education (Acres), cautioned against approaches that prioritize charismatic species in conservation efforts.
He also urged researchers to apply a broader perspective that “recognizes the interconnectedness of all life” as Singapore is a place where nature and urban life are interwoven.
“This makes it even more urgent that we show more compassion, understanding and tolerance for all forms of biodiversity, including snakes, monitor lizards and pangolins.”
Echoing Dr Lam’s views on long-term strategy, Mr Kalaivanan said there was a need to foster management of Singapore’s biodiversity.
This is because relying solely on aesthetic appeal to engage the public in conservation efforts can reduce the inherent value of other species.
“We need an approach that creates a kind and caring society for all life and creates stewards of nature, charismatic or not,” he said.
He added that Singaporeans should read about biodiversity, immerse themselves in nature and realize that their world is shared with other animals.
“We don’t own them,” he said.
Mr Kalaivanan believes that media portrayals and advocacy materials play a role in creating an impression on Singaporeans.
Whether a person feels fear, respect, love, or hatred toward an animal ultimately depends on how the animal is viewed by the general public.
“Storytelling and positive messages about less charismatic species can be just as persuasive and impactful as a call to action,” Kalaivanan said.