Should we be protecting species?

[opinterph]

I'm not aware of an animal DNA bank anywhere, though.

The Frozen Ark has been working to preserve animal tissue and DNA since 1996.

Saving the DNA and the viable cells of the world's endangered animals (YouTube video; 5:24 min)​

 

[zoltanspawn]

Why save a species when we can catalog it instead?

 

[opinterph]

Why save a species when we can catalog it instead?

Many species of poison dart frogs are endangered, due to habitat loss. The small frog is comparable in size to a paper clip, but carries enough venom to kill 10 grown men. If raised in captivity and away from their natural habitat, they do not develop venom.

Scientists have used the venom in working to develop a new painkiller for humans.

Poison Dart Frog (National Geographic)
Reasons for the Endangerment of the Poison Dart Frog (PawNation)​

 

[zoltanspawn]

An engineer's answer. ^ The habitat of the frogs offers utility beneficial to us.

I'm stuck on the archaic notion that species and their habitats have a more fundamental right...to not be destroyed by us in the first place.

(And our excitement about cool science-y gene banks diverts us from the real problem.)

 

[opinterph]

I'm stuck on the archaic notion that species and their habitats have a more fundamental right...to not be destroyed by us in the first place.

I am reminded of the canary in the coalmine.