Endangered Species Recovery

Some opponents of endangered species efforts have argued that endangered species recovery is too expensive, stands in the way of individual property rights, and produces little to no results in the recovery of endangered species. Do you agree or disagree with this position? How important is biodiversity from a biological perspective? How important is biodiversity to you personally? Are you willing to give up economic gains for the benefit of biodiversity? Evaluate and discuss these questions and ideas based on your research of credible sources

I agree that endangered species recovery stands in the way of individual property rights. Critics argue that Endangered Species Act (ESA) constitutes an unconstitutional taking of private property without compensation. I believe the restrictions on private land use can reduce the income that property owners can earn from their property.

On the other hand, according to the contingent valuation survey (CV), which is used to measure benefits of endangered species recovery program, results suggest that the average person's lump sum willingness to pay ranges from $12.99 to $254 for sea turtle or bald eagle preservation. The survey indicated that the average individual's annual willingness to pay ranges from $6 to $95 to avoid the loss of the northern spotted owl (Kauffman, 2011). Although the endangered species recovery program is expensive, the success of Endangered Species recovery program is straightforward. For example, the economic value of current recreational use like recreational viewing of species is perhaps the most straightforward benefit to estimate.  (Kauffman, 2011) notes that the recreational birding in Cape May New Jersey support over 60,000 jobs and over $1 billion in individual income (Kauffman, 2011).

Anup (2011) defines biodiversity as the number of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, the enormous diversity of genes in these species, the different ecosystems on the planet, such as deserts, rainforests and coral reefs (Anup, 2011).

From this definition, it can easily be concluded that biodiversity is important in many ways. Anup (2011) notes that biodiversity provides a number of natural services for everyone. For example, Ecosystem services help in protection of water resources, soils formation and protection, nutrient storage and recycling, pollution breakdown and absorption, contribution to climate stability (Anup, 2011).

As clearly explained from above, biodiversity is very important to me personally. Because as a result of biodiversity, water resources are protected, I’m able to access clean water hence living healthy. Yes, I would be willing to give up economic gains for the benefit of biodiversity on condition that there are alternative ways to satisfy my needs.