On the occasion of World Nature Protection Day, the Wildlife Federation highlights a reality little known to society such as that conserve and care for species ex situ.
Conservation ex situ consists of maintaining certain components of biodiversity outside their natural habitats and, according to the entity, “it is essential to protect biodiversity and fight illegal animal trafficking.”
All this is considered in a global context, in which many species are threatened with extinctionCaptive breeding and regulated trade have proven to be effective tools for preserving ecosystems and providing legal alternatives that dismantle species trafficking.
Wildlife, responsible conservation
The federation promotes the concept of “faunism“. From the federation, they maintain that “the faunist initiative maintains that we can experience our bond with animals from emotionbut this must also be done from the reasonTHE objectivity and of mental health“.
According to Fauna, the humans and animals share an intrinsic bond which has profoundly influenced our evolutionary development and culture, a bond which gives us the responsibility to respect them.
“But this does not mean ignoring the basic principle that a scale of values must be established which clearly differentiates between what is human and what is not,” affirms the federation.
Respect and well-being
The new strategy specifies that we must treat with respect and ensure the well-being of domestic and companion animals that provide us with food, work, and emotional benefits.
But we cannot lose sight of the fact that the human species, because of an evolutionary process of millions of yearsis physiologically omnivorous and it is absurd to deny reality.
The strategy also promotes the idea of assuming the we must act with respect in all interactions with the environmentas well as considering biodiversity as a common good to be preserved as a global priority.
Houses and zoos
“One of the strategies to achieve this is use all means at our disposal to ensure the conservation ex situ of endangered species, whether in zoos or at home», argue wildlife experts.
As an example of the role of conservation, they showcase the care given to species by aquarium enthusiasts who have saved animals such as the Tequila Picote or keep cichlid of Mangarahara.
The latter, discovered in 2006 and almost disappeared in 2013, created a conservation breeding network in 2020 in order to obtain a stable reserve population of this endangered species in captivity outside Madagascar over the long term and with the participation of private aquarists. They defend that this strategy was developed “to avoid a further extinction of the species in the future, in the safest way possible”.
Biodiversity and illegal trafficking
The biodiversity crisis facing the world has a profound impact on ecosystems, since thousands of species are caught illegally every year, fueling an underground market that leads to the extinction of the most vulnerable species.
Animal trafficking is one of the biggest threats to wildlife, and its eradication requires global solutions. For this reason, wildlife advocates captive breeding and care of species and regulated trade by the CITES convention are essential responses to fight illegal trafficking.
Responsible and ethical options
By promoting legal and safe ways to keep animals and plants in homes, it is not only about caring for and protecting species, but also contributes to the dismantling of criminal networks who operate in the shadows, destroying entire ecosystems.
Regulation and public education play a key role in this process, providing citizens with responsible and ethical choices to benefit from our bond with animals.
Orderly breeding and conservation
The orderly breeding of animals in captivity not only allows the preservation of endangered species, but also helps reduce pressure on populations in the wild.
Through these practices, it is possible to conserve the genetic diversity of endangered species, which promotes their long-term survival. Wildlife insists that this approach is more effective than outright banswhich systematically leads to an increase in illegal trafficking.
Where zoos don’t go
“Orderly captive breeding and regulated trade oroffer sustainable and responsible alternativesThis is so that animal lovers can contribute to conservation where zoos do not reach, by exhibiting the smallest and least charismatic species,” they add from Fauna.
In addition to protecting biodiversity, these practices allow greater awareness and education on the importance of wildlife conservation. “It’s not far, you can contribute your grain of sand,” recommend the experts in their argument.
An effort for nature
On the occasion of World Conservation Day, celebrated on October 18, Fauna highlights the importance of a coordinated approach between governments, associations, breeders and citizens to guarantee the survival of many species and put an end to illegal trade.
The Federación Fauna affirms that only effective collaboration and clear regulations will preserve biodiversity and Ensuring a sustainable future for the most endangered species.
