The bias in saving nature: How conservation funding favors the familiar

Mongabay
Mongabay
2M ago
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A study reveals that 83% of conservation funding targets vertebrates, particularly mammals and birds, neglecting critical species like amphibians. This bias threatens biodiversity and ecological balance.
The bias in saving nature: How conservation funding favors the familiar
A What happened
The study led by Benoit Guénard analyzed 14,600 conservation projects over 25 years, revealing a stark bias in funding allocation. A staggering 83% of conservation funding and 84% of projects focused on vertebrates, with mammals and birds receiving the majority of support. In contrast, amphibians, which are critically endangered, received only 2.5% of recent funding, despite a quarter of their species being at risk of extinction. The findings indicate that only 6% of threatened species received dedicated conservation support, while 29% of funding went to species deemed of 'least concern.' This imbalance suggests that conservation efforts are failing to protect essential biodiversity. The authors argue for a shift in funding strategies to prioritize species based on ecological risk rather than public appeal, emphasizing the need for a more honest approach to conservation that addresses the broader ecological fabric.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Funding Bias: 83% of conservation funding targets vertebrates, neglecting other vital species.

  • 2

    Amphibians Underfunded: Amphibians receive only 2.5% of conservation funding despite high extinction risk.

  • 3

    Ineffective Conservation: No correlation found between funding levels and species population recovery.

  • 4

    Need for Change: Funding should align with scientific assessments of risk to protect biodiversity.

Takeaways

The study underscores the urgent need to reevaluate conservation funding strategies to ensure equitable support for all species, particularly those at risk of extinction, to maintain ecological balance.

Topics

Climate & Environment Wildlife Conservation