Animals : Fauna

• Steve Irwin
• Wolves

Protecting animal diversity, also known as biodiversity, is crucial for several reasons, many of which directly or indirectly affect human well-being. Here are some of the reasons why it's important:

1. Ecosystem Services: Animals play key roles in ecosystems and contribute to 'ecosystem services', which are benefits nature provides to human society. These services can include pollination of crops, control of pests and diseases, decomposition and nutrient cycling, and maintenance of water quality.
2. Food Security: Many people rely on animals for food, either directly (through hunting or fishing) or indirectly (through products like eggs, milk, and honey). Maintaining animal diversity ensures a more secure and sustainable food supply.
3. Medical Advances: A diverse range of animals provides opportunities for medical discoveries. Many medications, such as certain cancer treatments and pain killers, have been developed using compounds derived from animals.
4. Cultural and Aesthetic Value: Animal diversity contributes to the cultural, aesthetic, and recreational values of nature. People value the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, and many cultures have specific animals that are central to their traditions and stories.
5. Economic Value: Animals can have direct economic value, for instance, in the form of tourism. Wildlife tourism attracts millions of visitors to reserves, parks, and other natural areas, providing income for local communities and governments.
6. Ecological Balance: Each animal species plays a unique role in its ecosystem, contributing to a balance of life. Removing or adding species can disrupt this balance, leading to unexpected consequences.
7. Resilience to Climate Change: Biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient to disturbances, including those caused by climate change. Diverse animal populations can recover more quickly from extreme weather events and changes in environmental conditions.
8. Genetic Diversity: Protecting animal diversity also safeguards genetic diversity, which is crucial for species' adaptation to changing environments. This genetic material could be critical to improving agricultural breeds or for future medical discoveries.
9. Preserving the Web of Life: Every living thing is interconnected. By protecting animal diversity, we ensure the stability of all life's interdependent network, preserving the web of life for future generations.
10. Intrinsic Value: Beyond the utilitarian reasons, many argue that each animal species has an intrinsic value and a right to exist, irrespective of its known or potential uses for humans.

Protecting animal diversity is of paramount importance for maintaining the health and functionality of our planet's ecosystems, which ultimately underpin human survival and well-being.