Biodiversity, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 20(4), P. 168 - 221
Published: Oct. 2, 2019
Species of invertebrate animals, notably insects, are undergoing an alarmingly high rate extinction, coupled with minimal support for their protection, even from the world's leading conservation organisations. This is intolerable, as invertebrates constitute over 95% species, have indispensable economic values and provide ecological services without which life on earth would virtually cease. Much lack public governmental due to abhorrent tiny pests that persuaded most people 'bugs' bad consequently only species worthy charismatic superstar mammals like pandas tigers currently mainstays biodiversity fundraising. Just these respected, highly attractive icons effective ambassadors conservation, so certain detested poisoned image invertebrates, indeed made it seem many wildlife hostile. The 'dirty dozen' bugs particularly a hindrance improving investment in are: bedbugs, clothes moths, cockroaches, fleas, houseflies, leeches, lice, locusts, mosquitoes, spiders, termites ticks. Except admittedly, responsible enormous damage health welfare. Nevertheless, this paper shows at least some compensating values, harm has often been exaggerated all related good citizens. Six dozen 'least wanted' highlighted blood parasites humans, 'bad apples' very hard defend since parasitism seems abhorrent. Remarkably, however, half tens millions also parasites, them ecosystems be danger collapse. To improve advisable efforts educate regarding importance. Since prejudices against primarily acquired during childhood, special attention needed persuade young harmless, valuable entertaining. Recent advances genetic engineering ('synthetic biology', 'genetic drives') led serious consideration deliberately eliminating worst humans. While extermination technologies could greatly increase by annihilating despised representatives, dangers unforeseen hence substantial.
Language: Английский