Why Save Endangered Species?
Since life began on this planet, countless creatures have come and gone—rendered extinct by naturally changing physical and biological conditions. Since extinction is part of the natural order, some people ask: "Why save endangered species? Why should we spend money and effort to conserve them? How does society benefit from protecting them?"
Congress addressed these questions in the preamble to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, recognizing that endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants "are of esthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people." In this statement, Congress summarized a number of convincing arguments advanced by scientists, conservationists, and others who are greatly concerned by the disappearance of unique creatures.
Congress further stated its intent to provide a mechanism to conserve the ecosystems upon which endangered and threatened species depend in order to prevent their extinction.
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