Save endangered parasites?

Question

If somehow pests and parasites such as mosquitos, coachroaches, ticks, chiggers, intestional worms, etc. were to become endangered and were facing extinction, would there be a move to try to save them as we do other species?

Answer 1

I'm sure some bunny huggers some where would complain.

Answer 2

I don't think so, which could have a negative effect on our environment. All life forms interact to make this planet work the way it does. Only after the negative effects were apparent would there be a movement to save them.

Answer 3

In some cases, yes.  I doubt anyoe woud miss intestinal parasites.

But mosquitos?  However unlikely it might be, if they were to become endangered, yes--in fact it would be apriority.

Here'swhy:  Mosquitos form a major part of the diet (food source) for many species--birds and frogs in particular.  No mosquitos, and those species will suffer a population crash.  And that will eliminate  the food source for the animals who prey on them. . .  .and so on.

This is one thing many people don't understand about the desire to save endangered species.  It's NOT jsut a warm-hearted desire to take care of Mother Earth.  The very solid, practical reason is that, in many cases, the loss of a species has ripple effects that spread and spread.

A real-world example:  there are areas in which coral is an endangered species.  When the coral dies, it destroys the base of reef ecologies--the other plants and animals die.  Then there is no food for the small fish to eat--and then no food for the fish that we--humans--eat.  Thisis already having an impact on the fishing industry (not to mention many other species) in many parts of the world.

Hmmm--cockroaches.  Can't think of a good ue for them. But they've been around for 4000 million years.  They will still be here long aftter humans are extinct or evolved into something else (sigh).

Answer 4

Yes there would.  This debate has already come up.  The smallpox virus is believed to be eliminated from the human population with the exception of samples that exist in Russia and the USA.  These samples were set for destruction, eliminating this deadly DNA from the planet.

However it was argued that this would be wrong, that no human should ever make anything extinct.  The destruction of these samples where halted indefinitely.

Answer 5

As mere mortals, I don't think we can possibly understand the delicate ecological balance between all man, plants, insects and animals. Whether you believe in some kind of evolutionary 'big-bang' theory, an intelligent designer, or a god who created this Earth, it's reasonable to assume that there was a universal purpose for all these parasites (including mankind) to be part of our planet's ecosystem.

Who knows?

We do know that the construction of beachfront resorts has resulted in the destruction of mangrove forests. We do know that as rainforests are depleted to make room for more cattle-grazing (so we can keep eating cheap hamburgers at McDonald's), a fragile natural ecosystem is being systematically eliminated. We do know that over-fishing is ruining the oceans. We do know how oil drilling, coal mining and natural gas exploration has eroded much of the Earth's environment. We do know that our Industrial Evolution has escalated the natural order of global warming, which might very well result in the devastation of the planet as we know it today.

So who knows what role a lowly cockroach might play in the 'grand plan' of this great planet??

Answer 6

I think it is a moot point.  For if all were to be endangered for facing extinction, it would be mean our entire planet would be facing a complete environmental collapse.  Mosquitos, cockroaches (who survive just about anything), ticks, chiggers, and whatever other pests and parasites would not be high on the list of concerns.  

But, to entertain the thought, some might prove worthy of trying to preserve IF they serve a vital role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem.  I do not see how intentional worms provide such benefits, as such I think their demise would be celebrated.  

Or one can do a cost-benefit analysis.  Does the cost of having a parasite extinction outweigh the benefit of its survival.  The answer will be subjective based on the values/criteria one uses to judge costs and benefits.

If the eradication of a breed of mosquito would mean the elimination of  malaria in a region and would not upset the balance of that ecosystem, then I doubt much of an effort would be made to save the mosquito.  If anything, they might be preserved in a laboratory setting.

Answer 7

i dont think so there will be but if these parasites are needed to maintain the balance of a certain ecosystem, maybe other activists will try to save them

Answer 8

There probably wouldn't be, but there definitely should be if such a situation arises.  All organisms have their place in the ecosystem, and removing any messes up the balance of all of the others.

Answer 9

You forget that the world is 3/4 's covered in water. What us terrariens consider mostly minor objects of discomfort can easily be converted to invited levels of relief. Relief for tens of thousands of aquatic creatures. You must see the ridiculous scope of your question. I challenge you to stand-up,and be counted,as one who trully has interest in this world.