Conservation of the Uglies

In conservation biology determining which species to protect can often be a difficult decision.  Iconic species such as the Monarch Butterfly often evoke stronger calls for conservation from the public than lesser known species.While any type of conservation is in theory a good thing, not focusing on the ecological roles different species play in a given habitat is a poor strategy.  For example, researchers have named a new species of snail (Charopa lafargei) in Malaysia after a quarrying company (Lafarge) in hopes it may delay or prevent the company from destroying the habitat in which the snail was found.  Furthermore, a survey by George Mason University found that survey respondents were more likely to want to save "patriotic" or cute  named organisms than those with other names (Shiffman, 2014).  While the public opinion of a given species should not have much of an impact on ecological decision it can, and often does, have profound impacts on influencing government agencies.  Not only can public approval help a species by making it more visible to the general public but it also can generate important monetary donations which lesser known species would not be able to get.  While conservation of species is an important topic I think that the general public would be well advised to support all species rather than to pick "favorites" as biodiversity is something we all should value.

Java mouse-deer at the Jerusalem Zoo (Wikipedia)

Works Cited:

Shiffman, D. (2014, December 16). Could an Animal's Name Save It from Extinction? Retrieved March 16, 2015, from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/could-an-animal-s-name-save-it-from-extinction/

North American Native Bees

The average U.S. citizen may be surprised to know that the common honey bee (A. mellifera) is not a native bee species to North America.  While the importance of the honey bee to agriculture is unquestionable, a number of native insect species also act as pollinators in North America.  Carpenter Bees for example, are native bees found in North America as well as a number of cuckoo bees.

Native Bees pollinate crops native to North America including: tomatoes, blueberries, pumpkins, eggplants, and a number of other important crops.  While some native bees are social like the honey bee a number of other species live solitary lives or don't construct traditional combs.  Much like non-native honey bees a number of these important pollinators are also on the decline.  For more information on native bees read here.

Native Sweat Bee (Agapostemon virescens)

Works Cited: 

Native Bees of North America. (2010.). Retrieved March 6, 2015, from http://bugguide.net/node/view/475348