Pericles

It is quite normal for species to become extinct due to changing conditions. However, it is the rate at which we humans alter various ecosystems (for example the Bogong High Plains) which hastens the end of not just a single species but an entire network of bacteria, fungi, lichens, plants, insects and animals.

Bio-diversity is necessary for continued evolution, this is why wiping out entire forests causes so much imbalance, from mud slides to extermination of many different species - not just the Hairy Nosed Wombat.

I'm sure you understand the need for genetic diversity - why interbreeding within a small genetic pool produces nonviable creatures.

Diversity is life. Its that simple and yet that complicated - because we can't simply introduce some threatened species into new environments without having a profound effect on the new environment.

Pericles,

Saving species from extinction is probably too little too late and effort would better be spent ensuring that that no species ever reaches that point. Unfortunately it has proved impossible to halt the juggernaut that proceeds incrementally to destroy habitat bit by bit.

Those concerned about the juggernaut just don't have the resources to stop it before it reaches a point of no return. The money only then becomes available to do something so the concerned do what they can even if it is just a token.

It is only when we get down to the last few polar bears that the urgency of their plight strikes a cord with the less concerned public and governments and action results.

Under the natural conditions of evolution, species become extinct as something more evolved takes their place in the biodiversity and food chain, rarely do species become extinct because of natural events, unless it's a global event. The difference is now, they're being made extinct because of another species inability to live within the bounds of this planets natural laws of existence. In universal terms, it could be described as a viral disease, killing a life force of diverse complexity.

It's true in the past some species survived by relocating, but this time that's not as easy, the entire planets ecosystem is breaking down. So moving may be futile. The human race is so irresponsible they refuse to stop those in power continuing down a path which every sensible person can see, is leading to a disaster which can't be fixed. Unless you are a complete fool, or refuse to see what is happening all around you, but outside our illusionary comfort zones. Then you can't fail to see the obvious, what we are doing and how we live, is killing everything. It's not our technology which is at fault, but how we implement and use it. Change that approach and we change the world for the better, anything else is irrelevant.

Stormbay

I am in full agreement with your comments. I would go so far to state that the extinction of the human race is the only animal extinction which would actually benefit this planet. However I am not requesting suicide, but we do have to learn to live with the environment, rather than trying to alter it to suit our needs.

We now possess the knowledge and the technology with which to conduct our behaviour responsibly.

A curfew on further infringement into what remains of the wilderness.

Living within our bounds, sustainably and

Not continuing this never ending consumption and breeding.

There are clear benefits for humans as well, a sustainable population would mean an eventual end to the poverty and misery of many human beings.

It could be a win/win, but where is the will?

Protagoras and Kulu,

It is increasingly an exercise in futility posting to OLO as the "contributors" to these sorts of discussions have no interest in honest debate.

I don't know if they work for "vested" interests or what their real agenda might be but they are eloquently described in a book by John Perkins, "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man".

While set in an earlier period pre global warming, aka climate change, the book chronicles the ruthless, immoral way in which global corporations manipulate the truth for their own advantage.

One doesn't need to be a "greenie", "leftie" et al to realise that if you deny science perpetually, disseminate "false truths" and pillory any critics you effectively stifle all debate and eventually governments capitulate; observe Kevin and Penny in the last week or two.

I selfishly have no children and am at the end of my working life so in a sense don't care what happens to "good old" planet earth (other than moral imperative) - but I wonder about 'curmudgeon" and the rest of Nero's merry men! What will they say to their children and grand children?

Thanks Peter K, I'll try and get hold of that book you recommended.

All

Here is a useful site from which you can watch videos from a range of speakers on various topics including economic, social, environmental and the arts:
http://www.themonthly.com.au/video

Just a thought... the koalas on Kangaroo Island are breeding and eating themselves out of existence. Should we cull them or let them suffer the consequences of their own folly? (Mind you we did introduce them onto the island in the first place.)

The humans on Planet Earth are multiplying and using exhausting its resources promoting their own collapse. Should we cull them or...