Ariel Rodrigo Rodriguez-Vargas

Biodiversity conservation is a very complex and important issue that involves various aspects. Priorities for biodiversity conservation can depend on different contexts, but generally, specific conservation actions should be prioritized over the mass determination of new species. The reasons for this are as follows:

In conclusion, specific conservation actions, such as habitat protection, preventing illegal exploitation, and restoring endangered ecosystems, are key to the long-term preservation of biodiversity. Only after these actions are taken can the discovery of new species be approached with greater confidence as part of broader scientific research.

Both are crucial, but concrete conservation actions should take priority. Discovering and describing new species is fundamental for understanding biodiversity, but without active conservation efforts, many species—both known and unknown—face extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and human activities.

Why conservation actions first?

Where does species discovery fit in?

A balanced approach is best: prioritize conservation actions (actively advocating for habitat preservation, restoration, and policy changes) while continuing species discovery, ensuring that research translates into real-world protection.

A well-balanced strategy is paramount in biodiversity conservation, where both species discovery and targeted conservation actions are indispensable. Successful conservation initiatives must adopt species-specific approaches, addressing ecological niches rather than relying on generalized interventions to curb biodiversity loss. While documenting new species remains crucial, the risk of many species going extinct before being described underscores the pressing need for proactive conservation measures. Yet, favoring conservation over taxonomy—or vice versa—is impractical, as the two are inherently interlinked. Ecologists will persist in recommending best practices, taxonomists will continue identifying species, and policymakers must enforce robust conservation frameworks. The most effective approach integrates species discovery with conservation planning, ensuring both documented and undiscovered biodiversity are safeguarded, with a heightened focus on endangered species and vulnerable habitats.

It is not always necessary to prioritize a major challenge, as we often strive to solve everything but fall into the "all-or-nothing" trap. In the field of conservation, focusing exclusively on species can be a limited approach. I do not consider species conservation as an isolated goal but rather as part of an integrative method to protect habitats, ecosystems, and manage the forces and actions that threaten them.

In fact, a vast number of species have already been described, and we know that many more remain to be discovered and documented. However, this knowledge alone does not necessarily make us more effective in practice when it comes to protecting what we already know. Conservation requires broader strategies and concrete actions that go beyond the mere cataloging of species.

Thank you Daniel Mutavi Katumo, for sharing your ideas.

I agree Sayak Dolai that concrete conservation actions are urgent and must be a priority, especially in the face of threats like deforestation or climate change. Protecting ecosystems and habitats is essential, not only for species but also for human well-being. However, I believe we should not view conservation and species discovery as separate or hierarchical processes, but as integrated parts of the same effort.

Species discovery should not merely be a means to prioritize resources or seek practical benefits (such as medical applications) but also an end in itself: all forms of life have intrinsic value, beyond their utility to humans. Additionally, protecting habitats while continuing to study their biodiversity enables a dynamic approach, where research and action feed into each other.

Concrete conservation actions cannot wait. Protecting critical habitats and key species is an immediate and unavoidable priority, especially in the face of threats such as accelerated deforestation and climate collapse. The discovery of new species, while valuable, should not become an excuse to delay action. Instead, it should function as a parallel process that complements conservation, providing knowledge to refine strategies as we move forward.

The ethics of conservation do not require knowing all species before taking action; they demand protecting what we already know is at risk while continuing research. The interdependence of life calls for urgent action to prevent irreversible losses, without falling into the paralysis of waiting for a "complete inventory" that will never come.

Dear Dragan Ugrinov insightful perspective.

Actions concrètes de la consommation mais sur la base de détermination des espèces

The priority for biodiversity conservation is to identify existing species in the area rather than new species, especially those that are rare, endemic specirs that characterised by threats to the species or habitat. The presence of rare habitats in the area should also be taken into consideration.

The type of protection is also determined according to the above-mentioned.

The new species may also be prioritised after being evaluated in this context.

Considering the alarming rate of the loss of biodiversity its crucial to prioritize conservation actions. Much as new species discovery shapes the direction of different conservation policies but we have the issue at hand that need a quick intervetions. l am of the view that we can concentrate on conservation actions while we shape our policies towards newly dicovered species and also certain effort can be directed towards new species determination.

Regarding the biodiversity conservation, the emphasis should probably be on specific tangible conservation measures rather than the great increase of new species. Many ecosystems and species are immediately threatened by climate change and habitat loss. Many times, these hazards damage biodiversity more quickly than new species can be found and investigated. Preventing permanent harm depends critically on quick conservation activities including habitat restoration, species protection, and law enforcement against poaching. While finding new species helps us to better understand biodiversity, it is more crucial to protect the species and ecosystems currently known to be under risk. Sometimes concentrating too much on finding new species can cause one to neglect safeguarding of those under great risk.

When ‘Coexistence’ Is Co-Opted in Conservation Practice

Many conservationists have embraced the idea of “coexistence” when it comes to interactions between humans and wild animals. But according to a wildlife biologist who works near a tiger reserve in India, the term has become a buzzword that is often misused, undermining its potential to alleviate human suffering and protect wildlife...

https://undark.org/2025/07/17/opinion-coexistence-conservation-misused/