Natural History

Compassionate conservation

Compassionate conservation is a discipline that combines conservation and animal welfare. The two fields have often been treated as separate and sometimes as being in conflict. Proposed principles of compassionate conservation include "first do no harm, individuals matter, inclusivity, and peaceful coexistence". Supporters argue that conservation has usually measured success through the preservation of species, populations and ecosystems, rather than through explicit concern for the welfare and intrinsic value of individual animals. They argue that conservation action should be guided by compassion for all sentient beings and that killing animals for conservation purposes is unnecessary because the same objectives can be pursued through non-lethal methods. Some conservationists have criticised compassionate conservation, arguing that it may conflict with conservation goals.

Also on this shelf

See also

• ▸Ghost bat
• ▸Hexafoil
• ▸Brian Houghton Hodgson

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