I think they would calculate the cost of losing a particular species by considering its direct and indirect value to humans. If you think that other species hav

I think they would calculate the cost of losing a particular species by considering its direct and indirect value to humans. If you think that other species have intrinsic rights and value outside of what uses humans have for them ("uses" includes looking at and enjoying them), then the analysis will not be relevant to you. Neither will most other political/economic calculations made in consideration of almost any other topic.