> If a species is hovering over the brink of extinction, it's a better idea to do whatever it takes... With the caveat that some species don't qualify for pro

> If a species is hovering over the brink of extinction, it's a better idea to do whatever it takes... With the caveat that some species don't qualify for protection. Variola major, for example, or Plasmodium malariae. I'd even go so far as supporting the complete elimination of Anopheles albimanus and several of its relatives, and I don't think I'm the only one. Not trying to detract from your point, just... this area has a lot of weird wrinkles that are hard to navigate. Radiolab reminded me of that last week, discussing some measures used to preserve the Galapagos: http://www.radiolab.org/story/galapagos/ http://www.radiolab.org/story/galapagos/ It added an addendum, a heartbreaking story about bird preservation, and how difficult it is to preserve species that fare better without human contact in a world now utterly full of humans: http://www.radiolab.org/story/birds/ http://www.radiolab.org/story/birds/