What are 60 warblers worth? Killing in the name of conservation

摘要: Ecological research sometimes entails animal suffering and even killing. The ethical appropriateness of killing in conservation may entail considerations that differ from many other kinds research. This is true, insomuch as specifically motivated by an premise: appreciation for non-human life. In striking contrast with academic fields (e.g. medicine), however, the dimension only rarely discussed. When it discussed, tends to be characterized logical errors. These errors are important because they general (i.e. both common far-reaching implications), easily made intelligent people; especially those no formal training ethics or logic. Failure recognize these could stymie efforts increase quality ecological conducted name conservation. We take advantage a recently published dialogue concerning specific field experiment entailed black-throated blue warblers, Dendroica caerulescens . Both sides this debate exemplify which we refer. paper briefly review arguments presented on each side debate, highlight their mistakes, indicate necessary corrections. argue that: (1) compliance regulations, while important, inadequately accommodates aspects research, (2) individual ecologists ought understand themselves what does not represent sound valid decisions. Finally, discuss how any researcher might begin apply our analysis his her own