Social construction, political power, and the allocation of benefits to endangered species

Article Abstract:

'Social construction' is how much the general public values something; it influences allocation of assets. Political power is a factor in allocation. Political power is held by humans in trust for species. To determine whether allocation of benefits to endangered species is in line with with social construction and political power, social construction of species, in broad types, was measured. National survey data were used. Political power associated with types of species was measured by the number of nongovernmental groups supporting them. Categories set up for species were advantaged, dependents, contenders, and deviants. Plants, mammals, birds and fish are thought of more positively than are reptiles, invertebrates, amphibians and microorganisms. Respondents think all nonhuman species should be conserved and they think ecological importance and rarity to be the most important factors to look at in setting priorities for protection of species. Species conservation for plants and amphibians may fare best in the political arena. For them the ratio of social construction to benefit allocation is highest. The U.S. Endangered Species Act allocates benefits in a way that is consistent with the predictions of the model.

United States, Measurement, Environmental aspects, Political aspects, Environmental policy, England, Vertebrates, Public relations, Amphibians, Mammals, Birds, Invertebrates, Conservation of natural resources, Natural resource conservation, Plant conservation, Environmental movement, Environmentalism, Social control

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Public opinion on species and endangered species conservation

Article Abstract:

The US has been concerned with species endangerment for more than one hundred years, culminating in the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). There is little national public opinion data pertaining to the act, most of it limited to attitudes towards various taxa. A survey of 2,000 American households seeks to investigate attitudes and relationships towards the ESA and species conservation. Results of the survey suggest that the ESA is regarded highly by the public whose concern for species conservation is greater than that for other issues.

Public opinion, Nature conservation

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Twelve faulty assumptions underlying the Endangered Species Act

Article Abstract:

Twelve faulty assumptions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) have been analyzed. None of the faulty assumptions are serious enough to compromise the federal species conservation program. However, several species will experience delayed recovery while others may become extinct. Some of the assumptions were the result of political compromises as in Section 4(d). ESA provides for the protection of ecosystems where endangered species may be conserved. It has been hailed as one of the most exciting laws ever to be passed by Congress.

Laws, regulations and rules, Wildlife conservation

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