Although Americans want a balanced and healthy
ecosystem and favor the right of all species to exist, turtles and
otters are valued above rodents and insects. Donald Coursey, public
policy specialist at the University of Chicago, says his national
survey “showed a difference between the public’s walk and their
talk.” Conducted last fall, the survey listed 247 land-based
animals that are endangered or threatened, and asked respondents
about the importance of saving them. Bald eagles, whooping cranes
and grizzly bears topped the list, while rats, bats, beetles and
mussels fell to the bottom. These biases mirror federal spending
for animal recovery, says Coursey. Nearly $5 million is spent to
recover a single Florida panther and nearly $1.5 million on a
California condor, while many smaller, less charismatic species,
such as Tipton kangaroo rats or Tooth Cave spiders, get little or
no money. Coursey wants future research look at the psychological
reasons for the preference of certain species. Donald Coursey can
be reached at the Harris School of Public Policy, University of
Chicago, 1155 E. 60th St., Chicago, IL 60637
(312/702-2288).
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Charisma counts.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
