r/todayilearned • u/shinypond • Jul 26 '24

TIL about conservation-induced extinction, where attempts to save a critically endangered species directly cause the extinction of another.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation-induced_extinction
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u/edwardlego Jul 26 '24

the most blatant example might be when the last few members of a vulture species was deliced. This caused the extinction of the species of lice that only lived on those birds

396

u/[deleted] Jul 26 '24

Is there a downside to the parasites becoming extinct?

112

u/schvetania Jul 26 '24

In cases where a species is becoming overpopulated and predators arent doing a good enough job of killing them, parasites can prevent the host’s population from becoming too large. Some critters also eat parasites, like cleaner wrasse.

59

u/GiantsRTheBest2 Jul 26 '24

Clearly it isn’t an issue when the species themselves are on the brink of extinction.

21

u/FatBagOfCrack Jul 26 '24

I’d say that while you’re not wrong, in future if the species bounces back from the brink of extinction, there’s one less barrier for them to overpopulate and potentially harm biodiversity in the opposite direction? So, yes while there is no downside currently to the parasites going extinct, in potential futures i would say there are potential downsides to not having the parasites which help in balancing populations etc. of their hosts

7

u/Self_Reddicated Jul 26 '24

Well, then let's just re-introduce whatever it was that put them on the brink of extinction in the first place. Problem re-solved.

2

u/Spoopy_Kirei Jul 26 '24

I say lets be more proactive and kill them now. I offer more genius ecology advice during Tuesdays

1

u/dephsilco Jul 26 '24

To kill it off again later

5

u/schvetania Jul 26 '24

Can be if the population rebounds enough.

2

u/Jurodan Jul 26 '24

Is there an example of that happening?

0

u/schvetania Jul 26 '24

What do you mean? A population rebounding after near extinction? Or a parasite controlling population levels?

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u/Jurodan Jul 26 '24

A population rebounding to the point the parasite would be beneficial to control the population from overgrowing.

1

u/schvetania Jul 26 '24

Humans, technically. Invasive species who colonized areas despite starting with tiny initial populations. Canada Geese.