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Flagship species are the species that are chosen to act as an ambassador or symbols for a specific cause. Another name for flagship species is charismatic species. These species are selected to gain support for a range of reasons that include campaigns, conservation of habitat, balancing the ecosystem, etc. These species help to support the marketing of such causes. Generally, known species are chosen so as to facilitate easy remembrance of the reason. Some flagship species are tigers, pandas, elephants, etc.
| Table of Content |
Key Takeaways: Ecosystem, Conservation, Endangered species, Extinction, Wildlife, Flagship species, Tigers, Pandas, Elephants, Biodiversity, Flora, Fauna
Explanation of Flagship Species
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These species are the species that are well-known and easily recognizable by the general public. Mostly, species that are endangered are chosen so as to create more awareness towards their protection. They are chosen for fund generation, support, and other aspects of a marketing campaign related to conservation. This idea was developed in the 1980s and has been successful in its endeavours. They also serve the purpose of reminding us of the significance of biodiversity, flora, and fauna.
Flagship Species
Also Read: Organisms and populations
Types of Flagship Species
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There are three categories into which flagship species can be divided. They are:
- International Flagship Species: These species are acknowledged worldwide.
Examples: Bengal tiger, Giant panda, etc.
- Cultural Flagship Species: These species are associated with different cultures.
Example: Bornean ironwood is chosen to represent the Dayak people.
- Ecological Flagship Species: These species symbolize different biodiversity.
Example: Malagasy Baobab present in Madagascar.
Types of Flagship Species
Benefits of Flagship Species
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Flagship species help in generating large amounts of funds which in turn is utilized in the conservation and sustainability of multiple species.
Also, due to their unique characteristics and well-known image, they attract a greater audience, helping the cause gain recognition on a larger scale. More awareness about biodiversity is also created because people can easily remember them.
Limitations of Flagship Species
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Given below are the limitations of the flagship species:
- Attention can be withdrawn from other endangered species
- There can be a conflict in the management of different species
- In the unfortunate case of flagship species becoming extinct, the negative impact and trust withdrawal can occur among people.
Also Read: Difference between food chain and food web
Conservation of Flagship Species
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All kinds of species play a significant role in the sustainability and balance of nature. The importance of plants and animals has however been neglected which has led to catastrophic repercussions. Many species have gone extinct while most of the others are on the verge of it. Its effects can be:
- Climatic changes in multiple regions
- Loss of natural habitat
- Breakage of the food chain
- Imbalance of ecosystem
Thus, by choosing these endangered species as flagship species, the objective is to create support and protection to prevent their extinction. This can be done by accumulating funds for:
- Experiments
- Increasing the biodiversity
- Improving their health
Things to Remember
- Endangered species are preferred so that more awareness can be formed to protect them
- Bengal tiger, giant panda, African elephant, etc are examples of flagship species
- These species mostly comprise mammals
- The population of the giant pandas has consistently increased over the years
Also Read:
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Sample Questions
Ques. What is biodiversity? (2 marks)
Ans. Biodiversity refers to a wide range of species/life on planet earth on multiple levels from genes to ecosystems. This also includes unicellular organisms. Humans rely on biodiversity for the most basic needs including food, climate, shelter, medicine, and many other reasons. It is very important to conserve it as it is essential to human survival.
Ques. What are the benefits of assigning flagship species? (2 marks)
Ans. Flagship species reduce the risk of poaching by creating more awareness against it. It helps to form support and to generate funds for the conservation of biodiversity. These funds can be used for re-population purposes. Moreover, it helps to make the general public more aware of the consequences of their actions on biodiversity. This in turn prevents the extinction of endangered species, keeping the food chain intact.
Ques. How can flagship species be chosen? (2 marks)
Ans. Flagship species that are chosen should be easily recognizable by a massive population. This makes it easier for them to remember the cause. Also, the chosen species should have a positive connection with people so that more support can be generated. Having robust cultural importance supports the purpose. Such species can be more convincing for people to trust and fund.
Ques. How can flagship species be prevented from extinction? (3 marks)
Ans. All species need to be conserved for efficient balance in the ecosystem. However, some species hold higher importance for curbing climatic changes and preservation of natural habitat. By making them flagship species, funds can be generated through which multiple experiments for their conservation can be held. Moreover, for species very close to extinction, steps can be taken to captivate them for re-population purposes. Steps can also be taken to maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of these species.
Ques. How can funds be raised through flagship species? (3 marks)
Ans. Various charity events can be held for gaining monetary support from people. These species can also be kept in wildlife sanctuaries where tourists are made to buy tickets to visit the place. This can generate huge revenue for the cause. Public awareness can also be an important factor that will lead to donations.
Ques. What is the consequence of a disruption in the food chain? (3 marks)
Ans. If the endangered species becomes extinct, the population of the animals consuming that endangered species will start vanishing. This will also lead to the population-rise of the species above that endangered species. This imbalance in the food chain will affect its adjacent levels of species eventually leading to a collapse of the ecosystem.
Ques. How have humans exploited the ecosystem? (3 marks)
Ans. Humans have exploited nature for their personal needs time and again. Poaching has led to many animals being on the verge of extinction. Humans have killed animals for leather, ivory, and even for aesthetic purposes. Marine life has suffered to a huge extent because of the waste dumped into water bodies. Urbanization has caused the loss of the natural habitat of innumerable species. Pollution and global warming also affected them severely.
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