Anticipating risks, governance needs, and public perceptions of de-extinction

Advances in biotechnology may allow for de-extinction. Potential impacts of de-extinct species remain uncertain; they may improve ecosystem function, or hinder conservation efforts and damage socio-ecological systems. To better anticipate de-extinction's outcomes, ethical dilemmas, and governan...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Cummings, C.L (Author), Kuzma, J. (Author), Nils Peterson, M. (Author), Valdez, R.X (Author)
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Routledge 2019
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Online Access:View Fulltext in Publisher
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Summary:Advances in biotechnology may allow for de-extinction. Potential impacts of de-extinct species remain uncertain; they may improve ecosystem function, or hinder conservation efforts and damage socio-ecological systems. To better anticipate de-extinction's outcomes, ethical dilemmas, and governance needs, we surveyed experts from multiple disciplinary backgrounds. We applied a mixed-method approach to our analysis, integrating quantitative responses of perceived outcomes with qualitative responses, to clarify and provide context. Overall, respondents indicated de-extinction was more likely to induce hazards, not benefits. Reasons for this viewpoint included a ‘moral hazard’ argument, suggesting conservation policies could be undermined if society perceives that species need less protection because they can be revived later. Pessimistic views of de-extinction were linked to concerns about unclear development paths. Experts believed the public might be skeptical about de-extinction. Our results suggest future de-extinction efforts may benefit from collaborative efforts to clarify hazards and explore salient concerns among the engaged public. © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
ISBN:23299460 (ISSN)
DOI:10.1080/23299460.2019.1591145