© 2004, Humboldt State University


Alien species are considered by conservation biologists to be a major threat to biodiversity. To deal with alien invasions, they often recommend completely eradicating the invasive species. Animal rights groups have continually opposed eradication campaigns, sometimes successfully. One such case was the attempted eradication of the grey squirrel from northern Italy.

It would be beneficial for both sides if they find some middle ground they could both agree on, but the differences between animal rights and conservation biologists’ views make cooperation seem impossible. I suggest that scientists in general, and conservation biologists dealing with invasive alien species in particular, consult with social scientists and moral philosophers to gain a better understanding of the implications of some of their policy decisions.

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