Conserving the planet's diversity of species and ecosystems is imperative for a multitude of reasons. We know that human populations and consumption now dominate most ecosystems and this encroachment is dramatically accelerating rates of species extinction. We also have increasing evidence telling us that biodiversity leads to ecosystem stability.
Yet, we still have much to learn about biodiversity, about how species diversity plays a role in ecosystem stability, and about what impacts the loss of this biodiversity will have.
To address these unknowns, conservation must turn to science. As in the practice of medicine, conservation needs highly skilled scientists who can provide early and accurate diagnoses, prescriptions for urgent actions, and long-term research.
