Do We Need Pandas?: The Uncomfortable Truth About Biodiversity

by Ken Thompson

How much do we really know about the species that make up the natural world?

All over the world, biodiversity is gravely threatened – by overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and climate change. Yet life on Earth has previously experienced five episodes of mass extinction, and nature has repeatedly proved itself to be a resilient, regenerative force.

In this fascinating book, ecologist Dr. Ken Thompson surveys the Earth's biodiversity, its origins and some of the threats it currently faces. Thought-provoking and deeply engaging, Do We Need Pandas? offers a non-technical overview of our ecosystems and expands on the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss.

Importantly, it also examines what we should be doing to secure the survival not only of the species with which we share the planet, but of ourselves – and whether we need to be more concerned about ecosystems as a whole than about iconic species such as the orangutan and giant Panda.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Biology, Ecology, Sustainability, Environment

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting perspective on protecting of species in order to keep a certain amount of biodiversity. The author describes the problems from various viewpoints. It's a short book, but I don't think anything needs to be added, it is good as is. I hoped for more attention directed towards the answering of the question: do we need every species we try to protect?
The examples given were pretty actual and well chosen. You don't need too much knowledge of biology or conservationalism to understand this book. Recommended for biologists and conservationalists for some critical thinking of the principles we've learned at school.

[Sarah Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I would give to someone to understand biodiversity and the status of research, and I will indeed use excerpts of it in my classes. Ken Thompson has a way of explaining ecological concepts in a frank and clear way, with a humility that I have not seen elsewhere. Despite the rather controversial title, I would say this book is less controversial than his book Where Do Camels Belong, but it is just as significant in its content. Thompson simply doesn't accept that ecological knowledge is complete or even near to complete, nor that its fundamental premises should be accepted without analysis​. Some people, I expect find the fundamental questions in his work confronting, especially as he doesn't operate from a simple premise that biodiversity is inherently the ultimate good, as legislation generally does. As a biodiversity researcher, I don't find his work threatening; I find it refreshing because it outlines what we do and do not know,, and how we know it. I recommend anyone who is interested in the science of biodiversity read this book, as I think both lay people and ecologists alike can find value in its contents. What's more, experts have a lot to learn from Thompson's way with words and willingness to go back to basics, even if it means admitting, at times, ignorance about some very basic concepts and facts. There is both value and integrity in this book, which is written in a very engaging and accessible fashion.

[Annette Jarratt-Knock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenges the view that we save everything so conservation should be targeted and taps into the ecosystem services view. Since humans value the bio and geosphere only as far as what can be usefully exploited in order to gain support and money for conservation, policy makers, conservationists and environmentalists need to tap into this and Thompson makes this point. He is a botanist so there is some emphasis on examples from the plant world - since plants are at the lower end of the food web this is very relevant and a welcome change from the normal macrofauna view. Negative point would be that if it had been better referenced (rather than just a brief bibliography) it would have changed from an interesting read to a useful resource. I'd recommend it though as a positive way to look at biodiversity and human interaction and control of it.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great introduction to biodiversity and ecosystem services but there's barely any meat to the titular question: "Do we need to preserve certain 'attractive' species in favour of other more ecologically beneficial species?"

Read for my Animal Ethics course.

[Hui · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5**

[Rob Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Do We Need Pandas?" is a very interesting primer on biodiversity. Ken Thompson does a fantastic job of highlighting what biodiversity is, why it is important, how it is measured or accounted for, and why we should care about the diversity of the planet. Through numerous examples and case studies, he shows the challenges in understanding, let alone preserving the biodiversity of the world and argues about the conservation strategies that should be employed to save what we can. The entirety of the book is well-researched, well thought out, and well written.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great review and discussion on species and extinction. Including how our thoughts on what should be and what we care about impact the entire global ecosystem.

[Tutankhamun18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs to read this! It blew my mind

[Astrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

A more or less scientific look at biodiversity.

[Malcolm Balster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book for all concerned about our world to read. Protect the ecosystem for nature will play its part.

[Pockpickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess not