KT Watson- Charismatic Megafauna

Charismatic megafauna are large animals easily recognized in popular culture, these animals seen as cute, with people forming emotional attachments to their wellbeing.  This is good for raising awareness and support for endangered species (such as pandas, elephants, etc.) because people care about these animals and want them to be protected.  While I do think it is good that these species are protected and cared for, oftentimes people ignore other less 'charismatic' species that are vital to the environment.  Insects species are going extinct at an alarming rate, many of them vital to local biodiversity, acting as pollinators or food sources.  While seemingly insignificant (and 'gross') they are potential dangerous cascading effects from mass insect extinctions.  Already scientists warn us about the long term consequences if nothing is done to protect them.

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