Conservation-Induced Extinction

Conservation-induced extinction refers to the phenomenon where efforts to save endangered species inadvertently lead to the extinction of other species, particularly parasites and pathogens that are highly specific to their host species. This situation often arises when the last individuals of a critically endangered host species are captured for captive breeding and reintroduction. During this process, anti-parasitic treatments are typically administered to enhance the host's survival and reproductive success, which can result in the unintentional extinction of their specific parasites.

Several documented cases illustrate this issue, such as the extinction of the parasite Colpocephalum californici, which likely disappeared when the last California condors were captured and treated. Similarly, Felicola isidoroi, a parasite of the Iberian lynx, is believed to have gone extinct under comparable circumstances. Other examples include Linognathus petasmatus, associated with the scimitar-horned oryx, and Rallicola guami, linked to the Guam rail, both of which faced extinction due to captive breeding practices.

The concept raises questions about the management of conservation efforts, suggesting that the reintroduction of parasites to their hosts might be necessary to prevent such extinctions. However, there are also erroneous claims, such as the supposed extinction of a louse species associated with the black-footed ferret, which may not have existed as a separate species. This highlights the complexities and unintended consequences of conservation strategies.