Government officials commonly cull invasive or destructive animals, a practice largely accepted by Americans. However, a new plan by the Fish and Wildlife Service to exterminate thousands of owls in California, Oregon, and Washington has sparked outrage.
The target is the barred owl, a species that has encroached on new territories to the detriment of the endangered spotted owl. This intervention is not merely a case of natural selection, but a response to the rapid decline of biodiversity due to human activity.
Around the world, authorities are resorting to drastic measures to protect vulnerable species. From killing starfish to preserve coral reefs, to culling sea lions to safeguard salmon populations, the conservation efforts are often met with controversy.