Why Do Pandas Have More Moral Weight?

In my opinion, Pandas should be given more moral weight. As basic biology states that everything in this world is interconnected and forms our ecosystem. So, from grass to the beetle living in there to a dog and humans- they all play a part in it and keep it going. One change such as using up all the water from a lake or loss of species breaks the link which affects the whole ecosystem. Theory of Ecological holist states that a “fundamental unit of moral consideration in environmental ethics is the biosphere and its ecosystems.” (Pg. 456)

Pandas living in Gansu Province are affected due to the construction of a highway. The construction was done by cutting down bamboo forests which are habitats of pandas and other species. This reduction of habitat has lead to decrease in inter-habit breeding and increased inbreeding. This further lead to recessive genes which affected the reproductive health of these pandas.

My reasoning for preferring one over the other is that it is not just about saving one or two pandas but about the whole environment and all other species it hosts.

As I mentioned before, it is not about how much we are willing to pay to save one panda or two, it is about how much taking those pandas will affect the whole forest and the ecosystem. So, putting a price on a panda is not acceptable just same as putting a
Maybe saving the bamboo forest will save a panda and the forest can provide for a living for people. Also, there are alternate options available that produce a balance between environment and the construction of the highway. Wildlife crossings have been in use for quite a few years such as canopy bridge, amphibian tunnel, and fish ladders. Some Famous wildlife crossings are Banff National Park, Canada and Eco duct crossing in Netherlands