Photo By: Jerome Decq/flickr

There has been a recent debate among scientists about the necessity and effectiveness of collecting specimens from the wild. It is common to find specimens in museums, but places like zoos and aquariums also collect such specimens for observation and research purposes. Collecting organisms from the wild serves a primary purpose for areas of research and conservation. Many people are concerned about the extent to which these organisms are being collected, especially since there is an ongoing issue of the staggering amount of living and non living organisms in captivity. You can read more about it in the Do Now entitled “To What Extent Should Organisms Be Collected from the Wild?”

KQED asked students: To what extent should museums and aquariums be collecting organisms from the wild?

Some students feel that collecting organisms for research can be beneficial for an overall species.

@KQEDEdspace collection of animals is important for overall heath of the pop. #DoNowSpecimen

— america aguilar (@A2America) April 10, 2015

@KQEDedspace By collecting organisms, we can develop greater knowledge and deeper understanding on research for organisms #DoNowSpecimen

— Ulises Soto (@Ulises_US18) April 13, 2015

Collecting organism for research is necessary to increase their chance of longterm survival. #APESWITHHUTH @KQEDedspace #DoNowSpecimen

— Celeste Caarberry (@Carberry_MHS) April 18, 2015

@KQEDedspace #DoNowSpecimen I think it’s okay to collect different specimen because we can later see/figure out how it would evolve later.

— Alex (@alexgreene2015) April 17, 2015

We need to collect organisms to gather info that could possibly save them @KQEDedspace #APESWITHHUTH #DoNowSpecimen #HoardingOrganisms

— Gabby Interdonato (@Interdonato_MHS) April 12, 2015

Kevin explored both sides of the presented question. He explained the benefits of using animals for research and the benefits of keeping animals in their natural habitat. He wrote… McLelland_MHS replied to Kevin’s comment and expressed that some times an animal’s habitat may become hazardous for the animal and raised some questions as to how it can be addressed. He wrote… Other students express that collecting organisms for research can be harmful to the species.

@KQEDedspace #DoNowSpecimen By collecting the animals we are making a higher risk of them going extinct. We should try to save them instead.

— Viviana (@fluffydomo00) April 17, 2015

@KQEDedspace #DoNowSpecimen If animals are towards the brink of extinction they should not collect them. They are endangering the animals.

— Bianca (@19Bianca99) April 17, 2015

@KQEDedspace I think we should let the animals be because they suffer when we take them away from their natural habitat #DoNowSpecimen

— Jasmin (@jasmminn__) April 17, 2015

#DoNowSpecimen @KQEDedspace a species needs to have a healthy population to be collected if its endangered;no collecting

— olivia fallon (@17Fallon) April 17, 2015

Annie shared that although collecting specimens for the advancement of research, it can be harmful to species that are in danger of extinction. She wrote… Parker_MHS replied to Annie’s comment in agreement. Parker stated that if collection is not done with care, the ecosystem can be drastically affected. He wrote… Other students feel that it is important for scientists to collect organisms for research, but it should be limited.

@19Bianca99 @KQEDedspace I agree that being weary of endangered animals in their habitat would he wise #donowspecimen #apeswithhuth

— Parker Deaton (@Deaton_MHS) April 21, 2015

@KQEDedspace I think it’s okay to collect but a rare specimen should be left alone until we know it isn’t in danger anymore #DoNowSpecimen

— Kassie (: (@_kkassieee) April 17, 2015

@KQEDedspace As long as collecting these specimens is not endangering the species then they should be allowed to study them. #DoNowSpecimen

— Caree (@CarneiroCaree) April 17, 2015

I think museum should be able to take some specimens for scientific and educational purposes. #DoNowSpecimen #APESWITHHUTH @KQEDedspace

— Zane Henderson (@Hendersonz_MHS) April 16, 2015

As long as it doesn’t harm the environment, animal habitats or endangering the animal species. @KQEDedspace #APESWITHHUTH #DoNowSpecimen

— Zane Henderson (@Hendersonz_MHS) April 16, 2015

It is important to collect species for research but a certain emphasis on preservation of said species is key. #apeswithhuth #donowspecimen

— Jose Garcia (@Garcia_mhs) April 15, 2015

@KQEDedspace Organisms should only be to collected from the wild only if at risk of endangerment. #DoNowSpecimen #p6Olys

— johnathan canizales (@johnathancaniz1) April 14, 2015

Overall, students recognize the pros and cons when collecting species from the wild. Students feel that collecting specimens for scientific research is important to expand and could be potentially beneficial to the species. However, students also feel that there should be limitations to the extent that organisms are collected to ensure the safety and preservation of the organisms.