An economic analysis of species conservation and translocation for island communities: the Seychelles paradise flycatchers as a case study

Abstract

In this paper we introduce a methodology for assessing the economic justification for translocation–conservation programmes for critically endangered species. We demonstrate our methodology by presenting an economic analysis of the critically endangered Seychelles paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone corvina) (hereafter SPF). To do this we first estimated the critical amenity value of the forest that currently supports the SPF. Results support the maintenance of the forest, which in turn implies that the existing population of SPF needs to be protected so as to achieve species conservation objectives. Next we conducted a benefit–cost analysis of the translocation, showing that the development of a second population yields net economic benefits. By employing the methodology presented we can conclude that our analysis indicates that current conservation and translocation actions to support the SPF are economically justified.