Compared to her rather idealistic approach to nature conservation in the chapters prior, chapter 10 offers a more realistic take on this issue. In this reading of the “Rambunctious Garden” Marris acknowledges that “no single goal will work in all situations” rather she believes that the proper solution would be for owners, managers and government alike to create a set of common goals, which on its own can be quite difficult (Marris 154).
Marris offers a set of seven goals, the first of which is to protect the rights of other species. Under this goal, she cites Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess who developed the term “deep ecology” which refers to the idea that nature should be conserved “for its own sake” rather than for the self-interest of the people (154). Ecologists who share this belief agree that nature has “rights” so to speak. However, there are instances when animal rights conflict with the broader goal of conservation. Marris includes the example of a cat that is killing the albatross on an island. In this case the rights of the cat conflicts with the goal of protecting the albatross from extinction.
Secondly, Marris also mentions the importance of protecting the “charismatic megafauna” which includes species such as whales, dolphins, elephants, gorillas, tigers and pandas (156). While protecting the descendants of the megafauna is important, it leaves out other smaller species such as nematodes, lichens and parasites, which are just as important in the ecosystem. Marris suggests that the reason for this is because the charismatic megafauna are “keystone species” or species that shape how an ecosystem works and how it is shaped. An example of this is the elephants in Africa that live on a piece of land with a low area in respect to the population. Since the density of elephants is large the pachyderm landscape lacks a variety of plants. Some ecologists suggest trying to manage the elephant population. Perhaps a better solution would be to expand the ecosystem so that the elephants can thrive in the pachyderm without decreasing the plant biodiversity.
In her fourth goal, Marris includes the importance of defining and protecting genetic diversity. According to the Endangered Species Act there is no definition for “species” and “sub-species” (160). This is because the definition is not clearly outlined. Marris mentions that some brown bears are genetically closer too polar bears than they are to other brown bears. In this case it is clear that protecting genetic diversity is the more appropriate term than “species” because “there can be more genetic diversity between populations of one species than between two closely related species” (162).
After reading chapter 10, it is clear that Marris has strong opinions in regards to the steps to take to create a “rambunctious garden.” She stresses the importance of setting common goals; however, in order to do so it is also important for ecologists and conservationists alike to educate communities about conservationism and how they can go about preserving nature properly. In society there favorability towards nature that is aesthetically pleasing; however, through reading the scientific evidence mentioned in the text it is clear that nature is best when left alone. Nature that is unkempt is a better house for biodiversity than maintained nature because it allows for species to thrive. Ultimately, creating a common goal is important in order for conservationists to narrow their focus; however, they alone cannot conserve nature the responsibility also lies on people as a whole.
