Flagship species

With flagship species ( a translation of Engl. Flagship species), a prominent, attractive animal or plant species is referred to in the nature with which we can do advertising for nature conservation and species protection. Often the flagship species do not play a particularly important role in the ecosystem by protecting and promoting this type but benefit many more.

They are not to be confused with the so-called keystone species (English keystone species), which are unknown to the public, but have a much greater influence on the biodiversity of the ecosystem. These species benefit from the protection of flagship species.

Examples

• Kingfisher: The very well-known in the population Kingfisher is threatened primarily by interfering with its habitat (river and stream landscapes ). The Maintenance of high conservation, independent of artificial interventions streams and landscapes is the most important measure for the protection of the kingfisher, so it stands as flagship species for the less common species of this habitat, which also benefit from the protection.
• Giant Panda: One of the most famous examples of a flagship species is the giant panda as the logo of the WWF or as a general symbol for the protection of species.
• Whales