What is the Difference Between Flagship and Umbrella Species?

The main difference between flagship and umbrella species lies in their purpose and the way they contribute to conservation efforts.

Flagship species are species selected to act as an ambassador, icon, or symbol for a defined habitat, issue, campaign, or environmental cause. They are usually relatively large and considered 'charismatic' in western cultures. Flagship species are used to raise public awareness and support for conservation. By focusing on and achieving conservation of that species, the status of many other species that share its habitat or are vulnerable to the same threats is also improved.

Umbrella species are species whose conservation indirectly conserves many other species in the same ecological community. They often have a large area requirement and protect many other species in an ecosystem. Umbrella species are chosen as focal points for conservation efforts that have broader ecological benefits for entire ecosystems.

In summary:

• Flagship species are used to raise public awareness and support for conservation.
• Umbrella species are used as focal points for conservation efforts that have broader ecological benefits for entire ecosystems.
• Flagship species often act as an icon or symbol for a defined habitat, supporting biodiversity conservation of a given area.
• Umbrella species indirectly protect many other species in the same ecological community, making their conservation faster and less expensive.

Comparative Table: Flagship vs Umbrella Species

Here is a table comparing flagship and umbrella species:

Flagship species are species that act as icons or symbols for a defined habitat, supporting biodiversity conservation of a given area. They draw people's attention to conserve biodiversity and are often smaller in area requirement.

On the other hand, umbrella species are species whose conservation indirectly protects many other species in the ecosystem. They have a larger area requirement and can be used to make conservation-related decisions easier. Protecting umbrella species results in the conservation of many other species.