We should be trying to prevent species from becoming extinct.

Ok, then allow me to convince you of what you say you already know, which is that we should strive to protect all species from extinction. You argue: "'The 'balance' of nature is a myth, everything changes, natural selection is inevitable. We can try to save species, but in the end they will either adapt to our actions and/or perish more slowly, making the philosophy behind our trying to save them the way they are seem kind of silly.'" If you mean that using the balance of nature as an argument to why we should preserve species then you are absolutely right, this will not be my argument at all. "1. Saving the endangered species is inevitable, because they are part of the natural evolutionary process." Not what I was about to claim either. Here is what I would argue for this cause: Basically our notion of morality is the exact opposite of the natural process, since the whole idea behind the natural process is to kill off the weak to allow the strong to survive. Since, in society, most of us feel a need to protect the weaker and less fortunate amongst our kind, it would be inconsistent if we hadn't done so for animals as well, that would also make us, therefor, less moral. Another important aspect of preserving endangered species is the importance they bare or may bare on scientific research, many times this research leads to the benefit of the well being of humans. Take, for example, the scrub mint. It has been found that the scrub mint contains an antifungal agent and a natural insecticide (Wilcove & Master, 2008, p. 418). Also, the deterioration of the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon "alerted people to the potential health hazards associated with the widespread spraying of DDT and other persistent pesticides" (Wilcove & Master, 2008, p. 418). This serves as an example of how certain fish can serve as identifiers of environmental health and protect human life as well as other species. Finally, an example of species providing for scientific discoveries is the instance of the Pacific yew which "became the source of taxol, one of the most potent anticancer compounds ever discovered" (Wilcove & Master, 2008, p. 418-419). Endangered species could prove useful to human development, maintenance of biodiversity and preservation of ecosystems. "2. Trying to save the endangered species is costly and spend taxpayers' money that could be better used on health care and social services." This is a false dilemma. Either we save endangered species or we invest in social services. Why not say either we invest in our health services or we invest in our military ? Moreover protecting endangered species is practically a profitable business. Take for example the protection of rhinos. There are increasingly strong economic incentives attached to looking after rhinos rather than simply poaching: from eco-tourism or selling them on for a profit. So many owners are keeping them secure. The private sector has been key to helping this work. see: He's black, and he's back! Private enterprise saves southern Africa's rhino from extinction, The Independent, June 17, 2008 Do have any estimates suggesting significant amounts of unaccounted for funds ?