Question

The discovery of an endangered species on private land often triggers an automatic reaction from the government to prohibit the landowner from using that land for any purpose that might disturb the imperiled creatures. Which of the following are unintended negative consequences of this measure?

1. landowners deliberately cut trees or manage land in a way that would discourage endangered animals from locating there
2. landowners having the incentive to immediately report findings of endangered species on their land
3. landowners following a policy of "shoot, shovel, and shut up" when they found an endangered animal on their land
4. all of the above

Answer 1

1. Landowners deliberately cut trees or manage land in a way that would discourage endangered animals from locating there and

3. Landowners following a policy of "shoot, shovel, and shut up" when they found an endangered animal on their land

Step-by-step explanation:

In situations where a landowner discovers the presence of endangered species on his/her land, reporting the situation is highly unlikely. The reason is that the authorities will limit the use of the land by the landowner which will affect him/her negatively.

Therefore landowners employ different measures to discourage endangered animals from locating there such as cutting down trees or employing the "shoot, shovel, and shut up" approach, which is however too extreme and greatly discouraged.