Naturalist: For decades we have known that the tuatara, a New Zealand reptile, have been approaching extinction on the South Island  But since South Island tuatara were thought to be of the same species as North Island tuatara there was no need to protect them  But new research indicates that the South Island tuatara are a distinct species, found only in that location
Because it is now known that if the South Island tuatara are lost an entire species will thereby be lost, human beings are now obliged to prevent their extinction, even if it means killing many of their unendangered natural predators
When an animal is in danger of dying, there is an obligation to help save its life, if doing so would not interfere with the health or well-being of other animals or people.