Rare Animals

From Chosen Space V2 Wiki

Rare Animals are organisms which are very uncommon or scarce. This designation may be applied to either a plant or animal taxon, and may be distinct from the term "endangered" or "threatened species". The term is used more commonly without reference to a specific criteria.

The concept of rarity is established from having a very small number of organisms planet-wide, usually a number less than 10,000; however, the concept is also influenced by having a very narrow endemic range and/or fragmented habitat.

Rare Animals are generally considered threatened simply because the inability of small population sizes to recover from stochastic events, and the potential for a rapid decline in population. Many planets have quite a demand for these species, either as a delicacy for decadent feasts, beacons for the curious, wild hunts, or even pets. As the transportation of of the animals is usually unsanitary, (transfer of non-indigenous microbes can devastate a planet's population) inhumane, (unscrupulous traders who pack in as many as possible without proper feeding or ventilation) or in many cases dangerous to the crew itself, it is generally illegal. Of course where there is profit, there is always the Black Market.