What is a Flagship Species?

Flagship species are those species which are ecologically, culturally, emotionally significant in the society. Government highlight these species of any region in order to improve conservation efforts. For example, tiger is national animal of India. Awareness about presence of tiger in any forest will further enhance effectiveness of conservation efforts. Similarly, people are generally emotionally attached to Panda. Therefore during conservation efforts, government highlight that region has Panda species. This is done to increase effectiveness of conservation strategies.