We can make a difference between animal ethics in a human context and animal ethics in the wild. Certainly, the situation in a human context is easy: we clearly have the perpetrators (humans) and the victims (animals). We also have really easy fixes: more plant-based eating to reduce as much as possible the use of animals for food and for humans to have fun in ways that do not involve hurting animals.
When it comes to nature, the situation becomes more tricky, because of the questions you are mentioning. Still, questions can be found. Check out this Martha Nussbaum article: https://archive.ph/1xcjb . It is an excellent intro to the topic and to sensible intervention strategies.
Which animal's rights are being violated here, the mantis? Or the parasite's?
Both are animals. One is being forcibly removed from it's home by human interference, is that not morally wrong?
Or is it wrong to let the mantis continue to suffer? Who has more rights?
Hello
We can make a difference between animal ethics in a human context and animal ethics in the wild. Certainly, the situation in a human context is easy: we clearly have the perpetrators (humans) and the victims (animals). We also have really easy fixes: more plant-based eating to reduce as much as possible the use of animals for food and for humans to have fun in ways that do not involve hurting animals.
When it comes to nature, the situation becomes more tricky, because of the questions you are mentioning. Still, questions can be found. Check out this Martha Nussbaum article: https://archive.ph/1xcjb . It is an excellent intro to the topic and to sensible intervention strategies.