The ethical Principle of the 3Rs, known above all to the scientific world for its relevance in the
field of animal experimentation, has seen in recent decades an exponential increase in its
application in research in which animals are involved. Nonetheless, the application of the 3rs
Principle to other animals, in addition to animals traditionally used for experimentation, and
not only in laboratories, but also in the field, has been little explored. This contribution, against
the background of an unresolved comparison between animal ethics and environmental ethics
regarding the relationship between individuals and species or ecosystems, focuses attention on
the importance of applying the 3Rs Principle also to ‘field’ research with wild animals. In the
context of biodiversity conservation, the debate on the ethical use of animals is increasingly
urgent and the Principle of the 3Rs seems to be able to promote a practical way to address the
conflict of values about animals in conservation actions. It seems to be able to support those
who must make decisions ethically and scientifically consistent in their daily work and to give
some "voice" to the individual animals in a context in which often the "good" of the species
represents the ultimate value.
