See that is such an interesting point because… Yeah. The creature simply exists or doesn’t. It doesn’t comprehend or care that their is a decrease in its population or that of it’s prey just that it’s hungry and struggling to find a mate. We hold no requirements towards other species as they aren’t ours and our dedication should be towards our own. But yet we are aware of other species and able to comprehend them on a bigger scale. And see our own influence on them.
So what do we owe to them and our planet? Do we give in to plain narcissism and grandeur of self importance and do anything to keep ourselves around at loss of all things non-essential? Do we limit ourselves in order to push back against that drive and let creatures who will not thank us for our efforts strive, because they lack the ability to be aware?
I think I’m somewhat selfish in that I view a diverse planet a more interesting one, and that life should be protected. But also I don’t think it should be artificially preserved just to be admired in a glass box.
So yeah we owe them nothing but I don’t think I could ever look at life and simply not care if it all went away because of self interest of humanity. But you are right. The only people who will care is us, but there isn’t anyone else too care.