Endangered Species
Polar bear and cub found at http://www.atmosphere.mpg.de/media/archive/4656.jpg
I am an Animal Planet junkie and there are constantly shows on about Endangered animals. So my question for this weeks blog is: Who is endangered, why are they endangered, and how can we help?
While looking on the internet, I have found that there are thousands of endangered species out there. There is no possible way I could list them all in this blog. In Hawaii alone, there are 44 endangered or threatened animal species and 273 endangered or threatened plant species. So instead of filling up this blog with a list, you can go to http://www.endangeredspecie.com/map.htm if you would like to see a state-by-state list of endangered species. For a list of endangered animal species from around the world please visit http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/map.html.
So now that I know who is endangered, I want to ask how they got that way. Obviously, the cause of distruction vary for each species, but here are just a few of the causes:
- Habitat destruction - Our planet is continually changing, causing habitats to be altered and modified. Natural changes tend to occur at a gradual pace, usually causing only a slight impact on individual species. However, when changes occur at a fast pace, there is little or no time for individual species to react and adjust to new circumstances. This can create disastrous results, and for this reason, rapid habitat loss is the primary cause of species endangerment. The strongest forces in rapid habitat loss are of course, human beings. Nearly every region of the earth has been affected by human activity, particularly during this past century. The loss of microbes in soils that formerly supported tropical forests, the extinction of fish and various aquatic species in polluted habitats, and changes in global climate brought about by the release of greenhouse gases are all results of human activity.
Rainforst Platypus found at http://rainforest-australia.com/platypus_good.jpg
- Introduction of Exotic Species - Native species are those plants and animals that are part of a specific geographic area, and have ordinarily been a part of that particular biological landscape for a lengthy period of time. They are well adapted to their local environment and are accustomed to the presence of other native species within the same general habitat. Exotic species, however, are interlopers. These species are introduced into new environments by way of human activities, either intentionally or accidentally. These interlopers are viewed by the native species as foreign elements. They may cause no obvious problems and may eventually be considered as natural as any native species in the habitat. However, exotic species may also seriously disrupt delicate ecological balances and may produce a plethora of unintended yet harmful consequences.
The worst of these unintended yet harmful consequences arise when introduced exotic species put native species in jeopardy by preying on them. This can alter the natural habitat and can cause a greater competition for food. Species have been biologically introduced to environments all over the world, and the most destructive effects have occurred on islands, which we are very aware of here in Hawaii. Introduced insects, rats, pigs, cats, and other foreign species have actually caused the endangerment and extinction of hundreds of species during the past five centuries. Exotic species are certainly a factor leading to endangerment.
Mongoose and current eradication methods found at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/nwrc/gfx/33A%20mongoose_wr.JPG
- Overexploitation - A species that faces overexploitation is one that may become severely endangered or even extinct due to the rate in which the species is being used. Unrestricted whaling during the 20th century is an example of overexploitation, and the whaling industry brought many species of whales to extremely low population sizes. When several whale species were nearly extinct, a number of nations (including the United States) agreed to abide by an international moratorium on whaling. Due to this moratorium, some whale species, such as the grey whale, have made remarkable comebacks, while others remain threatened or endangered.
Due to the trade in animal parts, many species continue to suffer high rates of exploitation. Even today, there are demands for items such as rhino horns and tiger bones in several areas of Asia. It is here that there exists a strong market for traditional medicines made from these animal parts.
Rhino and baby found at http://www.hedweb.com/animimag/rhinobab.jpg
What can we do to help?
- Conserve habitats
- Make space for our wildlife
- Recycle, reduce, and reuse
- Plant native plants that are local to the area
- Control introduced plants and animals
- Join an organization
- Make your voice heard
For more details on ways that we can help, and a list of ways that children can help please visit http://www.endangeredspecie.com/Ways_To_Help.htm.
