Endangered Animals by Johanna Lang

Endangered Animals

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4 When discussing the causes of endangerment, it is important to understand that individual species are not the only factors involved in this dilemma. Endangerment is a broad issue, one that involves the habitats and environments where species live and interact with one another. Although some measures are being taken to help speciﬁc cases of endangerment, the universal

problem cannot be solved until humans protect the natural environments where endangered species dwell. There are many reasons why a particular species may become endangered. Although these factors can be analyzed and grouped, there are many causes that appear repeatedly.Below are several factors leading to have endangerment species :

Causes of Endangerment 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 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. It can be difficult for an individual to recognize the effects that humans have had on specific species. It is hard to identify or predict human effects on individual species and habitats, especially during a human lifetime. But it is quite apparent that human activity has greatly contributed to many endangerment species.

These interlopers are viewed by the native species as foreign elements For example, although tropical forests may look as though they are lush, they are actually highly susceptible to destruction. This is because the soils in which they grow are lacking in nutrients. It may take Centuries to re-grow a forest that was cut down by humans or destroyed by ďŹ re, and many of the world's severely threatened animals and plants live in these forests. If the current rate of forest loss continues, huge quantities of plant and animal species will disappear. Introduction of Exotic Species Native species are those plants and animals that are part of a speciďŹ c 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 eventual 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 and 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 heve been biologicall introduced to environments all over .

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Introduced insects, rats, pigs, cats, and other foreign species have actually caused the endangerment and extinction of hundreds of species during the past ďŹ ve centuries.Exotic species are certainly a factor reading to endangerment in the world that we live today

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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 agreed to abide by a world 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 raditional medicines made from these animal parts.

More Factors Disease, pollution, and limited distribution are more factors that threaten various plant and animal species. If a species does not have the natural genetic protection against particular pathogens, an introduced disease can have severe effects on that specie. For example, rabies and canine distemper viruses are presently destroying carnivore populations in East Africa. Domestic animals often transmit the diseases that affect wild populations, demonstrating again how human activities lie at the root of most causes of endangerment. Pollution has seriously affected multiple terrestrial and aquatic species, and limited distributions are frequently a consequence of other threats; populations conďŹ ned to few small areas due to of habitat loss, for example, may be disastrously affected by random factors.

Why to save endangerment species? Plants and animals hold medicinal, agricultural, ecological, commercial and aesthetic/recreational value. Endangered species must be protected and saved so that future generations can experience their presence and their value.

7 The Pacific yew, a slow-growing tree found in the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest, was historically considered a "trash" tree (it was burned after clear cutting). However, a substance in its bark taxol was recently identified as one of the most promising treatments for ovarian and breast cancer. Additionally, more than 3 million American heart disease sufferers would perish within 72 hours of a heart attack without digitails, a drug derived from all the purple foxglove.

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Medicinal Plants and animals are responsible for a variety of useful medications. In fact, about forty percent of all prescriptions written today are composed from the natural compoundsof differents species.These species not only save lives, but they contribute to a prospering pharmaceutical industry worth over $40 billion annually.Unfortunately, only 5% of known plant species have been screened for their medicinal values, although we continue to lose up to 100 species

8 Agricultural There are an estimated 80,000 edible plants in the world. Humans depend upon only 20 species of these plants, such as wheat and corn, to provide 90% of the world's food for all the humans.Wild relatives of these common crops contain essential disease-resistant material. They have also provide humans with the means to develop new crops that can grow in inadequate lands such as in poor soils or drought-stricken areas to help solve the world hunger problem. In the 1970s the genetic material from a wild corn species in Mexico was used to stop a leaf fungus that had previously wiped out ďŹ fteen percenbt of the United States of America in that same year.

Ecological Plant and animal species are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. Humans depend on ecosystems such as coastal estuaries, prairie grasslands, and ancient forests to purify their air, clean their water, and supply them with food. When species become endangered, it is an indicator that the health of these vital ecosystems is beginning to unravel. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that losing one plant species can trigger the loss of up to 30 other insect, plant and higher animal species.The northern spotted owl, listed as threatened in 1990, is an indicator of the declining health of the ancient forest of the paciďŹ c Northwest. These forests are the home to over 100 other old-growth dependent species, which are at risk due to decades of unsustainable forest management practice.

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Commercial Various wild species are commercially raised, directly contributing to local and regional economies. Commercial and recreational salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest provides 60,000 jobs and $1 billion annually in personal income, and is the center of Pacific Northwest Native American culture. This industry and way of life, however, is in trouble as salmon decline due to habitat degradation from dams, clear cutting, and overgrazing along streams. Freshwater mussels which are harvested, cut into beads, and used to stimulate pearl construction in oysters form the basis of a thriving industry which supports in approximately 10,000 U.S. jobs and contributes over $700.000.000 million to the U.S. economy annually.

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Various wild species are commercially raised, directly

Pollution off the coast of Florida is killing the coral reefs along the Florida Keys, which serve as habitat for hundreds of species of ﬁsh. Commercial ﬁsh species have begun to decline, causing a threat to the multi-million dollar tourism industry, which depends on the quality of the environment.

wildlife habitats and to leave old trees standing, especially those with hollows

home.If you have friends who live on farms, encourage them to keep patches of bush as

bush rocks where you ﬁnd them; put your rubbish in a bin or, better still, take it

follow ﬁre regulations; leave your pets at home; leave ﬂowers, birds’ eggs, logs and

When you visit a national park, make sure you obey the wildlife code:

You and your friends might be able to help the rangers in their conservation work.

whether there are any threatened species and how they are being protected.

have special guided tours and walks for kids. Talk to the rangers to ﬁnd out

You can visit a nearby national park or nature reserve. Some national parks

reserves such as on farms and along roadsides.

interference from humans. It is also important to protect habitats outside

reserves or wilderness areas. There they can live without too much

survive is to protect their habitats permanently in national parks, nature

One of the most important ways to help threatened plants and animals

Conserve Habitats

Ways You Can Help Endangered Species

heritage of biological diversity is an invaluable and irreplaceable resource

and food to engage in non-consumptive wildlife recreation. Our national

Americans spend over $59 billion annually on travel, lodging, equipment,

recreation including observing, feeding, and photographing wildlife.

Each year over 108 million people in the United States participate in wildlife-related

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dollar, job-intensive tourism industry. They also supply recreational, spiritual, and quality-of-life

Plant and animal species and their ecosystems form the basis of America’s multi-billion

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Recycle, Reduce, And Reuse Encourage your family to take public transportation. Walk or ride bicycles rather than using the car.Save energy by turning off lights, radios and the TV when you are not using them.Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth and use water-saving devices on your toilet, taps and showerhead.

Make Space For Our Wildlife Build a birdfeeder and establish a birdbath for the neighborhood birds. Plant a tree and build a birdhouse in your backyard. Start composting in your backyard garden or it could be also on your house or aparment balcony. It eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, which are harmful to animals and humans, and it beneďŹ ts your plants! Ask your parents not to use any harmful chemicals when they are cleannig your garden or home.

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Some parks and reserves, beaches, bush-land and rivers are now infested with invasive plants, and native species often cannot compete with these plants. Control Introduced Plants And Animals Non-native plants and animals are ones that come from outside your local area.Some parks and reserves, beaches, bush-land and rivers are now infested with invasive plants, and native species often cannot compete with these plants. Many environmental weeds come from peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gardens. Sometimes, the seeds are taken into the bush by the wind or by birds.Controlling these foreign species is an important step in protecting all the wildlife in the world. Join An Organization There are many community groups working on conservation activities. Join an organization in your area and start helping today!

Make Your Voice Heard State and territory government conservation agencies are responsible for the management of national parks and the protection of wildlife. They are sometimes supported by public foundations.Tell your family, friends and work mates about threatened species and how they can help them.Start a group dedicated to protecting a threatened plant or animal in your area or perhaps to help care for a national park.Write articles or letters about threatened species to newspapers.Ring up talkback radio programs to air your concerns, or arrange to talk on your community radio station.

14 Facts About Endangered Species According to scientists, more than one and one-half million species exist on the earth today. However, recent estimates state that at least 20 times that many species inhabit the planet.In the United States, 735 species of plants and 496 species of animals are listed as threatened or endangered.266 of these listed species have recovery plans currently under development. There are more than 1,000 animal species endangered worldwide.There are more than 3,500 protected areas in existence worldwide. These areas include parks, wildlife refuges and other reserves. They cover a total of nearly 2 million square miles (5 million square km), or 3% of our total land area.Aquatic species, which are often overlooked, are facing serious trouble. One third of the United States’ ﬁsh species, two-thirds of its crayﬁsh species, and almost three-quarters of its mussel species are in trouble.

Endangered Species Terms VULNERABLE SPECIES - A species particularly at risk because of low or declining numbers or small range, but not a threatened species. THREATENED SPECIES – a species whose population is not yet low enough to be in immediate danger of extinction, but who certainly faces serious problems. If the problems affecting these species aren’t resolved, it is probable that the species will become endangered. The eastern indigo snake and the red kangaroo are examples of threatened species. ENDANGERED SPECIES – a specie, plant or animal, that is in immediate danger of becoming extinct. Its numbers are usually low, and it needs protection in order to survive. The Siberian tiger, the southern sea otter, the snow leopard, the green pitcher plant, and thousands of other plants and animals are endangered worldwide. EXTINCT SPECIES – an extinct species is one that is no longer living. The passenger pigeon, the dodo, and the Stegosaurus are examples of extinct species. These animals no longer exist on the earth.

There are more than 3,500 protected areas in existence worldwide. These areas include parks, wildlife refuges and other reserves.

15 Listing of Endangered Species A declining species has to be added to the official list of endangered and threatened species before it receives any federal protection. But just getting on the list can be the hardest part. The Fish and Wildlife Service maintains a current list of endangered and threatened species online. How Does A Species Get "Listed?" Any person may petition the government to list a species as either endangered or threatened. An endangered species is any species "in danger of extinction through all or a significant portion of its range." A threatened species is any species "which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future." The decision to list a species is supposed to be based solely on science, not politics. The listing process is designed to take no more than 27 months. (In some limited circumstances an expedited or emergency listing may be given temporarily.) What Is A Candidate Species? Unfortunately, many species sit on the "candidate" list for years and years owing to adverse political pressure or funding constraints. If there is enough evidence that the species needs to be listed, but there is inadequate funding to finish the process, the Service usually declares the species' listing "warranted but precluded." For example, the Florida Black Bear has waited on the candidate list since 1992.

Candidate Conservation Agreement. A candidate conservation plan is supposed to help implement needed conservation measures for declining wildlife before they need federal protection. Unfortunately, the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service sometimes use candidate conservation agreements to avoid needed listings when a species is politically controversial. There's an obvious problem with relying on future, unenforceable promises when a species needs to be listed immediately. The Atlantic Salmon, for example, is in the dire need of the federal protection, but it is also a voluntary conservation plan by Maine has given the agency an excuse not to list it.

What is a recovery plan? Recovery plans, as part of the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Reovery Program, are designed to reverse the decline of a threatened or endangered species and that eventually bring the population to a self-sustaining level. Each plan should include:A description of the species’ current situation, including any relevant scientiﬁc data, in a recovery objective , and a list of criteria for indicating when the objective has always been achieved; implementation schedule, including priorities of tasks and cost estimates; an appendix identifying appropriate external reviews of the plan, and any additional pertinent information.Unfortunately, implementation of a recovery plan is not mandatory, so once it is ﬁnalized, the plan may just collect dust on a shelf.

For Additional Information go to: www.endangeredspecies.com