Impending Ignorance

For thirteen consecutive summers, an American named Timothy Treadwell moved to Katmai in the Alaskan Peninsula to live among the grizzly bears, with the pretext of studying and protecting them from endangerment. Unfortunately, sometime within the year of 2003 Treadwell along with his girlfriend were tragically killed by a rogue bear during one of their visits to Alaska. Other stories exist about what the future holds should we ignore the problem of endangered species. For example, in 2008 M. Night Shyamalan directed a movie about the mysterious behavior of humans that seemed to be spreading throughout the world. The movie opens in Central Park of New York City. A woman, reading on a bench, pulls the chopstick style hairpin out of her hair and willingly stabs herself in the neck. Morbid? Yes. Realistic? No. As the film progresses we come to find out that in some way nature is responsible for the unusual behavior of the people. The point I am trying to make is that, yes animals are becoming endangered, and yes it is a tremendous problem. I am not trying to say, however, that either one of these examples is a correct representation of the epidemic at hand.

According to S.N. Stuart, “The extinction of at least 500 species of animals has been caused by man, the majority of them being in this century.” Animals are a part of this earth, and therefore a part of the essential ecosystem. The endangered plants and animals that continue to exist contribute not only ecologically, but agriculturally, and even medicinally to the humans of the earth. According to Jeremy Hance, “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. With all of the naturally healthy benefits these creatures provide, why is it so much trouble, for us as humans, to allow them to continue walking the earth? Animals such as the panda and the tiger remain as the "poster children" for endangered species with good reason. They are the most endangered and as such the most focused on as well. Other animals present in your very own environment, even within your own state, also reside within the dreaded list, but are often overlooked and underappreciated.

Along with each different state or region comes a different type of climate, habitat, and even lifestyle. As such, there are countless factors and elements that contribute to the endangerment of each specific plant and animal. There are, however, the most common and widely known reasons for animal endangerment including habitat destruction, overexploitation, introduction to exotic species, disease, pollution, etc. 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. When changes occur at a fast pace, however, there is little or no time for individual species to react and adjust to new circumstances. This loss of habitat can eventually result in disaster for the native species that inhabit a particular area.

**The above video is just a short representation of the types of habitats that exists for many animals right in your own backyard**

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. According to Katrena Wells, “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.

With the unexpected and destructive odds against them, the endangered plants and animals of this earth need humans to be their voice in the race against extinction. But why do it in the first place? As humans it is our own imperfections and oversight that put these animals into the threatened or endangered position in the first place. We are the ones destroying habitats, we are the ones hunting and poaching, and we are the ones overexploiting them at every turn. Animals are dying because of us. How do we fix our own mistakes? Giving support, writing checks to a foundation, and recycling are all a good starts, but are the effects immediate? Most likely not. Endangered animals are not going to wait for us to take action; we have to do it ourselves, and we start by making a difference in our own surroundings. With today’s fast pace of society the easiest and most sensible solution to solving the epidemic of endangerment would be to focus on threatened and endangered animals within you own region or state.

The first step to help in the fight against endangerment is to become informed. The internet is always at your fingertips whether it is in your home, at the library, or even at the office. Learn about the animals in your own back yard that are struggling to survive. In Georgia alone, there are 27 endangered animals, and 16 threatened animals; all on the brink of possible extinction. This problem must be solved, otherwise the consequences are dire. If we were to stand aside, let nature take its course as some would say, not only would creatures that are essential to this earth die out but, the ecosystem as we know it would cease to exist. Without these animals contributing to every piece of life on this earth, the life of humans would be next in line to suffer the same terrible fate. Starting with the animals in your own community will ultimately lead to their conservation and protection as well as the survival and continuation of the more seriously endangered species.

Another important way to help threatened plants and animals survive is to protect their habitats permanently in national parks, nature reserves or wilderness areas. There they can live without too much interference from humans. It is also important to protect habitats outside reserves such as on farms and along roadsides. If you or someone you know lives on farms, encourage yourself as well as your friends to keep patches of bush as wildlife habitats and to leave old trees standing, especially those with hollows suitable for nesting animals. Some areas even have groups which look after local lands and nature reserves. They do this by removing weeds and planting local native species in their place. By removing garbage and weeds and replanting native plants, you will allow the natural bush to gradually regenerate which in turn will also encourage native animals to return.

Aside from planting flowers and trees, recycling is an even more basic form of taking precaution to help endangered species. Rachel Richmond had this to say, “Encourage your family to take public transportation. Walk or ride bicycles rather than using the car. You can even save energy by turning off lights, radios, and the television when not in use." Simple tasks such as shutting off the water when brushing your teeth, or buying organic fruits and vegetables all contribute to the cause. As cliché as it might sound, plant a tree. It provides oxygen to the environment while still providing homes for threatened species. Saving these animals is not as complicated and drawn out as most would think. Even animals such as primates unknowingly contribute to the conservation of wildlife.

A journal article titled “Primates in Peril” provides great insight into the animal kingdom by supporting the idea that even animals unknowingly help one another. “Primates are not the most common mammal to appear in conversation about endangered species. Primates do, however, play an important role in expanding and protecting forests around the world. They feed on many fruits, which in turn spreads seeds throughout the forest floor causing more growth and more expansion.” Even animals are helping other animals. Humans are animals, and as such we possess a brain, we are able to think and know how to think. We have the capability and the power to make things happen, to cause change, and to save lives. So why waste another second of your time on the couch or in front of the computer only listening to what can be done to stop animals from disappearing?

Some steps are already being taken in the fight against extinction. While keeping animals in captivity might not always be the easiest or most affordable solution, Edward F. Gibbons says this, “Substantial progress has been made in the captive conservation of endangered species within the last two decades. Upcoming fast paced developments are fueled by the urgent need for captive population to become reproductively self-sufficient in the shadow of continued human decimation of wild populations." Ideas such as the upcoming developments in captivity are only baby steps to the ultimate goal of saving endangered lives, but steps nonetheless. By making space for the wildlife, recycling, planting native plants, conserving wildlife, and making your own voice heard; precious lives will be protected and eventually saved. Don’t allow the essential creatures to this earth disappear due to our own ignorance. Make a plan, take the steps, and cause the change.

Mako Shark

The Mako Shark is a slender shaped shark with a long cone-like snout. This shark has short pectoral fins and a crescent shaped caudal (tail) fin. Its second dorsal fin is much smaller than the first. The teeth are are slender and slightly curved with no flat teeth, and are visible even when the mouth is closed. There is marked countershading on this shark: dorsally it is a metallic indigo blue while ventrally it is white.

The Mako Shark can grow to lengths of 3.9 meters (13 feet). There is still some uncertainty about its life-span, but it is suspected to reach ages of between 11-23 years. As one of the fastest sharks in the ocean, this powerful shark can attain burst swimming speeds of up to 22 mph and can leap clear of the water to heights of up to 20 feet. These qualities have made this species a sought after sport fish in some parts of its range.

The shortfin mako is found worldwide. In the western Atlantic it can be found from Argentina and the Gulf of Mexico to Browns Bank off of Nova Scotia. In Canadian waters these sharks are not abundant as they prefer warm waters. Makos are often found in the same waters as swordfish as they are a source of food and both fish prefer similar environmental conditions.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is the number 7 endangered species on the top 10 list. Unfortunately, this animal follows a pattern that the other species on the list do as well. Its endangered status is mostly due to human involvement. Hawksbill eggs are still eaten around the world despite the turtle’s international protected status, and they are often killed for their flesh and their stunning shells. These graceful sea turtles are also threatened by accidental capture in fishing nets.

Like other sea turtles, hawksbills make incredible migrations in order to move from feeding sites to nesting grounds, normally on tropical beaches. Mating occurs every two to three years and normally takes place in shallow waters close to the shore. The nesting procedure begins when the turtles leave the sea to choose an area to lay their eggs. A pit is dug in the sand, filled with eggs, and then covered. At this stage the turtles retreat to the sea, leaving the eggs, which will hatch in about 60 days.The most dangerous time of their lives comes when hatchlings make the journey from their nests to the sea. Crabs and flocks of gulls voraciously prey on the young turtles during this short scamper.

They are normally found near reefs rich in the sponges they like to feed on. Hawksbills are omnivorous and will also eat mollusks, marine algae, crustaceans, sea urchins, fish, and jellyfish. Their hard shells protect them from many predators, but they still fall prey to large fish, sharks, crocodiles, octopuses, and most especially humans. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is not a man-eating killer, or even a threat to society for that matter. So why do we as humans find it necessary to capture and kill these creatures that only add wonder to our planet?

Primates in Peril

Primates are human beings' closest living relative to date. So why is it that so many of our "ancestors" keep disappearing? And why our we, as human beings, responsible for their disappearance? The answer lies within a detailed journal article titled Primates in Peril. Primates are not the most common mammal to appear in conversation about endangered species. As humans we assume that primates are in no danger of extinction because of their close relation to us. When in actuality apes, gorillas, and humans are not the only mammals included in the category of primates. Other animals that make up the primate subgroup include lemurs, galagos, and tarsiers all ranging in size from a mouse lemur to a 400 pound gorilla. Now, you may be asking yourself, what is it exactly that is causing these primates to vanish?

Bush meat is meat that comes from animals killed in the wild. Unfortunately, this is one of the main causes for these creatures disappearance. In some parts of the world these primates are considered to be delicacies. Another main cause of endangerment is the lack of habitat as well as deforestation in the primates main dwelling space. These primates are even being killed for medicinal purposes, particularly in parts of Asia, and captured for exotic pet trade that prevents them from additional breeding in the wild.

So really why does it matter if our own kin was to disappear from the earth forever? To answer the question simply, it matters because it is our moral responsibility to keep alive the animals that inhabit this earth, especially our own relatives. Primates even play an important role in expanding and protecting forests around the world. They feed on many fruits, which in turn spreads seeds throughout the forest floor causing more growth and more expansion. Don't wait to take action to prevent our own relatives from disappearing from the face of the earth forever.

The Tiger

Unfortunately, when it comes to endangered species, the tiger stands in the top five. When I say the tiger, I don't just mean the White Tiger, or the Indian Tiger, I mean the entire species of tigers. Newspapers such as the New York Times are speculating that the last years of the tiger is closer than we think. Experts and professionals are speculating that within the year of 2010, the population of wild tigers will dwindle to below 3,000 worldwide-less than 3% of what it was 100 years ago. Today, their range has been reduced to small areas, isolating many of the animals into impoverished groups of only a dozen or fewer cats.

Its sad when such a dominating animal's survival, such as the tiger's, is completely and utterly dependent on the help and intelligence of humans. Obviously, in strenth and physical size, the tiger is ultimately superior to humans. Unfortunately for the tigers, it is the fault of man kind only that keeps them at the number three spot on the endangered species list. We put them on the list, and now it is our own responsibility, as humans, to either save them from a terrible fate, or allow them to fade away into obscurity. Surprisingly, even the different tiger reserves stationed around the globe have arrived at the point where they no longer have any tigers to house. Mull that little fact over for a minute. A fact such as that gives you more of an ideal image of the epidemic the tiger faces in the very near future.

There is an estimated 5,000 captive tigers in China, and another 8,000 captive tigers worldwide. Most are mainly kept for exhibits, entertainment, pets, and even livestock. There is even one specific spot located somewhere in Texas, that houses more captive tigers in that one area than the wild tigers that still exist and walk the earth. Meanwhile, professionals and experts continue to talk about how to keep the biggest of big cats freely and happily roaming in a few small corners that are left on the planet.

The Giant Panda

I have come to the conclusion that ulitmately the survival or extinction of an endangered species is on the shoulders of humanity. How sad is it when it is our own responsibility, as the human race, for the life or death of another living creature? We become so selfish in our own desires and material possessions that we become more worried about our hair color and when our next pedicure is scheduled. It is superficial thoughts and actions of all humanity, including myself, that ultimately endanger the precious animals that inhabit this earth.

It is animals such as the Giant Panda that come under attack from actions of humans. Great strides have been made within the last few years in an effort to conserve the Giant Panda. They inhabit many areas throughout China, but more specifically they live within the mountain ranges of central China. However, the Giant Panda's habitat is becoming less and less dense. The reason for this is mainly due to farming, forest clearing, and other developments caused by the human race. I came across a website, that gives any and every information about the Giant Panda and its involvement within the World Wildlife Federation.

The giant panda is listed as endangered in the World Conservation Union's (IUCN's) Red List of Threatened Animals. There are about 1,600 left in the wild. More than 160 pandas live in zoos and breeding centers around the world, mostly in China. Hopefully the Giant Panda never has to reach a state of extinction, and unfortunately their status in this world relies on us.

The Black Rhino

As I continue in my research of endangered species, I think it would be beneficial to discuss the #1 animal on the list: The Black Rhino. I stumbled across a website entirely devoted to the subject of endangered and threatened animals. It offers every and any information you ever wanted to know about endangerment. There are specific sections including galleries, facts, and specific animal profiles. There are even sections discussing the laws that are protecting and keeping these animals alive. Kids sections as well as case studies done by zoologists are also available for view. The most interesting section, however, is the page devoted to the specific endangered and threatened animals in your specific state.

I particularly focused in on the page devoted to the Black Rhino, and why it is the number one endangered species on the planet. The Western African Black Rhino has unfortunately already been declared as extinct. However, there are still three other species of Black Rhino remaining. The main cause of death for these creatures is unfortunately due to poaching which is caused by the political instability in and around the areas where the rhinos reside. The Black Rhino has been listed as critically endangered since 2001, and as previously stated, there is no evidence that the Western African Black Rhino is still in existence. Black Rhinos are mainly hunted for their horns(which is made from the same material as our fingernails), which can be used to make cups, bowls, and even weapons such as daggers. Unfortunately many of the efforts made to decrease the poaching and stockpiles have been defeated.

With all this bad news, I am happy to report that many protective measures are being taken for the three remaining subspecies of the Black Rhino. Captive breeding for reintroduction is one of the many precautions taking place in order to prevent anything from happening to this creature again. International wildlife conservation groups continue to work to stop poaching activities in black rhino range states. These efforts and the involvement of local communities in protecting the black rhino and its habitat will be necessary if the remaining three subspecies are to avoid extinction.