The human kind is likely the most self-absorbed as we often forget that we are not the only living things in the world. When an estimated 8,700 species go extinct every year, it is important to evaluate the causes of endangerment of so many species. The numbers are shocking! One may wonder how this specific rate of mortality is so high, especially with the amount of laws, enforcements, and precautions to protect the world's creatures. Not only is it important to examine the causes of endangerment/extinction, but also the lasting effects of such occurrences. What can we do about this problem? Let's talk bio.
We are in the anthropocene, the most recent geological time period. The time period reflects the impact of humans on the environment. These negative human influences are displayed in our ecosystems and in our climate. The different parts of the geological time scale, such as the anthropocene, are classified based off of Earth's rock layers. Scientists believe that the anthropocene began at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, which was when the world became dominated by machinery and factories, leading there to be a rise in carbon and other gasses in the atmosphere.
A species can become endangered and at risk of extinction for two main reasons, the first is loss of habitat and the second is little genetic variation. A loss of habitat can occur based due to many factors. Sometimes it is due to "the bottleneck effect" which is a rapid reduction of a population size due to a natural disaster, disease, or some environmental event. The bottleneck effect also causes a decrease in genetic variation, and this is how the two main causes of endangerment are interconnected.
Development is another modern threat to species' habitats all around the world. New construction of agriculture, houses, buildings, and more are wiping out populations. This is devastating. Many new corporations are clearing land, and harming native species. These different effects can lead to a species becoming extinct completely. Our selfish human wants are happening at the cost of detriment to many other species. This is heartbreaking as the world's animals can do nothing about it.
A major representation of the threats species in the wild face is a documentary by David Attenborough called "Extinction: The Facts". This film portrays the effects of biodiversity loss, as well as how 1 million species are threatened with extinction and how this would harm the world at large. A disruption in a species can affect more than just the species itself as it also can harm the surrounding ecosystem. Sir Attenborough also discusses how habitat loss is the biggest factor of extinction. He believes that the time is now to take action and better our future. He says, "I do truly believe that, together, we can create a better future. I might not be here to see it, but if we make the right decisions at this critical moment, we can safeguard our planet's ecosystems, it's extraordinary biodiversity, and all its inhabitants. What happens next is up to every one of us." This quote reflects the importance of human kind working to rectify the harm we have done to the planet and our animal brothers and sisters.
Now we know how endangerment happens, and how humans induce it, how does endangerment affect us? Well extinction acts as a chain reaction and can affect our community, and the world around us. Species are all interconnected, and everything relies on one another. Humans are not good at sharing the ecosystem and our constant consumption of land is detrimental for animals. This is terribly selfish and upsetting. Humans are directly linked to climate change and resource depletion, and these have increased the extinction rate by a factor of 1,000. Animal extinction also is leading to a decline in medical advancements. An example of this is that scientists discovered toxins from bears get recycled in hibernation, which has helped humans find solutions for kidney disorders. This is a true loss for us, and the animals.
We hear a lot about extinction and endangerment in the news, in documentaries, and see it on social media. But what is happening with species near us? Although New Jersey is one of the most diverse and densely populated states, there are still 84 species on the endangered list. Habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and invasive species are leading factors that affect species in our own state! It is sad to think that just by humans living their everyday life, we have made a large negative impact for animals around us. The average human life has evolved so much that we rely on luxuries that are detrimental to the world around us. The Nature Conservancy of New Jersey is one organisation that has helped a lot of different species in New Jersey. One example is the Nature Conservancy is now working with bobcats, and protecting their land called "Bobcat Alley" which is helping the numbers of bobcats to slowly increase. Right now it is about 1/3 protected and speculate to have another 1/3 protected by 2027.
So what can we do to help this? Although humans have created a lot of damage for animals, there is still hope! Some things that we can do help this is try to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. We need to limit our consumption of resources, reduce our carbon footprints, and limit our purchases of plastic productions. We also need to protect the environments of the Earth's animals, learn about endangered species near us and try to help them.
Let's start looking out for our animal siblings.
This is so eye-opening and devastating. Loved this post and how you brought attention to such an important issue!
ReplyDeleteEye-opening is a very good word for it. I didn't know how many endangered species there were in our state alone.
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