A Movement for Wildlife Conservation

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A Movement for Wildlife Conservation

The Florida panther, Cape Sable seaside sparrow, and Kemp's ridley sea turtle are classified in different vertebrate categories, but they all have something in common; they are on the endangered list. These animals' lives, as well as hundreds of other species' lives, are in danger as their survivial and reproduction rates decline. Animals are becoming endangered primarily because of the effects human activities have on environmental change. Environmental concerns are causing changes through increasing amounts of water pollution and development and destruction of natural habitats. All wildlife plays an important role in maintaining a natural balance on earth; therefore, it is vital for the nation to embrace a movement for wildlife conservation in order for the list of endangered species to decline.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 protects the vital habitat of all endangered species. The problem with this is getting endangered animals on the ESA list before it is too late; many animals only receive protection after being threatened with extinction. To be put on the ESA list, the number of a certain species must be accounted for through research (Wilkinson 26). This research is very costly and not funded by the government; therefore, many species are known to be endangered, but cannot be added to the list for lack of research (26). With this process, a long period of time passes before research begins, making it hard to know when some species are out of danger or nearing extinction.

Increasingly, water pollution and habitat loss are problems endangering animals; the Florida panther has become endangered due to both. Water supplies consumed by panth...

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...make up. This important concept of wildlife conservation is well stated by Stephen Jay Gould, "We cannot win this battle to save species and envinroments without forging an emotional bond between ourselves and nature as well - for we will not fight to save what we do not love."

References:

La Pierre, Yvette. "On the Edge." National Parks November/December 1997: 44.

Mackay, Katurah. "Bird on the Brink." National Parks May/June 1998: 38.

Sadove, Samuel S. "Fishermen rescue endangered sea turtles with help from Return a Gift for Wildlife." New York State Conservationist December 1995: 26-27.

Stearn, Bob. "Net Effect." Field & Stream April 1997: 108-109.

Weber, Michael L. "Contested Coastlines." National Parks January/February 1997: 30-33.

Wilkinson, Todd. "Without a Trace." National Parks July/August 1998: 26-29.

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