Extent To Which Humans Responsible For The Loss Of Other Species

Introduction

Today’s topic of discussion and reasoning is very vital, as it talks about creation that is dwindling and becoming extinct as the days go by, only because of us, Human Beings. This call is to save our planet “Earth” and it must be made!

We should be aware that in many Countries, we Human Beings have become a threat to other species around us by slaughtering animals for various reasons some being for food, for medicinal purposes, building our collections of souvenirs & artefacts, taking pride in sport, making ornaments to adorn ourselves, for cultural pride, making clothes & shelter, for religious sacrifice and sometimes also for fun; the sad part is that somehow we humans don’t see it and we don’t seem to grasp the loss of species that are somehow disappearing, we cannot envision the extent of damage and loss we are to the creation around us!

There are different ways in which we, Humans have become greatly responsible for the disappearance of other species. The origins of the extinctions that are being recorded all over the world, whether directly or indirectly, due to human kind, many hundreds of species have become extinct and it all started 400 years ago and much of the disappearance happened in the last 40 years. Research from IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) organization says that they regularly issue a “red list” of the organisms that are threatened by extinction and at present, the list includes 12,500 species subdivided into the categories “in critical danger”, “in danger” and “vulnerable”. For example, out of the almost 10,000 species of birds, over 1,000 are classified in one of the three categories listed formerly. Which means that more than 10% of the habitat birds in the world have a significant risk of extinction?

There is much to talk about and share on this view, but penning down few examples of how Human Beings are becoming a huge treat to the loss of species.

In this article we would go further in understanding the crux of the matter and some suggestions on what could be done to safeguard the species of our planet Earth!

Global Perspective

Studies show that the worlds’ 7.6 billion people represent approximately 0.01% of all life but have caused the loss of 83% of wild mammals. Year on year this percentage is rising and many initiatives have been taken on board to reduce this loss that is making some species extinct. Much of the Asian & African countries are responsible for this loss due to various activities being conducted that result in loss of species around us.

To prevent this, many Animal Life Organizations have initiated awareness campaigns to support and preserve species, they have also encouraged vegan.

The endangered species concept has a long history with origins dating back centuries, but it has developed greatly over the last several decades into a topic of utmost interest and concern in modern society. Different philosophies for why endangered species are important to conserve have been developed and expanded on, with arguments citing the ecosystem services provided by biodiversity, as well as the ethical and even religious responsibilities that humans may have to nature.

In 1973 the United States enacted the Endangered Species Act, which is regarded as the most comprehensive and stringent endangered species legislation the world has ever seen. While the act has succeeded in some instances, it has been criticized as being ineffective at fulfilling its goal of preventing extinctions and restoring populations of threatened and endangered species. The most important legislation internationally, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, has sought to regulate trade in threatened and endangered species, while the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity has encouraged biological conservation through the establishment of biological reserves, the promotion of cooperation and education, and the facilitation of the funding of projects in developing countries. International legislation has also had some important successes but is limited and non-binding, relying on countries to join voluntarily and to self-enforce.

With funding for regulation and conservation lacking, species have continued to decline both in the United States and internationally since the inception of these laws, proving that the existing strategies have been largely insufficient at protecting and restoring species worldwide. In the early 2000s, endangered species conservation is likely more pressing and difficult than it has ever been. Species are increasingly threatened by the continued growth of human populations, the ongoing destruction of habitat, and the ominous threats posed by global warming.

As mentioned above, 38 percent of all evaluated species have been deemed threatened with extinction. Yet, there is hope. The existing body of national and international legislation, scientists’ rapidly expanding knowledge of natural systems, and the growing concern for the environment among younger generations provide a framework from which to springboard into the next era of biological conservation—an era that humanity should feel compelled to define anew. While endangered species conservation is up against great odds, the ethical and economic importance of maintaining biodiversity merits great measures.

National- Madagascar

In 12 October 2012 scientists have approved that the palm trees in Madagascar are facing extinction. People have said that this would endanger some of the species and the people’s livelihood would be at risk because most people depend on the rainforest and the trees around them. It was said that the loss of palm trees on in the country would impact both the biodiversity of Madagascar and its people, with many of the poorer cities within Madagascar people would rely on these trees because of the different amount of nutrients within them which would help the people of Madagascar to stay healthy and fit, they would also need palm trees for building of houses, medicine, utensils and crafts. Creatures like the lemur are already facing extinction because of the risk of not having a habitat. Forests have already been decreasing rapidly because of the clearing for agriculture and the cutting down of the tree for the desires of the people in the community would be fulfilled. Scholars say that the famous Lemurs in Madagascar are facing sever threat the in the few years’ time there would be none left in Madagascar, the habitats of which these creatures depend on are being demolished just because to accomplish the worldly pleasure. Other viewers have said that if within 25-30 years’ time if people still continue to cut down trees, then this would mean that there would be no more lemurs left on the island it is recorded in the law of Madagascar that killing a lemur is illegal, but hunters are still setting traps to either kill them for their own consumption or for it to be sold.

Local- China

Pandas were the national icon of China that were spread around the southern and eastern parts of china until when the human population just rapidly increase which show that they would have to cut down forests so that they could build their own facilities, and currently, pandas are only in a limited amount of areas that contain bamboo forests. Currently, the are approximately 2,060 out of which 1,864 are adults a small number of these many pandas left in china alone changed them for being endangered to being vulnerable, on to the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red list (IUCN).

Solutions-

Some of the reasons about why is there a massive extinction of animals is because it all lead up to human activities, to solve these problems I would say that to leave out some of the habitats for the animals like for instance scientists are proving that 3% of the ocean and 15% of land are protected areas for animals and I feel that we should do more of that. Secondly, we should change the way we see nature as, nature should not be another trade mark for people that require finances I understand that we kill animals for food and plants for medicine but I feel that if we could create and new technic that will provide us with food and medicine while not harming nature.

Opinion-

In my opinion, if feel that they should make certain law that prevents the loss of species, for instance almost 40% of the world’s population are fishing for sport and it has been proven by experts that over 60% of creatures in the ocean die because of fishing so I would say that if they could make a law that there should not be any fishing or hunting that would be shown as a sporting activity or just a hobby. Also, I feel that scientists should not perform tests on any living life form that could harm them, also I feel that they should stop trying to work on nuclear energy because if the reactor would just suddenly blow up I would not only harm animals and plants but also humans which can cause serious injuries or even death.

Conclusion-

In conclusion, I can say that humans are one of the main causes of the death of these poor creatures. Specialists have said that humans are to blame almost 28% of the death of vertebrates on land and humans have already impacted 75% of the environment around the world. Once again to conclude on the death of different species because of humans could be in various ways for instance I could be for food, agriculture opportunities or even on road accidents but in the end I can say that human have impacted the loss of species in a large scale.