wildlife

Why are Animals in Danger?

Threats to Wildlife

Most of us have heard the term wildlife conservation. It pertains to the numerous efforts across the world to save the fauna and flora in the world that have been devastated across the ages. Human beings are the primary reason the amazing and diverse magnitude of living organisms of on our planet are in danger. But what exactly are humans doing that is placing wildlife in danger?

Habitat Loss

Due to the population explosion of humans there is less and less space for everyone and everything on the planet. Humans are encroaching and taking over space more and more every day. This results in habitat loss for various species. A further problem is that a lot of the remaining habitat has become degraded, providing a poor living space for the animals.

Genetic Deficiencies

A result of habitat loss is that a lot of species have started interbreeding, leading to weaker genes and less chance of surviving, particularly in the wild.

Climate Change

Changes in temperature and other climactic elements negatively affect wildlife as it alters their habitat. Many species, both animal and plant, cannot adapt to these changes. This has a cyclical affect as fauna and flora depend on one another for survival.

Agriculture

Agriculture and farming have had a severely negative impact on wildlife in the past, particularly because farmers view many predators (such as cheetahs, leopards, painted dogs and jackals) as a threat to their livestock. The situation has improved as farmers now implement safer practices and better management. However, problems such as the use of pesticides and toxic chemicals persist, poisoning the habitat of plants and animals.

Pollution

The use of pesticides and toxic chemicals is a form of pollution, another factor which adversely affects various species of fauna and flora. Air, water and soil are treated as spaces to unload waste – leading to losses in species populations and even driving some towards extinction. Other examples include oil spills, acid rain, noise and light pollution.

Hunting and Poaching

Although hunting is necessary to manage wildlife, the unregulated practice thereof is devastating various species. Furthermore, the hunting permit systems in certain countries are full of loopholes which have led to abuse of the system. Poaching – and the illicit trade of wildlife – is an even greater threat and is driving numerous species to the brink of extinction and negatively impacting society with its links to criminal syndicates and terrorist organisations.

Wildlife Trade

Linked to poaching is the trade of wildlife parts, particularly in Asian countries. The use of plants, minerals and animal parts in ancient Chinese medicine drives the trade. There is a large demand for items such as rhino horn, elephant tusks, tiger claws and lion bones. Besides their use in traditional medicine, they are also used for decoration and ornamentation, and possessing these items is seen as a symbol of money, status and power. Furthermore, animals such as cheetahs are captured and sold as pets. These demands increase hunting, poaching and trade practices, thereby greatly decreasing population numbers in the wild.

Exploitation of Resources

Similar to the illicit wildlife trade is the overexploitation and mismanagement of wildlife. People depend on animals and plants for food, clothing and medicine, amongst other uses, but over-exploiting and mismanaging their use has resulted in the declining numbers of several species. There are two forms of overexploitation. The first is over-harvesting, which means that uncontrolled hunting or fishing leads to a substantial decline in populations. The other example, as outlined above, is poaching. This is not limited to mammals, but includes birds, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and plants.

Natural Disasters

Phenomena such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and forest fires also impact the human race, the animal kingdom and plant life.

Numerous factors have led to the decline of the Earth’s fauna and flora. Many are inextricably linked and rooted in ancient practices, which forms one of the greatest challenges in overcoming the obstacles which stand in the way of the survival of many species. Education and awareness of what is happening to wildlife is thus crucial in understanding the dangers. It is also important to know why we need wildlife and what we can do to save them. Our next posts will cover these important issues.

Originally published on Best Safari.

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