Endangered+Species+-+Period+3

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Overview
toc When endangered species is defined, it is known to be a specie in such small numbers that it is at risk of extinction. Since the 1970's, about 58% of wild life has been lost (Wildlife). About 65 million years ago, almost 85% of the earths species were killed by a meteorite. It is a reoccurring fact that forests are being destroyed in large numbers. Just in the mid-1980's, about 15-20 million acres of forests have been destroyed (Endangered). As humans expand, animals are forced to move or lose their habitat. Animal endangerment can be caused by humans, or by natural events. Humans are not helping with the problem, but we still aren't the sole reason for the problem.

Humans are dependent on the existence of plants and animals. Humans suffer as well when an animal becomes extinct or threatened. 36% of plants and animals that are threatened or even extinct, are commonly used for food and medicine purposes (Gray). Currently, there are 44,383 species that are endangered or in threat. Of those species, there are 16,928 of them that are extremely close to extinction (Gray). Endangerment can be caused by many things. There is deforestation, pollution, and poaching which means the over hunting of animals. Endangerment is known as being a chain reaction event, where lots of things are effected from one issue or event.

Deforestation
From 1960's to the 1980's, about 17% of global forests have been destroyed or taken down for human purposes. Then in mid-1980's, 15-20 million acres were destroyed (Endangered). The over population of humans, means that we need more land, so we cut down forests for houses and buildings. With the new industrial age, business has demanded more space and money, which pushes extinction rate from 1,000 to 10,000 times greater than usual (Endangered). Now that zoos are running out of space, the cutting down of trees is in need of a stop.

Pollution
It is a known fact that pollution is everywhere, and it is in small to very large quantities. When pollution is brought up, the first thought is trash or gases. When in fact, it can be drugs and or oil spills. In the many waterways, human medicine and drugs are found in large quantities. This is due to the fact that 4/5 medicines are mixed with water environments (Pickrell). This effects the marine animals, which are those animals that are dependent on the water. When water becomes unhealthy, tons of marine animals are effected. Also when pollution hits the air, birds are effected by the noxious fumes and poisonous gases (Pickrell). This may also be blamed on the industrial age as well.

Poaching
It is known that about 36% of mammals used for food, are endangered or in threat (Gray). Many large animals are killed for bad reputation or for profit purposes. Many hunters are afraid of bears or lions, so to make sure of the safety of the people, they are killed or harmed, then moved away. Also, the tusks of animals, or the fur of a bear is found as a very rare and valued item. Therefor, people go out and kill animals and then sell them to foreign countries (Endangered). The over killing of animals reduces the reproducing rates and that then spreads throughout all hunting grounds.

Deforestation
The cutting down of trees and destroying of forests needs to stop or at least slowed down. Citizens and other people don't have much say in what these businesses do to forests, but bringing up the dangers may start something. Zoos are helping by holding the animals that are losing their homes, until they find them a new home to grow (How). By bringing this up to attention, word will get around, and then we can make a change. They have to be careful when moving animals between habitats, in order not to mess up the regions biodiversity. Yet every little bit can help save the lives of animals.

Pollution
There are many ways to help with pollution like picking up trash or using more Eco-friendly tools. With the rise of, "going green," there are many ways to help reduce, reuse, and recycle. Our waterways and forests are filled and covered in trash. By cleaning up our water and land, we can help fish from eating or getting trapped in our daily trash. Birds often will mistake plastic or other trash as worms or sticks for their nests. Pollution isn't mainly about the gas that is poured out of a factory, but it can be the trash and other things that humans leave outside. So go green, and help the economy from the trash.

Poaching
Many things can be done to help stop the over hunting that is happening today. In Georgia, there is a law that makes a hunter only allowed to kill and bring home one bear per season. Also, legislation has been made to help these animals in need. In 2005, The Bald and Golden Eagle Act was passed, making it illegal to move, hurt, or kill any specie of eagle (Miller). Hunting is a very fun sport but needs to be done in moderation, before we push them over into extinction. When you are done hunting, make sure to clean up any unused traps or weapons, so that animals aren't harmed and then not taken care of or dealt with by a hunter.