In the last 40 years, many species of wildlife have gone to extinction around the world. Many times it is simply too much for humans to handle, and we make a quick decision to try and save the species. However, studies that have been done by scientists show that the loss of certain wildlife populations is directly related to human activities. That means that if people are not paying attention to the wildlife populations around them, they could be in for a major problem down the road.
One of the most stunning examples of this is seen in the case of the African lion. It is estimated that there are only about fifteen lionesses left in the wild. In recent years these cats have been in rapid decline. This is due to a number of reasons, including habitat loss and poaching. Yet, studies have shown that there has been a 90% decline in female lions over the last three decades.
Another great example of how humans can directly affect wildlife populations occurs in Australia. In fact, there have been recent campaigns there to try and curb the massive losses of birds and other animals at what amounts to about two billion pounds each year. This is because of both hunting and the changing of the habitat for different species. As you can see, when people take an interest in wildlife it can often make a difference. The only thing to remember though is that it is important to study any changes in the wildlife population before making any sort of drastic changes.
Studies have also shown that there is a direct relationship between human activity and the rise and fall of bird and mammal populations. Man has been responsible for killing billions of these animals over the course of history. In many instances though, the rate of decline has actually been slower than the rate of increase. It seems that as long as we continue to kill so many animals, the numbers will continue to drop.
One of the biggest contributors to the reduction in wildlife populations is global warming. Global warming is considered by many to be one of the leading contributors to the extinction of many animals and plants. The rapid increase in temperatures over the last century has caused massive changes in the world’s weather patterns. These changes have led to the melting of polar ice, flooding from monsoon rains, and increasing ocean acidity levels, among other effects.
Many factors contribute to global warming. These include carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by vehicles, factories, and other sources. Pollution is also a big problem. Many scientists believe that a large portion of wildlife populations have become extinct due to this one cause alone.
One of the best ways to help prevent loss of wildlife populations is to not only protect wildlife, but also to support and respect them. It is estimated that more people are aware of wildlife than ever before. This awareness has led to the growth in organizations that promote the conservation of wildlife. These organizations encourage people to take action and protect wildlife. Some of these groups even go as far as holding “awareness walks” where visitors can observe and interact with wild animals.
World citizens must also understand the value of wildlife to our physical well being. We cannot protect all of nature if we destroy its habitat. As humans, we have a responsibility to ourselves and to future generations to do everything we can to avoid causing irreparable damage to wildlife. If we continue to ignore the issue, the numbers will continue to decline and animals like the Golden Retriever will suffer the loss of millions of their natural habitats.
Provided by Antonio Westley
Disclaimer: This article is meant to be seen as an overview of this subject and not a reflection of viewpoints or opinions as nothing is definitive. So, make sure to do your research and feel free to use this information at your own discretion.
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