Solutions to Endangered Animals
Animal endangerment is a worldwide problem, partially because of human irresponsibility. The natural environment's destruction results from the loss of an animal's natural habitat. When exotic animals are introduced to an environment intentionally or accidentally, this endangers a native species. Exploitation for trade creates an interest in hunting an endangered species such as with rhinoceros horns or tiger bones. By creating awareness of animal endangerment and its causes, people can take steps toward solutions for protection.
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The Role of Government
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Polar bears stranded on chunks of melting ice are iconic images in a message about how climate change affects the environment, which can lead to endangered species. The federal government protects endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Once a species is identified and listed as endangered, its habitat will be designated as under protection and a recovery plan is prepared. For example, as of 2011, the government seeks solutions to protect polar bears from greenhouse gas emissions and oil spills.
Direct Destruction Prevention
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Animals may become endangered or extinct through direct destruction from hunting. Animals are killed for meat, clothing, and medicine and sometimes they die for sport or to become a tourist souvenir. Young People's Trust for the Environment, a charity for youth education on the environment, states, "The extinction of at least 500 species of animals has been caused by man. Today, there are about 5,000 endangered animals and at least one species dies out every year." More education on hunting's destructive effect and increased regulations on hunting can work toward preventing species endangerment.
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Exploitation Prevention
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Organizations such as CITES Convention, an international government organization, strive to protect endangered animals from exploitation and illegal trade. One-hundred countries are members of the organization that works to protect endangered species. The convention lobbies against illegal and controlled trade. It aims to protect species that may become extinct because controlled trade is allowed.
Disease and Pollution Prevention
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A solution to control the spread of acid rain pollution and coalmine acid requires preventing heavy metals and toxic chemicals from draining into streams and rivers. Regulating these matters prevents pollutants from entering waterways and deforming or killing frogs, birds and fish. Avian malaria and other diseases are spread from crowding birds in cages where at least one may be infected, and shipping the flock to various countries. To this day, captive cage birds brought to Hawaii threaten Hawaii's native birds with the spread of avian malaria.
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References
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