Threatened species are specific animals that have been identified as being in danger of being coming extinct if current trends continue to repeat themselves. In order to protect that species from seeing such a fate in their future various preventative measures are implemented. The specifics of those measures depend on the reasons why the species is in trouble.
If the species is in danger of becoming extinct due to human factors such as hunting, poaching, and destroying the environment than a variety of laws can be implemented to stop those things from happening. Strict penalties can be introduced that will result in individuals being prosecuted if they violate those laws.
In other instances the problems may be with the species itself and their ability to reproduce. This is very common with panda bears. It is extremely hard for them to conceive in a natural environment. As a result most panda bears are in zoos and they get assistance with getting pregnant and raising the young to help the species survive.
It is believed that with such interventions that these threatened species will be able to increase in numbers and be able to roam freely in their natural habitat. It can take years and even decades to see the results of such efforts to protect these animals from becoming extinct. The cost is quite substantial but it is believed protecting them serves to keep a good balance within ecosystems.
Some threatened species in addition to the panda population include some species of tigers, apes, and elephants. Right now there are 1,130 identified species of animals in danger and 1,194 species of birds. Some of these animals and birds are threatened because of the above mentioned reasons.
For others it has to do with other species on the food chain being affected. It has a domino affect on those above it. The less food available the more of the additional species that die from starvation. The rate at which areas of the world are being taken over for human use is also affecting the areas for these species to live. Humans aren’t the only ones affected by the pollution in the area and the water either. |
