Conservation of Wildlife
The conservation of wildlife refers to the act of taking care of the wild animals and wild vegetation and also their habitats.
There has been the need to conserve wildlife in the world due to the loss of certain species. Many campaigns are being held to ensure that the wildlife that we currently have does not become extinct in the future.
There are many benefits that we get from conserving wildlife. It is hence the duty of everyone to play an active role in this.
Endangered Animals
Endangered animals are those animal species that are facing the threat of becoming extinct in future. The threat of these animals becoming extinct is accelerated by factors like poaching and destruction of their natural habitats. Some of the endangered animal species in the world include;
- Rhinos are among the endangered animal species. The most endangered categories of rhinos that are facing extinction are the Black rhino, Sumatran rhino and Javan rhino. There are a few remaining numbers of these species in the world.
- The tiger is also an endangered animal. The tiger’s fur is a target for many poachers which is the reason as to why this species face extinction. There are three subspecies of tigers that have already become extinct.
- The Sumatran Elephant is also facing extinction. This has been caused by the destruction of their natural habitat. Only around 2000 Sumatran Elephants exist in the world today.
- Sea turtles are also endangered species. Sea turtles have been classified by wildlife conservation bodies as the species that are critically endangered.
- Another animal facing extinction is the Amur leopard. There is a total of 70 Amur Leopards that are in existence today.
- There are two subspecies of gorillas that are also endangered. These are the Mountain gorillas and the Cross river gorillas.
- The Pangolin species are also facing extinction. They have become endangered due to poaching activities and the destruction of their natural habitats.
- The Vaquita is a sea porpoise that is facing extinction with a current population of less than a hundred.
Why Wildlife Conservation is Important?
- The first reason as to why it is important to conserve wildlife is because they play a role in balancing the ecosystem. They make up part of the food chain and hence when they become extinct, the food chain is disrupted which can cause very adverse effects.
- It is also important to conserve wildlife due to the economic benefits that they provide in terms of tourism. When some species become extinct, the tourism industry is affected and this affects the country’s GDP.
- When you conserve some species of plants and animals, you aid in scientific research. There are medicinal benefits that come from plants and animals and when they become extinct, this is disrupted.
- Conserving wildlife also has educational benefits. Animals are used as learning resources for various subjects and hence reducing their populations may affect the education system.
- Animals also play an important role in Various birds and insects aid in pollination and pest control.
How to Conserve Wildlife?
- There should be the implementation of laws that bans poaching and the destruction of habitats of endangered species.
- Countries can also plan for the establishment of more game sanctuaries and game parks. This will ensure that the endangered species are protected.
- Governments should also take the initiative of abolishing the settlement of people in forest areas. This is to protect the natural habitats of the wildlife.
- The relevant bodies that deal with wildlife conservation should raise awareness to inform people on the importance of conserving wildlife.
- The critically endangered species can be conserved through the establishment of breeding programs to increase their population.
Conclusion
Wildlife conservation is a very important duty that everyone should uphold. This is to ensure that the future generations do not get a world that is devoid of no wildlife. This role should not only be left to wildlife and forest bodies but it should be taken up by everyone to ensure that we maintain a balanced ecosystem.