The Battle for Biodiversity: Efforts to Preserve Species and Habitats

Author: Vedika Luthra

Every living thing, from microorganisms that can’t be seen with your eyes to animals such as elephants, plays an important role in the balancing of our ecosystems, with their niche roles. When a species becomes extinct, the entire ecosystem is affected, often in ways we can’t predict.  However, with the increasing amount of endangered species due to: habitat destruction, illegal wildfires, trade, pollution, and climate change, biodiversity loss has been accelerating. According to the United Nations, one million animal and plant species are now at risk of extinction, which can have devastating impacts on food security, water quality, and overall ecosystem health (UN Environment Programme, 2019).  As the effects of climate change, and other environmental factors cause the extinction of organisms, it is important to note current efforts being made to protect endangered species and their habitats.

The most effective way to preserve species and habitats is by creating national parks, reserves, and protected areas. As of 2020, approximately 15% of the world’s terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and 7.5% of marine areas are under some form of protection (International Union for Conservation of Nature [IUCN], 2021). These efforts have been proven to be successful, as seen by efforts to protect fish populations resulted in great benefits, including the restoration of fish populations. 

The federal government also works to protect our animals. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the United States works to conserve species like the American bald eagle and the gray wolf (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2022). International agreements, like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), regulate the trade of wildlife and aim to reduce poaching and illegal trafficking of endangered species (CITES, 2021).

However, efforts can also be recognized in local communities such as the American Wildlife Foundation which works with indigenous groups to protect wildlife corridors for elephants, lions, and other animals, ensuring they have safe passage between habitats (African Wildlife Foundation, 2020).

As time goes on, new innovations and technology come about. Technology such as drones, GPS tracking, and more help scientists monitor endangered species and the poaching activities that are happening in the animal's habitats (National Geographic, 2019). Even DNA analysis and AI can be used to protect animals, for example, tracking poached animals. 

Zoos also play an important role in the conservation of species. They can act as breeding centers for animals to safely restore their populations, and they always release them back into the wild to restore our ecosystem. This is happening for animals like the black-footed ferret and California condor (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 2021).

However, these efforts need support and don’t all have to be done by professionals. You can participate as well. This can be done in the home by recycling and doing green habits, supporting organizations through the legislature, or simply donating either your time or money.

Animals need our help, they’re depending on you!

Citations

African Wildlife Foundation. (2020). Community Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.awf.org

CITES. (2021). Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Retrieved from https://www.cites.org

International Union for Conservation of Nature. (2021). Protected Planet Report. Retrieved from https://www.iucn.org

National Geographic. (2019). Technology’s Role in Wildlife Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. (2021). Species Reintroduction Programs. Retrieved from https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org

United Nations Environment Programme. (2019). Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2022). Endangered Species Act. Retrieved from https://www.fws.gov

World Wildlife Fund. (2020). Habitat Loss and Its Impact on Wildlife. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org