Picture: The image shows one endangered species for each continent. These are so to say the "most important" for each one as you will recognize nearly all of them. There are hundreds of more for each continent.
Summary: We often don't realize how fortunet we are that our world has such large biodiversity. The ESA is partially to thank for this. Every year they save many many species that are crucial to our environment. By 2007, 100 species of animals had been aided to the point of being taken off the list of endangered. This group includes the bald eagle, the whooping crane, the gray whale, and the grizzly bear. Around Pennsylvannia we are trying to conserve the red wolf, the shortnose sturgeon, the finwhale, the atlantic green sea turtle, and many other plants and animals.
Not only does the act help to increase the number of animals alive, but it increases from the double-digits to the thousands. The act is in debate on it's effectiveness. With numbers like these, how can we say the act isn't working? the article states: "A recent study of all endangered species in the Northeastern United States found that 93% increased or remained stable since being placed of the endangered list. Few other laws can boast that kind of success." The numbers are continuing to rise as the act takes action.
Opinion/Reflection: I think these numbers shows the true success of the Act. Because of it's good results, it makes me wonder what makes people conclude that it is not working. I have not researched the flaws of the bill and wonder what holes there are. Maybe instead of making a "new" bill they could just improve on what's already working. Perhaps there are certain rules of the bill that don't work for some species as well as they do for others?
The amount of endangered species is sort of intimidating. What would happen is humans were endangered? If we don't keep trying to save our world's biodiversity, maybe we will be! It isn't just about keeping animals safe, but we also need to consider what would happen if a keystone species dies out? Once they're gone, they're gone forever and we can't bring them back. It is urgent we help our Earth remain stable as it is now.
Questions:
1. What species is one we should be most concerned about saving?
2. What are the downsides of the act?
3. How can we improve on what's already working?
4. What was the most important success?
5. How does the Act help humans?
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ReplyDeleteSara- I like this article a lot because there are so many views and debates over the ESA. I agree with you; once they are gone and extinct, we will never be able to bring them back. According to this article, http://www.cnn.com/TECH/science/9812/22/endangered.anniversary/TMP914357021.htm, only 11 species out of 1,195 fully recovered from the list. It is really unfortunate that so many animals are becoming endangered because of humans or nature. Saving plants and animals is key for future generations to see them; once a panda is extinct, our grandchildren and great grandchildren will not be able to see them. We need to work harder to preserve these innocent animals.
ReplyDeleteThe question is: is the ESA worth spending so much money on animals that most likely won’t make it? I think yes it is so important. The animals and plants will not make it if they are not given a chance. So I am on both sides; I think the act can be effective but it has its down side. Seeing that only 11 out of almost 2000 species fully recover is really saddening.
To answer number two, I think that the downsides of the act are like I just mentioned; not a lot of species fully recover and I feel that too much money is spent on species that will not make it.
To answer number three, I think we can improve the ESA by donating money to give more species a chance. There should be more organizations in our schools or cities in which people can donate money which can go towards saving more species.
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ReplyDeleteGreat picture! I’m glad the population for many endangered species increased thanks to the Endangered Species Act. I agree we should improve on the animals that are doing well. I hate thinking about animals becoming extinct or going away forever. The amount of endangered species is also very frightening. I remember learning about the bald eagle making a remarkable comeback in class. Hopefully, there will continue to be good results. I definitely agree we also need to consider if a keystone species died out. It is urgent we help our Earth remain steady and safe for everyone. I encourage others to celebrate Endangered Species Day to have the opportunity to think about the innocent animals around us.
ReplyDeleteTo answer one of your questions:
Here is an article about why I think the greatest success was the saving of the Bald Eagle.
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/eagle/
The Bald Eagle was close to becoming extinct. Surprisingly, it soared off the Endangered Species List on August 9, 2007. The main things that led to the recovery of the bald eagle were habitat protection and banning them from being hunted or taking away. In 1963, there was only four hundred nesting pairs, but now there are over ten thousand. I hope the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will work to ensure this amazing bird will never need protection again. The Bald Eagle is the national symbol of America and of great things that happen through cooperative conservation.
Sara, great article. It's nice to hear some success stories for a change. The act certainly seems to be going well! I agree with you, what could be going wrong? What are the flaws, and if there are, why can't we just improve it? It's good to know that it has had success, and I hope that it continues success in the future.
ReplyDeleteTo answer #5, this act helps humans because what goes around, comes around. If humans can protect endangered species, biodiversity will maintain its standard levels and the environment will be stable. Ecosystems will be protected from natural disasters better than they are now. This means protection for our houses, farms, schools, and our country as a whole.