These scientists play a very important role in developing new ways to protect the seal population. In relation to this article Duke University faculty and the International Fund for Animal Welfare were major stake holders in publishing the study. The issue of the decline in harp seal population is global, economic and biological. The warming of the oceans’ waters is a problem that humans and wildlife are facing all over the world. It is also a problem that does not have many possible solutions, causing it to be the most detrimental to harp seals.
Most of the impact of this was experienced by the marine species. Eight U.S. national parks were threatened and more than 400 species that live in the Gulf islands were at risk, including the endangered Kemp's Ridley turtle. The clean up of this travesty cost the government and companies billions to clear. As a result of the spill deep sea drilling in the Gulf was suspended until new safety measures had been put in place, costing governments and companies further millions, whilst the price of oil continued to rise. A spill in other deep sea areas such as the Arctic could accelerate damage in a very sensitive environment, which is already dangerously close to its
In this environmental disaster, 10 cubic meters of water and 4.5 million cubic meters of potentially toxic slurry were spilled into virtually untouched forest, lakes and rivers. If something like this happens at the Pebble Mine, then most of the fish and wildlife in Bristol Bay would be in danger of being killed. A species that would be greatly affected by this is the sockeye salmon. More than half of the world’s population of these fish lives in Bristol Bay. This means that the survival of this species would be threatened.
However, is it really as mighty as one would think? We have overcome threats from many predators over the years, but that does not mean we are spared from the newer, stronger, and different predators that threaten our existence here in the 21st century. Human predators have evolved and animals with “claws and fangs”, (Par. 6) are no longer the only threat we have. The world has recently faced us with disease and natural disasters that are proving to be some of the most vicious predators known to human existence today.
Firstly, the Everglades are an important ecosystem which reduces flooding and replenish aquifers but human actions are having a huge impact on the landscape. The rapid urban and agricultural development in the area has decreased the size of the wetlands dramatically which affects the organisms found there. This is especially important as it is home to several endangered species. Not only that, but invasive species that threaten existing wildlife by preying on or competing with them. According to Everglades.org, they’ve “contributed to nearly 70 percent of extinctions in the United States” and are the “primary cause of species endangerment.” The water itself is a major cause of decline to the area, firstly because of poor water management leading to water levels being too low or too high at the wrong times has caused a decline in many species.
While this reduction in mosquitoes is a positive, the negative would be greater. An estimated 90 illnesses will occur with four being fatal do to the use of Malathion. Trees, birds and fish will be harmed if not die off completely, and this will disrupt the natural ecosystem that still lives in this area. Not only will the ecosystem be harmed but the economy will suffer due to the reduction in tourism. Economic long term effects are still unknown about this pesticide; therefore to use this pesticide could cause irreparable damage to the environment.
Out of all the marine mammals that would be affected, the bowhead whale would feel the worst affects of drilling. It is currently endangered and still making a recovery from nearly becoming extinct. Of the 10 thousand bowhead whales that still exist, the majority are found in the Western Arctic. These whales are extremely sensitive to noise disturbance which can damage migratory paths and interfere with breeding and nursing
Bio 100 Homework due 11/05/12 Name : Nicholas Oliveira Go to the website on cheetah conservation www.Cheetah.org and read the following sections under the tabs About Cheetahs: Intro, Genetic Diversity, & Race for Survival 1. Why are cheetahs endangered? Our attitudes and misconceptions about these species have led to their endangerment because many people deal with their fear by eliminating predators. 2. What are the 5 most common causes of extinction?
The loss of biodiversity around the world has become acknowledged as a growing issue globally. in 2006, the IUCN Red List contained 40,177 species, 16,119 of them threatened with extinction. Of the groups for which every species has been assesssed globally, 12% of all birds are classified as threatened, 23% of mamamls, 33% of amphibians, approximately 42% of turtles and tortoises, 25% of conifers, and 53% of cycads. Therefore it is important to conserve them in order to continue a diverse life on Earth, and this is the main aim by conservationists; to decrease the destructions and decline to those habitats. However, there is an argument to their conservation, they have a high economic value which may be seen as an issue to some people, mainly conservationists, as they may feel that by using those economics values different species provide us, it could lead to their extinctions.
The states need to come up with strict laws that will cut numbers of animal abuse. The animals in the factories are getting treated terribly. “They call their revolution (animal rights), but the changes PETA has won for farmed animals, while numerous, are not victories for animal rights so much as for animal welfare: fewer animals per cage, better-regulated slaughter, less-cramped transport, and the like”(Unknown author). PETA stands up for animal welfare and want to raise awareness so they can pass new laws on how the animals are treated inside