Endangered Species Reseach - Research Paper Example

Human processes such as clearing of forests, poaching, human settlement, building of infrastructure and agricultural expansion have destroyed natural habitats for plants and animals. Destroying natural habitats leads to the extinction of certain species of both plant and animal families (Pimentel, Westra, and Reed). Destroying natural habitats leads to the threat of more plant and animal species to be at risk of further extinction. This paper shall focus its argument on extinction of tigers caused by human processes, which threaten to endanger this species of the animal family.

The paper shall discuss the need for human beings to act against extinction crisis facing the world. Human beings are the primary cause of the current mass extinction of species facing planet earth. Scientists predict that if current trends are to carry on, half of all species may become extinct in less than 100 years. Activities such as habitat destruction, climate change and pollution are significantly contributing to this mass extinction. Only a few of the global population are aware of the current mass extinction.

This poses a substantial problem to the raising of awareness of mass extinction. Tigers are among the most endangered species in the globe today. There were eight subspecies of tigers known in the world of which three have already become extinct. Tigers live in densely covered grasslands. This assists with their camouflage for prey. Three subspecies of tigers have become extinct: Bali tiger, Caspian tiger and Javan tiger (Burke 22). The remaining subspecies of tiger continue facing endangerment due to actions of human beings.

From approximated 10,000 tigers in the world in 1900, tiger population has dropped to an estimated 4000-5000 in the globe. The ever increasing human population and industrial growth lead to competition for land and food between human beings and tigers. Due to the increasing population, human beings become forced to clear land for settlement and in turn destroy the natural habitat for tigers. Due to human encroachment and clearing of natural habitats, tigers become endangered since they become homeless (Burke 23).

They get forced to wander into unfavorable habitats, which are not conducive for their survival. Human beings need to practice natural living. This ensures that habitats for plants and animals do not get destroyed to ensure the continued existence of different species (Thoreau 51). The existence of different species within a habitat promotes biodiversity and promotes natural beauty of the environment. It enhances the natural balance between ecosystems promoting healthier lives between living organisms in the ecosystem.

Global climate change has contributed to species endangerment and extinction. Climate change has led to destroyed habitats for animal and plant species. Climate change has largely been caused by environmental pollution. Industrial revolution by human beings has largely contributed to environmental pollution. Carbon dioxide released by industries into the air contributes to climate change. Climate change affects weather patterns, and this affects habitat growth (Zebrowski 106). Grasslands and forests are prime habitats for plant and animal species.

When the natural habitats for species become destroyed, species become homeless and are at risk of getting killed as human encroachment also proceeds. There is the need for habitat protection and creation of reserves