Effects of Human Activities on Endangered Species - Essay Example

Effects of Human Activities on Endangered Species How Human Activities Affect the Endangered Species Over the years,human beings have been involved in various activities that in most cases are beneficial to them. While some of these activities may aim at making constructive gains, it is no doubt that most of human activities have negatively affected the flora and fauna. Since there exists a sustainable coexistence between the millions of plant and animal species, human beings are the main cause of biodegradation and extinction, for that matter of some species of both the plant and the animal kingdom. Human beings, through their destructive activities, have forced some creatures into extinction while at the same time endangering some species (Michael, 2005 Vol. 10 Issue 1 pp. 52-55). This essay takes a broader look at how various human activities negatively affects species especially the endangered species and the mitigation measures where possible in order to protect the endangered species. Major human activities affecting endangered species There are innumerable activities carried out by humans that do not harm biodiversity instantly but they do so over a long period. For instance, deforestation does not occur as an event but as a slow process that given time, can lead to serious devastation. These human activities boil down into four major categories as comprehensively discussed below. Overexploitation of natural resources All the natural resources in the world are sufficient for both man and other living creatures but it is because of poor management of these precious resources that has led to the extinction of some species and put others, commonly known as the endangered species, at the same risk. A case in point is deforestation, which entails the clearing of forests for economic gain. This can affect the species in question either directly or indirectly depending on the food chain in that particular ecosystem. Some species of plants have gone into extinction because of reckless clearing of trees (Maczulak, 2010 Ch. 1 p. 27).  Overexploitation of natural resources does not limit itself to vegetation only but extend to the major water bodies that host a wide variety of aquatic plants and animals. Over fishing has reduced the number of fish species available in the seas, oceans, lakes, and rivers in many parts of the world. Some fish species like Mackerel has already gone into extinction while the Nile perch has joined the list of endangered fish species (Miller, 2005 Ch. 8 p. 155).  The destruction of natural habitat The destruction of habitat and ecosystem of flora and fauna is the main cause of extinction of most creatures. It is evident that most plant species have suffered clear-cutting in the hands of human beings go about their everyday activities. The destruction of the habitat does adversely affect all the living things including plants, human beings, and animals. If the encroach into and destroy the natural habitat of certain herbivores, the preys become more susceptible to the predators and the poachers hence endangering their lives (Polasky, Doremus, & Rettig, 1997, vol. 15, Issue 4, p. 70). Pollution A classic example of destruction of the environment is the increasingly high rate of pollution caused by the activities of human beings. Manifestation of pollution is in the air, water, and land where most waste products resulting from human activities are disposed of. Factories and motor vehicle are the main culprits as far as air pollution is concerned water and land pollution can be due to poor disposal of toxic substances that are injurious to both plant and aquatic life (Miller, 2005 Ch. 11 p. 236, 238).  Global warming The gradual increase in the temperatures of the earth is due to human activities such as the running and operations of smoke emitting machines like industries and motor vehicles. These emit greenhouse gases that tent to create the greenhouse effect on the earth’s surface. A rise in temperature that follows endangers the lives of many animal and plant species. An example is the polar bear that risks extinction if all the snow at the polar regions of the earth melts away. Most amphibians like certain species of frogs have gone into extinction because of global warming (Miller, 2005 Ch. 16 p. 367).  Introduction of exotic species Animal and plant species are said to be native to a given ecosystem when they have occupied the geographical area over a given time period. They are used to the biological conditions of the area and are therefore more adaptable to the same conditions. However, when a foreign animal or plant species come in, they may either die of harsh conditions or endanger the lives of other plants or animals. This happens when they are overly aggressive towards the basic conditions for survival like food hence causing heightened competition. The introduction of new and exotic species is either through the genetic modification technology or by physically transferring plant and animal species from one geographical area to another (Miller, 2005 Ch. 10 p. 206 - 207).  Possible ways of mitigate the situation It is important that we protect the endangered species from extinction. There are a number of ways of protecting the endangered species around the world but application of each may vary depending on the prevailing circumstances (Miller, 2005 p. 108).  Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling This necessitates taking the initiative of reducing the amount of waste we produce everyday by saving energy whenever possible. The reduction of the amount of emissions produced is necessary through either sharing a car or taking a bicycle ride. It is also important to conserve water to ensure its availability in future (Maczulak, 2010 Ch. 6 p. 141).  By reusing and recycling, the control of pollution will succeed where aquatic life will thrive, as there will be no toxic substances and chemicals in the water bodies. When factories reduce the waste they produce, both flora and fauna will flourish because they will be living in a healthy ecosystem (Askins, 2008 Ch.4 p. 113).  Conserve the natural habitat of endangered species This involves the protection of wild animals and endangered species by conserving them in the national parks and game reserves. Where such species exist in their natural habitat, fencing and protecting them in their natural habitat is advisable (Polasky, Doremus, & Rettig, 1997, vol. 15, Issue 4, p. 68). Protecting Native from Invasive species Relevant foreign policies ought to be in place in order to prevent native plant and animal species. The production of genetically modified organisms ought to be discouraged in order to protect the native plant and animal species. Control of GMOs will encourage the thriving of natural animal and plant species hence preserving nature (Askins, 2008 Ch. 3 p. 84-86). References Askins, R. (2008). Saving Biological Diversity: Balancing Protection of Endangered Species and Ecosystems. New York: Springer. Maczulak, A. E. (2010). Biodiversity: Conserving Endangered Species. New York: Facts On File. Michael, M. A. (2005). Is it Natural to Drive Species to Extinction? Ethics and the Environment, 10(1), 49-66,111. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/200816003?accountid=45049 Miller, G. T. (2005). Environmental Science: Working with the Earth. Belmont: Thomson Brooks/Cole. Polasky, S., Doremus, H., & Rettig, B. (1997). Endangered Species Conservation on Private Land. Contemporary Economic Policy, 15(4), 66-76. 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