Our responsibility
In today's world of nearly six billion people, thousands of organisms that have inhabited this planet, far longer than people have, are under immense pressure as legions of humans spread out and invade habitats and environments in which these species depend on for survival. Human population growth, and the associated destruction of habitat that invariably follows, has resulted in the extinctions of countless species, and the precipitous reduction in population of thousands more. Furthermore, with the spread of human beings comes the invasion of non-native species such as rats, cats, pigs and invasive plants which compete with native species for food, habitat and space. The introduction of rats was a primary reason for the extinction of certain birds such as the Dodo, and birds such as the Starling and House Sparrow, introduced to America in the 1800's, have destroyed local populations of bluebirds, Red-Headed Woodpeckers and others.
Human population growth also brings catastrophes such as oil spills and pesticide use which result in the deaths of millions of individual animals, further degradation of habitat, and the eventual loss of many entire species. The use of DDT, an insecticide used in the 1900's, brought about the destruction of bird and fish populations. As the pesticide seeped into waterways, and moved through the food chain like deadly plague, predators such as Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons experienced mass reproductive failure. The Peregrine Falcon, in fact, the world's fastest animal, was completely eliminated from the eastern United States. Major oil spills in critical habitat such as Alaska's Prince William Sound have destroyed pivotal populations of organisms, and have also resulted in the the long-term destruction of those habitats.
Human greed and indifference have resulted in the extinction and critical endangerment of thousands of species. Hunting was the major factor in the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon, Carolina Parakeet, Great Auk and so many other species. Poaching of animals for furs, tusks, and horns have crushed populations of elephants, rhinos, and several species of big cats. The affects of hunting on such animals may be irreversible. Animals you grow up learning about in book and folktales may be gone forever in no time.
Countless organizations across the planet, however, are dedicated to the preservation of these species such as the World Wildlife Fund and The Sierra Club. Countries such as Australia and Kenya have led the way in preservation, and have even turned the appeal of biodiversity into financial rewards generated by eco-tourism. Many organizations and dedicated people are involved in captive-breeding programs, zoos, and animal rescue.
What can you do?
The future of countless organisms relies on you, the next generation, to save them from extinction. Educate yourself regarding the needs of the world's animals. Volunteer at local state and national parks and preserves. Spread the word concerning the importance of preservation and biodiversity. Start clubs at your school devoted to our natural environments and raise money for organizations that work hard to protect the Earth. NEVER buy products that are made form the body parts of endangered or threateend animals and educate others to do the same. Don't hesitate to educate your parents either. Encourage your parents to keep your pet cat inside. Cats kill many ground nesting birds and have been implicated in the decline of the Wood Thrush. Finally, show compassion to the wildlife you might find in your backyard. Never step on small insects or trap wild animals as pets. You never know when the frog you keep as a pet, or the bee that you step on, will result in the destruction of a fragile food chain that forms the basis and cycle of life in all ecosystems!