Wildlife Across the Globe
It is understood how important wildlife truly is to the Earth’s ecosystem. Additionally, wildlife is what, in a way, keeps the earth running. As more and more species become extinct, the world becomes increasingly dangerous as the years go by. Without certain wildlife, the natural processes that occur on the Earth will cease to exist.
Therefore, it is imperative that action is taken to preserve as much wildlife as possible, that way the Earth can live to its fullest ability. Additionally, since the Earth will become affected disastrously, humans will also be afflicted negatively, as a result.
21 Species Now Considered Extinct
There are 21 new species of wildlife that have recently been considered extinct. This is certainly a wakeup call for humanity, to continue to strive to preserve wildlife as much as possible. Almost two dozen species from 16 states and territories, including Alabama and Guam, that were listed as endangered have been delisted — but not because they’ve rebounded.
Instead, the change in status is due to extinction. This is disastrous news, as these species were constantly being worked on by a particular act that specializes in preserving wildlife. This is called the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). This act was introduced quite recently, in the 1970s and 80s.
However, there are another two species that are still being reviewed in order to ensure the correct information is posted. These included the ivory-billed woodpecker, and a particular herb that is called Phyllostegia glabra var. lanaiensis. Importantly, there is still time before these two species are ruled to be extinct.
Additionally, this organization has been able to prevent a large majority of species of different plants and animals from going extinct. This is something that has greatly influenced the Earth and those that live in it in a positive way. Therefore, the ESA has specifically delisted these 21 species, marking them as officially extinct.
The ESA and Their Priority
Many fail to realize how important the ESA really is. It is here to make sure that wildlife is preserved the best way possible. There are also statistics that show that the ESA has helped preserve a grand majority of wildlife. The Endangered Species Act was established in 1973 to protect plants and animals considered threatened or endangered in the U.S.
So far, the act is credited with saving 99% of the species that received its protection, the Fish and Wildlife Services said. Meaning, since this act has been established, there have been almost 100% of wildlife that has been preserved. That is nearly 100% of wildlife that would likely have gone extinct, had it not been for the ESA.
Additionally, it is important to realize that the ESA allows organizations and local governments to improve their chances of saving wildlife. Therefore, this act is truly really important to have around. “The 21 species extinctions highlight the importance of the ESA and efforts to conserve species before declines become irreversible,” according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Even though this news comes with a heavy heart, they will continue to persevere and save more wildlife in the future.
The Future of the ESA
The future of the ESA is looking even brighter despite the extinctions that have been suffered. This shows how they have greatly improved and will continue to improve in the future, preserving even more wildlife.
There have been countless life forms on the brink of extinction that have been reversed, thanks to the efforts brought on by the ESA. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. They will continue to fight to raise awareness, and to show the world that wildlife truly makes a positive difference in the world.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
CBS 42 News: 21 species across Alabama, 15 other states now considered extinct: US wildlife officials
The Hill: 21 species across 16 states now considered extinct: US wildlife officials
U.S Fish and Wildlife Service: 21 Species Delisted from the Endangered Species Act due to Extinction
Featured Image Courtesy of Pedro Szekely’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Doug Greenberg’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License