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Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife, which is a part of the earth’s ecosystem, functions on the basis that everything from the smallest organisms to the largest mammals is connected and operates as a unit.  Wildlife conservation is an attempt to protect endangered plant and animal species, along with their habitats.  Scientifically, the term wildlife can be defined as the science of analyzing and protecting the earth’s biological diversity.  It is the banning of hunting seasons for endangered or threatened species.  For example, banning the over fishing of some areas.

Mainly, wildlife conservation tries to protect animals that are endangered species.  These animals include elephant, wolves, bears, fish, and different types of birds.  Animals threatened of extinction are increasing nowadays due to human activities.  The rates of deforestation, reef destruction, wetlands filling, and other human acts are proceeding much faster than human assessment of the earth’s species.  Wildlife conservation’s aim is to ensure that nature will be around for future generations to enjoy and to recognize the importance of wildlife and wilderness lands to humans.

Wildlife conservation is the process of individuals and organizations to protect and preserve endangered species through:

  • conservation;
  • education;
  • preservation of habitat; and
  • management of wildlife.

 

Many nations have government agencies dedicated to wildlife conservation which help implement policies designed to protect wildlife.  There are numerous independent nonprofit organizations that promote various wildlife conservation causes.  Additionally, there are many wildlife conservation societies and organizations that work tirelessly to save wild lands and wildlife through international conservation and education.  These groups strive to change attitudes toward nature and to protect natural areas and wild populations of plants and animals, including endangered species.  They also work to promote more efficient use of the earth’s resources and energy to reduce pollution.  Wildlife conservation societies can be local, regional, national, or global.

The following are some wildlife conservation organizations:

1. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is an organization working for the protection of animals and wildlife.  The WCS promotes environmental education and conservation of wild populations and their habitats.  The WCS’s efforts are focused on a select group of animals including bears, big cats, elephants, great apes, hoofed mammals, cetaceans, and carnivores.

2. The Sierra Club is a grassroots organization that works to protect ecological communities, encourage smart energy solutions, and to create an enduring legacy for America’s wildernesses.  The Club’s functions include coal alternatives, limiting greenhouse emissions, clean energy, green transport, and protecting wildlife communities.

3. The Nature Conservancy is an organization that works with local communities, businesses, and individuals to protect over 100 million acres of land around the world.  It preserves entire wildlife communities and the rich species diversity that inhabits those lands.

4. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an agency that aims to protect biodiversity on a global scale.  The WWF has three functions: to protect natural areas and wild populations, to minimize pollution, and to promote efficient and sustainable use of natural resources.

5. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an environmental action organization that uses the law, science, and their wide network of members and activists to protect wildlife and habitats around the globe.

6. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is an organization that opposes the inhumane use of exotic feathers in the fashion industry.  The RSPB discourages the mindless destruction of birds.  It works to promote the protection of birds and encourages people to refrain from wearing feather birds.

7. The Conservation International is an organization that helps to stabilize global climate, protect fresh water, and ensure human well-being.  Conservation International’s primary initiatives include climate, fresh water, food, health, culture, and biodiversity.

In the U.S., the Endangered Species Act is the most important legislation concerned with the preservation of wildlife.  The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby the ecosystems upon which endangered species and threatened species depend are conserved, and to provide a program for the conservation of such endangered species and threatened species[i].  The Marine Mammal Protection Act is another legislation aimed to protect certain species of marine mammals that are in danger of extinction or depletion as a result of human activities[ii].  The international pet trade in wild-caught exotic birds is contributing to the decline of species in the wild.  The Wild Bird Conservation Act was enacted to prevent the same.

The National Wildlife Refuge System is a federal statute whose purpose is “consolidating the authorities relating to the various categories of areas that are administered by the Secretary for the conservation of fish and wildlife, including species that are threatened with extinction, all lands, waters, and interests therein administered by the Secretary as wildlife refuges, areas for the protection and conservation of fish and wildlife that are threatened with extinction, wildlife ranges, game ranges, wildlife management areas, or waterfowl production areas[iii].”

[i] 16 USCS § 1531.

[ii] 16 USCS § 1361.

[iii] 16 USCS § 668dd.


Inside Wildlife Conservation