
[Ecosystem] [Eco Column] Recovery of Endangered Animals |
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by Eco Generation | 19-12-2022 13:54
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Humans must seem like a terrible species to many animals and plants. When humans invade an area, animals and plants inhabiting it suffer damage. Even when humans do not share living areas with other species, human activities affect the ecosystem by changing or polluting the environment. People also kill mercilessly to obtain animal bones and hides. For this reason, even at this moment, countless animals are going through a gradual process of extinction. The extinction of certain animals or plants should not just be something we feel sorry for. All living things are part of an ecosystem and are closely intertwined with one another. For example, if an insect species that pollinates plants disappears, plants they have fed on may have difficulty reproducing. We are not yet capable of bringing back extinct animals like we saw in the movie Jurassic Park. However, there is still hope for endangered animals. It is not too late for us to restore the environment and manage the number of endangered species in order to protect the ecosystem. Many countries around the world are making a range of efforts to protect endangered animals and plants. In Korea, for example, 267 species of animals and plants are designated and managed as endangered wildlife. The list includes familiar mammals such as tigers, foxes, wildcats, otters, and oriental storks, as well as less familiar plants such as Cypripedium japonicum and Thrixspermum japonicum. The Asian black bear is one of the most widely-known endangered species for which a restoration project has been implemented by the Korean government. The Asian black bear lived across the Korean Peninsula in the past, but the number of individuals gradually decreased to the point of extinction due to excessive poaching and hunting.
▲ Asian Black Bear(Image by GettyImagesBank) In the 2000s, Asian black bears from Russia and North Korea were released at Mt. Jiri to begin the restoration project. As a result, we witnessed the birth of fourth-generation bears in 2022, with currently 79 bears living near Mt. Jiri. Other restoration projects have been performed for the Korean red fox at Mt. Sobaek, the mountain goat at Mt. Worak, the crested ibis in Upo Wetland in Changnyeong, and the oriental stork in Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do. All once lived throughout the Korean Peninsula, but the number of those animals have rapidly decreased or disappeared in modern times. The bald eagle, the national bird of the United States, was also endangered in the past, but the US government has put a great deal of effort to protect them by regulating the use of pesticides. As a result, the number of bald eagles has increased dramatically, and they are now no longer in danger of extinction. The number of California condors also declined to 27 individuals left in 1987. In response, the US government captured all condors from the wild to breed them in specialized facilities. Although they have gradually been released into the wild since 1991, the California condor is still a very rare bird worldwide. It is the most expensive animal restoration project in US history.
▲ California Condor (Image by GettyImagesBank) Recovering endangered species requires different efforts. Breeding skills are required to increase the number of individuals, and they need a proper transition period to adapt to a new life in the wild. There is more to do after releasing them into the wild; local residents should provide an environment in which they can live together in harmony. For instance, the use of pesticides should be minimized. Activities for keeping wild animals away from crops should be reduced. Additionally, neighbouring countries need to collaborate as there is no border for animals. It is not easy. To restore animals, we have to think about the impact on people as well. What would happen if tigers or leopards were restored in Korea? Releasing predators in the wild could eventually lead to the deaths of nearby residents or hikers. It is unfortunate that tigers and leopards have disappeared in Korea, but if you think that you could be a victim, you would not fully agree to the idea of restoration. It is crucial to restore the ecosystem back to how it once was. Numerous animals, such as carnivores and herbivores, plants, and microorganisms are intricately entangled with each other. Therefore, when only one element is removed, it can result in a huge impact on the entire system. We need to find a way to live together with nature by protecting endangered species. |
7 Comments
In India also only 120 Great Indian Bustards are left. They are categorised as most critical endangered species in the world. I pray for its survival.
Posted 08-08-2023 19:21
The Eco Column that I like the most is "Recovery of Endangered Animals" because for a long time I have been interested in participating in endangered species recovery projects. One of these endangered species is the giant frog of Lake Junín, endemic to Lake Junín, Peru. The Peruvian environmental authorities, including SERFOR, have been making many efforts to prevent its extinction and have carried out several programs in which the population can participate and become aware of the importance of caring for the habitat of this endangered species. I plan to participate in one of these programs in the future.
I love the Eco Column "Recovery of Endangered Animals" because it highlights the efforts of governments and other authorities in the recovery of endangered species. For example, the Korean government has implemented restoration projects for the Asian black bear, the Korean red fox, and other important species. The U.S. government has also implemented recovery programs for species such as the bald eagle and the California condor. It is really comforting and encouraging that most governments around the world have started to work on the recovery of endangered species since, as mentioned in the eco column, each species plays a very important role in the balance of ecosystems. The disappearance of one of these species can cause the disappearance of others or serious damage to ecosystems, to which humans also belong.
This Eco Column also highlights that different efforts are required to achieve the successful recovery of species. The collaboration of different institutions to achieve the conservation and recovery of species is of paramount importance. Authorities, companies, NGOs, universities, public and private institutions, and the population are needed to achieve the objective.
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi.
Although humans have been responsible for the extinction of numerous species, they have also been responsible for the recovery of several of them. We are increasingly vindicating ourselves and demonstrating that we are making moral progress in this regard. As Mahatma Gandhi said, the greatness of our nations and societies and their moral progress depend on the way we treat our animals. Let us demonstrate our greatness by caring not only for endangered species but for all species, as each one of them is a key part of our ecosystems.
Reading the Eco Column "Recovery of Endangered Animals" was very comforting, since I was happy and hopeful to learn that great efforts have been made to achieve the recovery of different endangered species. It is possible to build a sustainable future for all: animals, plants, and humans.
@Eco Generation, thank you so much for the Eco Columns. They were very informative. 😄💚
Posted 23-04-2023 10:39
I am voting for this column as the best in its category, because.
This column talks about the relationship between environment and development. Because all human developments are executed in space. This cause damage to animal and plants which play vital role in ecosystem to support human life and wellbeing.
I also vote for this column because, it draw our attention on how effect of executing development project in space on wildlife and their habitat. Understanding this challenge brings in recovery of endangered animals to save their habitat and perform their role/ function in ecosystem.
This column provides measures put in place to preserve endangered animals. It gives ideas on strategies use to preserve endangered animal.
In conclusion, I am voting for this column because without wildlife, we can't live on this earth. They play important role in ecosystem and its services. Conserving them too will help save their habitat. Thank you, Eco Generation, for bringing us this nice column series. Love to see more!
Posted 21-04-2023 11:10
A great article. I agree with him on bringing back endangered species. From my opinion, ensuring sustainable management of our forest is key to creating a healthy habitat for wildlife and preserving them against the dangers of human actions.
Imagine a world without forests and animals, horrible. Isn't it?
Posted 27-03-2023 13:53
There are several reasons why I vote for this column as the best in its category:
1. Importance of the topic: The recovery of endangered animals is an important and timely topic that affects the entire planet. The article explains how human activities have contributed to the endangerment of many animal species and why it is crucial to protect them for the well-being of the entire ecosystem.
2. Informative and well-researched content: The article provides a detailed account of how different countries are working to protect and restore endangered animal species. It includes examples from Korea and the United States, highlighting successful restoration projects for the Asian black bear, the Korean red fox, the bald eagle, and the California condor. The article also discusses the challenges and considerations involved in restoring animals to their natural habitats.
3. Clear and engaging writing style: The article is written in a clear and engaging style that makes the topic accessible to readers of all backgrounds. It uses concrete examples and vivid descriptions to help readers understand the importance of protecting endangered animals and the impact of human activities on the environment.
4. Call to action: The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of restoring the ecosystem and protecting endangered species. It encourages readers to find ways to live in harmony with nature and to take action to protect the environment.
Overall, the article is an informative and engaging read that highlights the importance of protecting endangered animals for the health and well-being of the entire ecosystem. It??s clear and engaging writing style, well-researched content, and call to action make it a strong contender for the best column in its category.
Posted 22-03-2023 02:17
@Menelik, Thanks for your comment!
Posted 27-02-2023 09:11
i thank the author for this publication. i share his view on the importance of finding a solution to live in harmony with wild animals. the issue is broader because it concerns the whole world. other regions are facing this problem and many species are in danger of extinction.
I think we can use umbrella species to promote the conservation of animals in particular, but of biodiversity as a whole. this means that we can focus our efforts on certain species and that the measures that are taken will improve the conditions of the whole biodiversity that lives there. the tiger, the Asian black bear or the Californian condor can be examples of umbrella species.
Posted 24-02-2023 23:55