The Importance of Endangered Animals

Biological Diversity

• Often used interchangeably with the terms "genetic diversity" or "ecological diversity," the term "biological diversity" actually encompasses both genetic and ecological diversity. The term refers to the populations of plant and animal species in a given area. Genetic diversity refers to one species' ability to survive and overcome environmental change; ecological diversity refers to the relative abundance of species in a given area.

  All plants and animals within any ecosystem work together for the ecosystem to thrive. Humans are also part of -- and rely on -- these ecosystems. Each plant and animal plays such a vital role in the ecosystem that the removal or extinction of one could devastate water supplies, soil, chemical cycling and the entire food chain for the area and other areas.

Indicators

• When animal species become threatened, endangered, critically endangered or extinct, they give mankind a warning that something isn't working. When bald eagles and other species of birds of prey began to rapidly decline, it showed humans the problems and dangers of DDT. Prime examples of indicator species include many water-inhabiting animals such as fish and mollusks. In Florida, largemouth bass populations warned of mercury contamination. Many species of mollusks are now endangered or extinct due to contamination of the water in their habitats.

Man-Caused Extinction and Endangerment and Its Importance

• Habitat destruction, due to destruction of animals' living space by either pollution or development, accounts for a large portion of endangered and extinct species. Other reasons include man introducing non-native species or directly killing off a species.

  An example of non-native species is the introduction of Burmese pythons into the Florida Everglades. Many of these snakes were pets that may have escaped from pet shops and breeding facilities during hurricane Andrew. These snakes directly affect the ecosystem by competing with natural predators such as alligators for prey. When an invasive species begins taking over, the ecosystem falters and native species may become endangered as a result.

  Direct killing includes not only killing animals for food, fur or ivory, but also lies in the example of the wolf. Wolves used to roam throughout much of the country, but ignorance from ranchers and man has led to the destruction of this American icon. In response to the wolf population being nearly depleted, their primary prey species grew to out of control populations.

Endangered Species Act

• The Endangered Species Act was passed by Congress in 1973. It passed because of the importance of endangered species: they are of "esthetic, ecological, educational, recreational and scientific value" to the nation and the people. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service administers the act with the support of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Both the FWS and NWFS work hard to protect the animals on the list and the habitats they depend on and contribute to. Reporting any illegal activities directed toward endangered animals or their habitats can help authorities more effectively combat the problem. Across the world, there are several treaties and acts in place to protect these animals and the important parts they all play in the world ecosystem.