Circle+of+Life

Submitted by email to Dr. Terdal by Amy Litteldave; TE13littleda    I Introduction.

The circle of life on this planet is a fragile one and all species and ecosystems are connected to each other. The international Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) a complex; yet achieved conservation act has declared that our planet is facing a biodiversity crisis. Human behavior is the primary cause of these losses; the number of species facing extinction has risen to an estimated 40% and species are disappearing faster than they should be. Poaching and killing animals have already increased in some species; leaving them unable to survive. Studies have shown that reduced biodiversity increases the risk that diseases will jump from animal to people in areas where biodiversity has dropped; causing diseases to spread more rapidly. The destruction of one species can destroy all species. (Endangered Animals around the World)

The IUCN system is designed for government, non-government organizations, and scientific intuitions. Providing information and analysis on the status, trends and threats to species. Creating the IUCN Red List to identify particular species at risk of extinction. The IUCN Red List’s sole purpose aims to monitor the change in status of species and is available online to potential users.

The IUCN’S work on the Red List assessment is coordinated by the staff of the Species Programme and expert volunteers in the SSC. This work is supported through Species Assessment project, and through partnerships with other organizations, such as the Center for applied Biodiversity Science at Conservation International, BirdLife International, NatureServe and the Zoological Society of London. (IUCN Red List)

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II Endangered Species.

An endangered species is a group of  organisms facing risks of extinction . Its use by conservationists leads back to the endangered species in the IUCN Red List . Species assessed are labeled as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Threatened (T), Near-Threatened (NT), or Vulnerable (VU) is referred as “threatened” species. Many steps are calculated on the status of a species, including statistics such as the number remaining, the overall increase or decrease in the population over time, breeding success rates, and known threats. In the United States alone, the "known species threatened with extinction is ten times higher than the number protected under the Endangered Species Act" (Wilcove & Master, 2008, p. 414) (Wiki)

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Reason species become endangered.

Low levels of inherent variability



Destruction of ecosystem

Poor dispersion ability

Pollution

Requirement for large area

Hunting & fishing

Population being concentrated

Exotic species being introduced

Global warming

Migration over long distances





The Sri Lankan toad species - was recently known only from one late 19th Century record, and the lack of further sightings led to this species being labeled as Extinct. However, in 2009 this species was rediscovered in cloud forest in the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary in Central Province, Sri Lanka. While it is possible that this toad has a more widespread occurrence, it is so far only known from a single site in an area of 200 m². There is a continuing decline of its natural habitat in this area due to illegal gem mining, conversion of forest to tea plantations, and pollution from a very high volume of religious pilgrimage. This species has therefore been assessed as Critically Endangered. (Red List)



The Goldstreifiger - is very rare and declining throughout its fragmented range. It is extinct in Germany, Austria and Sweden, may be extinct in Ukraine and Spain, and currently occurs in only a minor portion of its original range. It is dependent on dead wood of sun-exposed host trees for its survival role in recycling nutrients in the ecosystem. The main threat to this endangered beetle is commercial and illegal logging, which affects the age structure and density of the forest. Additional threats include slow re-growth of host trees, which causes populations to be vulnerable to single threatening events such as fires, and commercial collection. Although protected under the Bern Convention and EU Habitats Directive, the Goldstreifiger is likely to struggle unless conditions improve. (Red List)

 III about the Rain Forest.

The IUCN Red List names hundreds of endangered species around the world. Did you know CR species found in the rainforest are most likely to become extinct at any moment? This is because the tropical rain forest is less than 6 percent of the earth’s surface; trees are being cut down and burned at an alarming rate. The amount of rainforest that is destroyed worldwide each year equals an area the size of New York State. People cut down rainforest trees for lumber, to use for making charcoal and to clear land in order to plant such crops as soybeans and oil-palm trees. In addition to this habitat loss, endangered species in the rainforest must also live with human hunters, who often kill th em for their



 meat, their furs, feathers, and their body parts, which are used in some countries to make medicine. (Endangered Species in the Rainforest)

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 Conclusion.

There are thousands of species Endangered in this world; and endless ways individuals can take action to help endangered animals and to help reduce extinction possibilities. What these mean is that we need to become the voice of these species. And take action.

A few could be:

Protect their habitat –

You can volunteer at a nearby national park or nature reserve.

For those who live in a wooded area; keep it clean, find ways to make the environment livable, keep patches of bush as wildlife habitats and leave old trees standing, especially those with hollows suitable for nesting animals. Remove rubbish and weeds and replant plants that could benefit wildlife. Build bird feeders and create the perfect birdbath for the visiting birds.

Do not use harmful chemicals in your garden or home.

Save energy by turning off lights, radios and the TV when you are not using them.

And much, much more. (How to help Endangered animals)

 Small things like these could make a difference. All it takes is people like us to change the views of people all around the world.

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References

Endanger Species In The Rainforest. (n.d.). Retrieved July 18, 2013, from http://www.allaboutwildlife.com/endangered-species-in-the-rainforest

Endangered Species/ Rainforest Animals Resource List. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.accredited-online-college-degrees.com/endangered.html

How to Help Endangered Animals: 20 Steps - wikiHow. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2013, from http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Endangered-Animals

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2013, from http://www.iucnredlist.org/

Jyotsna (2012, 24). Most Endangered Species in Amazon Rainforest : Green Buzz. Retrieved July 18, 2013, from http://greenbuzzz.net/nature/most-endangered-species-in-amazon-rainforest