| Why
Save Endangered Species?
Environmental Barometers Many native species are uniquely valuable as indicators of environmental quality. The rapid decline in bald eagles and peregrine falcons was a dramatic warning of the dangers of DDT - a potent, once widely used pesticide that accumulates in body tissues. (Its effect on these birds was to hamper fertility and egg-hatching success.) In another example, certain plants, such as the eastern white pine, are particularly good indicators of excess ozone, sulfur dioxide, and other air pollutants. If it were not for species like these, we might not have known about the effects of some contaminants until more damage was done. All life on Earth depends on clean water to survive. While the decline of fish and freshwater mussel populations may seem insignificant to some, our human family also depends on those same waters for drinking, bathing, and washing clothes. Data show that nearly two-thirds of our nation's freshwater mussels and crayfish are rare and imperilled, and several mussels have become extinct during this century. Nearly one-third of native fishes are at risk of extinction. These species are our early warning system, signaling that problems of water quality and ecosystem stability are endangering a resource we all too often take for granted - water. Aside from the more concrete reasons for conserving endangered species, moral considerations are often mentioned. Many people believe that every creature, after adapting for thousands or even millions of years to fit a constantly changing environment, has intrinsic value and a right to exist. Exterminating other forms of life, they say, is not only shortsighted, but wrong - especially since the species could never be replaced. Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has the primary responsibility to coordinate the conservation of those plants and animals that are threatened with extinction and the ecosystems that support them. As we learn more about how ecosystems work, we can better understand and protect the requirements necessary for all life - including our own species. Endangered means there's still time, but extinction is forever. How Can You Help? The conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered species is a tremendous and ever-increasing challenge. Through the efforts of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and its cooperative programs and partnerships with other Federal agencies, States, Tribal and local governments, conservation groups, corporations, and private landowners, many plant and animal species now have a better chance of survival. But the assistance of everyone - including private citizens and organizations - is essential; one need not be a scientist or government official to help. Here are some things you can do:
For More Information For additional information on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's endangered species program, write to: Division of Endangered Species
For information about protection of whales, seals, and other marine species, write to: National Marine Fisheries
Service For information about importing or exporting pets, birds, and Federally regulated plants, write to: Department of Agriculture | |
Last updated:
January 16, 2008
