PROCESS OF EXTINCTION When we envision the natural environment of the Currently, the world is facing another mass extinction. past, one thing that may come to mind are vast herds However, as opposed to the previous five events, and flocks of a great diversity of animals. In our this extinction is not caused by natural, catastrophic modern world, many of these herds and flocks have changes in environmental conditions. This current been greatly diminished. Hundreds of species of both loss of biodiversity across the globe is due to one plants and animals have become extinct. Why? species — humans. Wildlife, including plants, must now compete with the expanding human population Extinction is a natural process. A species that cannot for basic needs (air, water, food, shelter and space). adapt to changing environmental conditions and/or Human activity has had far-reaching effects on the competition will not survive to reproduce. Eventually world’s ecosystems and the species that depend on the entire species dies out. These extinctions may them, including our own species. happen to only a few species or on a very large scale. Large scale extinctions, in which at least 65 percent of existing species become extinct over a geologically • The population of the planet is now growing by short period of time, are called “mass extinctions” 2.3 people per second (U.S. Census Bureau). (Leakey, 1995). Mass extinctions have occurred five • In mid-2006, world population was estimated to times over the history of life on earth; the first one be 6,555,000,000, with a rate of natural increase occurred approximately 440 million years ago and the of 1.2%. (Population Reference Bureau, 2006). most recent one occurred 65 million • The earth is estimated to be losing up to 27,000 years ago. Dinosaurs disappeared species of plants and animals per day (National from the face of the earth during Wildlife Federation, 2001). the most recent mass • One out of every 10 plants native to the United extinction. Over the States is in danger of extinction. (Center For millions of years Plant Conservation, 2004). after a mass • According to IUCN (World Conservation extinction Union) Red List categories, the United States occurs, is home to 935 species of animals that are many new listed as critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable. This includes 41 species of mammals, 79 species of birds, 27 species of reptiles, 53 species of amphibians, 159 species of fish, and 576 species of invertebrates. (World Conservation Union, 2006). Passenger pigeon by 64'84-VUIFS$(PMENBO varieties of species begin to inhabit niches that were left empty by the disappearance of other species. In 1859, in his book “The Origin of Species,” Charles Touch the earth... Darwin wrote that “the appearance of new forms and Just inside the South Gate entrance at Woodland the disappearance of old forms...are bound together.” Park Zoo, you will find an interactive exhibit titled “Touch the earth...” This exhibit, realized through cooperation between Zero Population Growth Seattle and Woodland Park Zoo, includes a population counter, habitat loss counter, interactive computer touch screen and video clips. “Touch the earth...” emphasizes the relationships between rapidly growing human population and decreasing acreage of healthy natural habitat. &OEBOHFSFE4QFDJFT 8PPEMBOE1BSL;PP ENDANGERED SPECIES LEGISLATION What do we Mean by the Word is allowed only if special permits are acquired. The “Endangered”? IUCN also publishes Red Lists of data on threatened We often read statistics or quotes, similar to those and endangered species. These lists use categories listed previously, that use words like “endangered,” of endangerment determined by criteria developed “threatened,” “vulnerable” and “rare” in reference to by the IUCN. The categories, in order of decreasing species of animals and plants. But what do these words threat of extinction, include “Critically Endangered,” actually mean? Who makes the decisions about which “Endangered,” “Vulnerable” and “Lower Risk.” species are endangered? On CITES appendices and IUCN Red Lists, there are Generally speaking: variations in how organisms are listed. Sometimes • Species that are endangered are in immediate danger a species is listed, for example, the gorilla (Gorilla of becoming extinct over much or all of their range gorilla) is listed under Appendix I, meaning all if no intervention occurs to halt the process. subspecies of gorillas are included. Sometimes a higher • Species that are threatened will soon become taxon (such as a family) is listed. For example, the endangered if no intervention occurs. A threatened lemur family (Lemuridae spp.) is listed under Appendix species may be in danger of becoming extinct in I, meaning all genera and species within that family parts of its range. (Also referred to as vulnerable.) are included. Sometimes a subspecies is listed. For • Species that are rare are found only in small example, the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is listed populations, not in large numbers, but are not under Appendix I, meaning this subspecies, but not believed to be in danger of extinction. other subspecies, is included. Sometimes a designated (The Dictionary of Ecology and Environmental geographically separate population is listed. For Science, 1993) example, the populations of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan are listed under However, there are many laws and treaties that Appendix I, meaning only wolves in these areas and not determine the status of animal and plant species. When in others are included. (These variations in listing are a species is referred to as endangered, threatened, also used in national and state legislation.) vulnerable, etc., the status reference may be to one of these laws or treaties specifically. These documents, as outlined in the following paragraphs, are applicable at different levels of government from international, to national to state. International Treaties on Endangered Species $*5&4 $POWFOUJPOPO*OUFSOBUJPOBM5SBEFJO &OEBOHFSFE4QFDJFTPG8JME'BVOBBOE'MPSB CITES is perhaps the most effective conservation treaty in existence. It is an international agreement, drafted by IUCN (World Conservation Union), that came into force in 1975, which as of 2004) has 144 countries party to it. CITES aims specifically at regulating wildlife trade through a worldwide system of controls. The Endangered Species Act is the U.S. law that serves as legislation for the implementation of CITES. CITES lists species of plants and animals on 3FOFF%F.BSUJO one of three different appendices: Appendix I lists species for which trade is absolutely prohibited because they are in immediate danger of extinction. Appendices II and III list species for which trade Western lowland gorilla 8PPEMBOE1BSL;PP &OEBOHFSFE4QFDJFT If a plant or animal is federally listed as threatened or endangered, the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce are responsible for developing and implementing a recovery plan for that species. (Conservation measures for candidate species and species of concern are recommended but voluntary.) Plants receive less protection under the ESA than do animals. For example, in most circumstances, a private landowner could legally destroy a plant species listed under the ESA found on his or her property, but it would be illegal for him or her to kill or harm a listed species of animal. One species protected under the ESA is the American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus), which was 81; listed as endangered in 1989. This beetle, which has African elephant declined steadily throughout the 1900s, is an important CITES has been very effective in reducing declines recycler of decaying material. Burying beetles locate of endangered species by banning trade in animals, carcasses of small animals and after burying them, plants and parts or products derived from animals lay their eggs and rear their larvae in the buried body. or plants. One example of this is the great decline in The American burying beetle has declined due to a poaching of elephants when trade in ivory was banned number of factors including habitat fragmentation, with the listing of African (Loxodonta africana) and which has resulted in increased competition from other Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) on Appendix I of scavengers. DDT poisoning and pollution (affecting CITES. However, only countries that have become activities of nocturnal insects) have also been cited as parties to CITES are affected by CITES requirements. threats to burying beetle survival. In addition, a country can sign the treaty but take reservations on certain species, thus excusing that Under the ESA, an area of “critical habitat” may also country from CITES limitations on trade in those be designated for species on the list. Critical habitats, particular species (CITES, Article XV). For example, which are areas that are determined to be necessary both Japan and Peru have taken reservations on the for the management and conservation of listed species, Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni), meaning they are also protected from disturbance. This does not, could hunt these whales and trade them with each however, dictate the activities of private landholders on other. Or, if a whale was hunted by Peru or Japan in their land. Unfortunately, critical habitat has not been the open ocean beyond any political boundaries, the designated for approximately 80 percent of species whale could be brought back to the home country listed under the ESA. without a CITES permit because the country is not a party to CITES with respect to that species. One species for which critical habitat has been designated is the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). Indiana National Endangered Species bats are found mainly in the eastern United States Legislation where they are active during summer nights but 5IF&OEBOHFSFE4QFDJFT"DU &4" PG hibernate from fall to spring in caves. Indiana bats This act helps ensure the continued survival of require specific conditions when they hibernate and endangered and threatened species by regulating use only limestone caves with low, stable temperatures United States import, export, and harming of animals and high, stable humidity.