Don’t let them disappear forever. Endangered Species Don’t let them disappear forever.

1800’s- one flock of passenger pigeons = 2 million birds 1813- one flock 10 miles wide, took three days to fly overhead-over one BILLION birds 1914- passenger pigeon extinct

This is a photo of a pile of bison skulls from 1870 This is a photo of a pile of bison skulls from 1870. Bison were shot from trains as sport, and slaughtered to starve Native Americans.

Hunter with wolf pelts

Eventually, all species either become extinct or evolve into another species. However, there is a mass extinction occurring right now. It is estimated that 50-200 species go extinct each day! This extinction is very different from previous extinctions because it is happening at a faster rate and habitat is being destroyed. This prevents new species from evolving.

There are 3 types of extinction. 1.   local extinction- occurs when a species is no longer found in an area, but is found elsewhere ex. Mexican gray wolves 2.  ecological extinction- occurs when there are so few individuals of a species left, that they cannot perform their ecological role (niche) ex. California condor 3.   biological extinction- occurs when a species is no longer found on the Earth ex. Dodo bird, passenger pigeon

Indicator species- a species that serves as early warning that an ecosystem is in trouble -ex. Frogs, lichens

Species headed for extinction are categorized as threatened or endangered. Threatened- the species is still abundant, but is declining in numbers and may become endangered Breeding bird survey data from 1966 to 2000 show a significant decline of 2.7 percent annually for Painted Bunting across its North American breeding range

Endangered- has so few individuals that it may become extinct over all or most of its natural range Pink river dolphin

Some species have characteristics that make them more likely to become extinct. 1. low reproductive rates-only one or two offspring 2. large size

3. small initial population size 4. have high economic value to people

5. have a specialized niche (role) in the environment ex. Rhinos, whales, elephants, tigers, pandas Awwwwwwwwwwww

Endangered Species Law Jigsaw

How can species be protected?  1. protect entire ecosystems- this is the most effective way to save endangered species because food webs and biogeochemical cycles can be left intact

  2. protect critical habitat- this includes breeding and feeding grounds ex. Wildlife refuges and preserves

 3. create laws- this is not very effective -       Many species migrate and are not protected in other countries -       Punishments are not severe -       There are too few people act as police

  4. breeding programs- zoos and wildlife reserves are exchanging breeding animals to try to keep the species alive -  The Phoenix Zoo participates in several programs including: Arabian Oryx, cheetah, rhino, and golden lion tamarin

      5. reintroduction- breeding programs release animals into suitable habitat        California condor, Arabian Oryx    This frequently does not work!!! Rare animals are often poached.

6. gene banks- biologists are collecting sperm, egg, and tissue sample to help preserve species in the future - extremely expensive and may not work well

Three main laws protecting wildlife: 1. The Lacey Act- prohibits the transport of live or dead animals or their parts across state borders. Permits are required.

2. The Endangered Species Act- it is illegal for Americans to import or trade in any product made from an endangered species unless it is used for an approved scientific purpose

3. C.I.T.E.S- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species -       -international law to protect endangered species -       -only ratified by 145 countries -       -not all countries participate -      - member countries can exempt themselves from protecting certain species (Japan and whales) -       -fines are small -       -enforcement is not consistent

What can you do? Volunteer time with organizations that help support biodiversity. Contribute money to organizations that help endangered species. Be sure to check to see how much money is going to help the species verses administrative costs. Reduce the amount of things you purchase. They require materials that may be collected by destroying habitats.