Animals and plants become at risk for extinction, or endangerment, when environments and ecosystems are changed by human activities or other natural causes (Wright & Boorse, 2014). Regrettably, human activity is usually the source of environmental change and endangerment to a species through pollution, over-consumption, and in some regions of the world, over-population (Wright & Boorse, 2014). Also attributable to the destruction of a species, are the human activities that result in habitat loss and the introduction of an exotic species into foreign ecosystems (Wright & Boorse, 2014). Human activity is not solely to blame, as each species also has natural predators; however, habitat loss, relating to economic development, appears to be the …show more content…
Habitats generally consist of grasslands, rainforests, deciduous forests, deserts, and wetlands, thusly; each habitat provides the right mix of essential elements that make life possible for a species ("Endangered," 2007).
The red wolf (Canis Rufus), in 1967, became classified as one of the most endangered species of Canid in the United States ("Recovery," 2015). The red wolf, indigenous to North America, and once common throughout the eastern and southcentral portions of the United States ("Recovery," 2015), is one of two species of wolf that includes the Canis Lupus, otherwise known as the gray wolf ("History," 2015). Related to both the gray and red wolf, are the other members of the carnivorous Canid biological family, comprising of jackals, foxes, coyotes, and the domestic dog ("History," 2015). Separating the red wolf from the other Canids is the red wolf’s distinguishable reddish fur prominently located behind the ears, and along the neck and legs ("History," 2015). Size of the red wolf is
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Gaining allies from the general public, through education and sound science, is the next move towards the sustainability of the red wolf population by means of local, state, and federal laws that limits or places land use under private ownership. Lastly, stewardship is carried out through developing partnerships with likeminded people and organizations that possess the shared goals of conservation and repopulation of the red
Sixty years after the extirpation of wolves in the Northern Rockies and Great Plains of America, biologist and ecologist in Yellowstone National Park reintroduced wolves into a declining ecosystem that once thrived during their presence. The reintroduction brought immense controversy into the West and continues to stir outrage among anti-wolf groups. These anti-wolf supporters argue wolves are ruthless predators that cause destruction to natural environments and livestock. Conversely wolf advocates and scientists suggest that wolves are a keystone species that are essential to the natural regulation of our Western ecosystems. Although pro and anti-wolf advocates can agree that wolves have an effect on livestock, ungulate populations and ecosystems,
“Someday, when I am long gone, animal and plant life on Isle Royale may be so changed that wisdom will call for a different approach. But this time around, at the dawn of a new millennium, I must vote for the wolves.” (pg. 188). This statement is the final paragraph in the book “Wolves of Isle Royale: A Broken Balance” by Rolf O. Peterson. In order to understand the context of the quote by Peterson, it is crucial to understand the different aspects of Isle Royale.
The first pack of Nine mile wolves that was reintroduce into Pleasant Valley was not too soon after relocated. Having them reintroduced was an extremely controversial issue. The main issue between the wolves and residents was the preying on cattle. “The wolf is a meat-eating machine
Mexican gray wolves usually stay in habitats like mountain forests. They once ranged from central Mexico throughout the southwestern U.S before its extinction. Wolves are very social animals. They live in packs like any other wolves would most likely live like. When they reproduce pups are born blind and defenseless.
Wolves can control the population of moose by killing the weak moose, making the pack stronger. This promotes a stronger pack and allows wildlife to access the vegetation they need. Without the wolves, the moose would just overgraze. The moose overgrazing leave no food for any other species, which then leads to dirty
The red wolf, or Canis Rufus, is a cousin to the gray wolf; however, the red wolf is smaller and thinner than the gray wolf. Their color is gray-black, but they also have a reddish color which reflects their name (“Red Wolf” 2017). In terms of size, the red wolf is between gray wolves and coyotes (“Red Wolf (Canis Rufus)”). They have a height of about 26 inches (at the shoulders), a length of 4.5-5.5 feet (including the tail), and weight of 50-80 pounds. Their lifespan is 6-7 years in the wild but up to 15 years in captivity (“Red Wolf” 2017).
A keystone species are an extremely important factor for keeping diversity in an ecosystem. When lost they can have detrimental effect on the ecosystem they are inhabiting. These include and diversity decrease and the ecosystem 's structure is significantly structured(Campbell). It has a strong control over the community due to its ecological role or niche(Reece). One of the main keystone species that is regenerating is the grey wolf or the Canis lupus.
One important aspects of the restoration of the ecosystem is the reintroduction of organisms that are locally extinct (D. Manning et al, 2008). The first proposal for the reintroduction of wolves to the Scottish Highlands was in the 1960s, at that time the majority of the proposals were unfounded and without scientific credibility .Currently the (Scottish Natural Heritage) which is the government organization responsible for wildlife and habitats in Scotland , have no plans to consider reintroduction of wolves (The Wolves and Humans Foundation). Problems with complex social economic or organizational Interactions and cannot be solved fully are considered as a wicked problem (Lucky, 2009), therefore reintroduction of wolves to Scotland could be considered as a challenge and when it comes to challenges wicked problems are the most difficult (Nixon, 2012). In previous years many researches had multiple views points to characterized wicked problems (Rittel & Webber (1973), Ritchey (2005), Robert Horn (1980), Jeff Conklin (2000), Roberts (1997, 2000, and
Wolves have a very low population, and are close to endangerment. The wolf’s biggest threat might be people. “Some people kill wolves for their fur or because they are afraid wolves might attack them.” Says Richard and Louise Spilsbury, authors of A Pack of Wolves. So, as an effort to save wolves, Yellowstone national park has started to relocate wolves. Did you Know?
Sadly, many Americans believe that losing the wolves would not be a bad thing for the prey’s sake, but in all reality losing the wolves would be devastating. One major thing that is present in all ecosystems, the place in which animals live, is a trophic cascade. A trophic cascade is explained in the essay as a “sequence of impacts down the food chain” (578). Hannibal gives the reader this example: “…In Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park … wolves were virtually wiped out in the 1920’s and reintroduced in the ‘90s. Since the wolves have come back, scientists have noted an unexpected improvement in many of the park’s degraded stream areas”
Now that there is more wolves, there needs to be more food and there isn’t enough deer or rodents so the wolves go for the livestock. Also with the wolf population rising that means there is a decrease in the deer population witch upsets many hunters. Since wolves were almost extinct in the 1930s there population has only rose and is getting bigger every single year (Zhang). Now that the population had rose a great amount since then a lot of hunters and farmers think that we should be able to hunt them and regulate their
Invasive species interact with the global health of ecosystems; cause great damage to natural systems and are a huge cost to society as a whole (1). Biologists and environmentalists are alarmed that the invasions of these species could lead to large-scale declines and extinction of native species (3). There are approximately 50,000 foreign species Living in the United States, causing major environmental damages which costs add up to about $120 billion a year. It is believed that about 42% of the threatened or endangered species are at risk because of invasive species (4).
Define the following terms and provide an example of each: IN YOUR OWN WORDS Succession: Succession is a process where changes are made to the base of a biological community over a period of time. Primary Succession: Primary Succession is a progression in vegetation that happens in a barren landscape with no initial soil. EX: Soil developing on a newly formed island. Secondary Succession: Secondary Succession is the recovery of vegetation post natural disaster.
Poaching and illegal hunting can cause an off set in the ecosystem by overhunting animals. When one animal population decline drastically, other organisms are affected too. The decline in native predators is the main cause for overpopulation of animals like deer. Deer overpopulation has led to rapid decrease vegetation life causing other animals to be put at risk. Removing predators from the food web disrupts the entire balance of an
Predators are like robbers of their prey’s life. Once one is caught, predators never let go. While some may argue that being in a zoo will affect an animal’s hunting skills, it’s not always the best plan to let endangered animals free in the wild. It stands to reason that society should continue keeping our animals safe from danger in