Wild animals and plants are essential for maintaining the ecological balance on Earth. But they are being threatened by a number of factors, such as rising pollution, climate change, resource overuse, human greed and habitat degradation. Many species of wild animals are already endangered, and several are on the brink of extinction. Therefore, wildlife conservation is an important issue that needs to be tackled immediately.
Wildlife refers to all undomesticated life forms like wild birds, mammals, frogs, insects, fishes and even microscopic organisms. They are also an essential part of the food chain and help maintain the biodiversity on our planet. The term ‘wildlife’ includes all living beings that are unassisted by humans, which is why it is different from zoology. Wildlife management encompasses the protection, conservation and restoration of all wild animals and their habitats.
A thriving population of wildlife can contribute to the economy and provide recreational, aesthetic, and educational value for people. It also benefits the environment and human health. Wildlife is a precious gift to this planet, and we must protect it for future generations.
As humans became more dominant over nature, they began to exploit wildlife for labor and entertainment. Animals such as elephants, giraffes, and monkeys were used as beasts of burden while bears, lions, and tigers performed in circuses and shows. Some wild animals, such as wolves and coyotes, were hunted to the point of being endangered.
With the advent of modern technology, a new wave of wildlife-related movies and television shows emerged. During the 1960s, NBC debuted Wild Kingdom and CBS introduced the popular nature series Look featuring zoologist Marlin Perkins. In the 1970s, National Geographic aired wildlife specials, and the ABC-TV series Zoo Quest featured naturalist David Attenborough.
By the time the 21st century arrived, dozens of federal laws were enacted to regulate wildlife. Some of them required hunting permits or specified the maximum number of animals that can be killed during a hunting season. Others were established to fund wildlife conservation efforts through the collection of hunting fees, such as the Duck Stamp Act and Pittman-Robertson Act.
A thriving population of wildlife is essential for the economy and provides recreational, aesthetic, and educational value for people. However, it is being threatened by a number of factors, including rising pollution, climate change, resource overuse, the introduction of invasive species, and habitat degradation. Many species of wild animals have become endangered or have completely disappeared, while several are on the verge of extinction.
The preservation of wildlife is a complex issue that requires the combined effort of all stakeholders, including governments, organizations, individuals, and businesses. Creating awareness among the general public about the importance of wildlife is vital, as is increasing funding for wildlife conservation projects. Ultimately, the most effective way to help wildlife is through personal action. This can be as simple as taking up a hobby that keeps you outdoors, such as gardening or hiking, or incorporating wildlife observation into your daily activities, like driving with the windows down to allow animals to cross the road safely.