Wabc. (2019, February 08). NY Aquarium welcomes endangered fish to educate public.

Retrieved February 24, 2019, from https://abc7ny.com/society/ny-aquarium-welcomes-endangered-fish-to-educate-public-/5126574/

The New York Aquarium in Coney Island recently added several endangered sturgeons to its exhibits. The Atlantic Sturgeon is important in the history of New York, and once has at the core of the sizeable businesses of selling its meat and caviar. Adding the fish is supposed to increase public awareness about the fish and its endangerment, as well as encourage positive sentiments towards conservation efforts. A catch-and-release program led by Oxford University is where the fish were originally from, so no fish were taken from the wild. Educating the public about marine life and the importance of species protection is the aquarium’s priority for this exhibit.

I think that what the aquarium is doing is great for the public, great for the sturgeon, and great for the environment. This exemplifies a creative method of increasing public awareness and support for conservation efforts. Gaining support for different environmental projects is just as important as contributing directly to the causes. If you lead others to support causes, you can have an impact much greater than yourself. This particular addition to the aquarium did involve taking organisms from their natural habitats, and therefore only had a positive impact on the population. Endangered species can only be protected if the public as a whole is behind their protection, and is willing to be active in that protection.

Stambaugh, A. (2019, February 20). Australian mammal becomes first to go extinct due to

climate change. Retrieved February 24, 2019, from https://edition.cnn.com/2019/02/20/australia/mammal-climate-change-extinction-intl-trnd/index.html

The Bramble Cay Melomy, a species of small rat from Australia, was recently declared extinct by the Australian government, making its status official. The rat species lived on a coral island about 12 acres in size, located in the Torres Strait (North of Queensland). Because of rising global temperatures, followed by sea level rise, this rat population experienced a “dramatic” loss of habitat. In the 70s, hundreds of rats covered the island, but one has not been seen in over ten years. Some, in light of the announcement, criticized the Australian government for not designating sufficient resources to protecting endangered species. This article also references a study by the University of Connecticut, which stated that near 8% of the world’s species could be lost to further climate change.

The Australian government, in this situation, was not to blame. At least, not any more to blame than any other coal and gas-burning country. The Bramble Cay Melomy had lost its habitat, and any conservation efforts at the site of the coral island would have been futile. Rising sea levels and other aspects of climate change will damage many, many populations, and can only be helped by halting the use of fossil fuels. Human actions are responsible for a large proportion of extinctions, whether that be over-hunting, destroying habitats, or contributing to climate change. While stopping climate change may seem like a goal for the future, the consequences are already being felt, and will only increase in severity.

Khadka, N. S. (2019, February 12). Dogs’ becoming major threat’ to wildlife. Retrieved February

24, 2019, from https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-47062959

For years, the impact of feral and wild domestic dogs on other species has been studied in countries around the world. While they do not receive much attention from environmentalists, dogs can be detrimental to ecosystems and hurt populations of other species. Through predation, cross breeding, competing with other predators, and spreading disease, dogs have been documented reducing populations of almost 200 species, many endangered. Scientists are trying to come up with a solution to the problem, because the only real solution at the moment (killing these feral dogs) met severe backlash by the public.

Domestic breeds of dogs were created unnaturally by humans, so this is just another example of how humans have hurt the environment and the other animals around us. The delicate balance found in many ecosystems can be thrown off easily by the introduction of a new, large population of predators. I also think that the feral and wild dog issue holds another lesson: that any shift to the environment can have a drastic impact where it wouldn’t be expected. Keeping track of domestic dogs, and preventing further releases into the wild, is a good first step in helping this issue, but a real solution to remove them from the wild is necessary to protect the species it is threatening.

Clark, R. (2019, February 21). World’s largest bee, once presumed extinct, filmed alive in the

wild. Retrieved February 24, 2019, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2019/02/worlds-largest-bee-rediscovered-not-extinct/

The world’s largest bee has a mysterious and exciting history, but is now in danger of extinction due to habitat loss and a lack of protection. The Megachile Pluto was originally discovered by Alfred Russel Wallace back in the 1850s, but was not documented again until the 1980s, when a scientist wrote about discovering it again on three separate islands in Indonesia, its home. Since then, teams have collected specimens and researched it further, while a black market on eBay emerged, where individuals sell the bees for thousands of dollars each. Now, many are pushing for the giant bee to be added to the endangered species list, so that it may gain protection from governments and other groups. Due to its small population and deforestation shrinking its already limited habitat, the Megachile Pluto may in the near future be lost to extinction.

In my opinion, the loss of this giant bee, an anomaly of evolution, would not be catastrophic. However, the consistent loss of individual species is indicative of a larger problem: the worsening of the overall habitability of the planet. Biodiversity is essential to the health of ecosystems around the world, and it is being jeopardized by the destructive actions of humans as a species. Climate change, habitat destruction, and poaching/overhunting has led to multitudes of species being endangered or extinct. The main takeaway of this article isn’t that giant bees need to be protected, it is that the drastic, irreversible damage being done to the planet needs to be halted.

Hemmat, D. (2019, February 21). Locals join motorcycle rally to protect endangered species

worldwide. Retrieved February 22, 2019, from http://www.lhvc.com/news/locals-join-motorcycle-rally-to-protect-endangered-species-worldwide/article_6dc99fae-3609-11e9-87a9-03dc53395ce1.html

A non-profit called the Rally for Rangers Foundation (RfR) has successfully provided park rangers with over 100 new motorbikes over the past 5 or so years. Robert McIntosh, previously a US National Park ranger himself, noticed the struggles rangers faced in other countries. With old and unreliable motorbikes, the rangers had trouble defending their regions from poaching, illegal lumbering, and other crimes harmful to the environment. With support from friends and others, he was able to a new bike in Mongolia, ride it across the country, and personally deliver it to the ranger he met in Mongolia. Since then, his nonprofit has been successful in delivering many more bikes to rangers, and have made sure to train them in the proper use and maintenance, as to have the most significant and longest-lasting impact possible.

Environmentalism can be demonstrated in many ways. Buying gas-guzzling motorcycles is destructive by intuition, but will in reality provide rangers around the world with the tools they need to successfully protect the endangered species in their parks. As this article discusses, while donating money directly may be more efficient on paper, more personal, involved methods of environmental service gain more attention and support from the public. Besides contributing time and money, coming up with creative ideas to promote or carry out environmentalism can have a great impact. Perhaps environmental groups can learn from RfR, and stay creative with their projects, while still maintaining effectiveness.

Bennett, A. (2018, November 5). Federal government violated Endangered Species Act by

ending red wolf protections, judge rules. Retrieved November 18, 2018, from https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article221163830.html

Recently, it was decided in court that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was violated by the federal government when they removed protections for the North Carolina Red Wolf. The status of the animal, currently, is “critically endangered.” The Fish and Wildlife Service has been working to preserve the species since 1986, and had significant success in breathing life into a struggling total population of about 40 wolves. However, many conservationists have accused the USFWS of “abandoning” their responsibility to protect these animals, and some say the killing of them has gone unpunished. A recent legislative attempt to remove protections was blocked by a judge, and the red wolf remains on the endangered species list.

In the case of the red wolf, there were many conservationist groups fighting for its protection. Additionally, the judicial systems prevented its official abandonment by the government. However, this apparent indifference to the status of the species is worrying. The Fish and Wildlife Service is the sole agency responsible for species protection in the United States. Catching behavior such as this should only encourage more scrutiny by the public of the actions of the USFWS. Their goal of protecting species may be environmentally virtuous, but if we entrust the agency to protect all species, they need to be held responsible for achieving that goal.

Hunt, K. (2018, October 31). Conservationists Suggest Moving Endangered Species Into Cities.

Retrieved November 18, 2018, from https://www.greenmatters.com/news/2018/10/31/Zc5dSS/sanctuary-cities-endangered-species

Some groups in the conservationist community are proposing introducing endangered species to cities to help increase their numbers. This idea is encouraged by the successful, but coincidental, arrival of red-crowned parrots to Pasadena, where their population now exceeds that of their home region in Mexico. The species, which came close to extinction, thrives in the urban environment, and many think that by a population moving to Los Angeles, the species was saved. For many species, urban environments are a prime habitat, and many argue that if animals are going to arrive anyways to take advantage, they should be endangered species. Those against the idea say that such introductions would be too unpredictable, and would too often be unsuccessful.

From what the article provides, there has not been enough research towards determining the potential of introducing species to urban environments. However, the case of the red-crowned parrot suggests serious potential, and it deserves further exploration. Perhaps experimental urban introductions could be done with lower-risk species, to determine the likelihood for success. This alternative approach to species conservation may eventually be successful, but for now should be given a lower priority than proven methods, such as improving the ecosystems endangered species already inhabit.

US News. (2018, November 17). Endangered Fish Are Making a Comeback in San Juan River.

Retrieved November 18, 2018, from https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-mexico/articles/2018-11-17/endangered-fish-are-making-a-comeback-in-san-juan-river

The yearling razorback sucker, a small fish found in the southwestern United States, is making a comeback in population. For years, its numbers have been declining, but this year scientists observed a substantial increase in estimated numbers. This news comes one year after the Fish and Wildlife Service observed a similar comeback from the Colorado pikeminnow. Both species are primarily found in the San Juan River in New Mexico. Over the past several years, efforts to improve the health of the river has positively impacted many species, and intentionally increased water flow has expanded the fish habitat.

This is one example of a successful effort to protect endangered species. Future attempts of conservation can observe in this the potential in focusing on improving an environment. By making an ecosystem healthier overall, all of the species within it will benefit. This approach could especially useful in areas with many species facing endangerment. Protecting endangered species should not imply focusing on the needs of just that species. More conservationists should divert resources to improving habitats, as to reach more species and have a greater impact on the environment as a whole.

Totiyapungprasert, P. (2018, November 16). This digital tool could help the U.S. save more

endangered species. Retrieved November 18, 2018, from https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2018/11/09/digital-tool-could-help-save-more-endangered-species/1780017002/

Arizona State University and the Fish and Wildlife Service have developed, together, a tool that could help the government decide what species belong on the endangered species act. Furthermore, it may help determine where our resources would be most needed and most influential. This tool is called the “Recovery Explorer,” and it compares possible outcomes for different species based on potential monetary or policy-related investments. It uses a species’ current endangerment status, as well as predictions of its costliness to conserve, to evaluate its merits as a recipient for resources. Some may think this tool will help endangered species, but others argue that the type of thinking involved goes against the morals of conservation. The idea that some species don’t deserve our help is one that many people are not comfortable with.

Environmentalists, clearly, are divided on the subject of the Recovery Explorer. However, until we have seen its effectiveness, I think it is impossible to decide its value to the world. I do believe, however, that with consistent and thoughtful restructuring of the tool, after much experimentation, this tool can help species. Denying a species help, and allowing it to fall into extinction, is a grim obligation, but one people must accept. If the resources one species needs to survive could save five others, practicality needs to be prioritized. Ideally all species could be helped, but this is an impossible reality.

Tobias, J. (2018, October 18). Revealed: US moves to keep endangered species discussions

secret. Retrieved November 18, 2018, from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/oct/18/trump-administration-us-endangered-species-discussions-secret

The Trump Administration is attempting to limit the openness of information regarding endangered species. This includes the status of species on the endangered species list, as well as the addition of new ones. Some think that this could put animals in danger, and make it more difficult for the public to judge the effectiveness of the Fish and Wildlife Service. The president, however, is motivated by the extreme backlash the government has felt against attempts to weaken protections for species. The Freedom of Information Act can be used by citizens to obtain the information from the government, but Trump is advising employees to “take a less transparent approach” to dealing with such requests.

From an environmentalist’s perspective, this movement by Trump is a disaster. Transparency ensures a balanced approach to conservation. However, when a conservative government leads change and there is no check by more liberal influences, there will be consequences for the environment. Also, beyond environmentalism, this approach goes against a core value of American politics. Operating in secret, with the intent of hiding actions from the people, is not a democratic way of governing. Endangered species are too vulnerable for any more losses to be made in the effort to protect them, and the governments needs to shift in the direction of more conservation, not less.