The protection of endangered species is difficult and costly. Devoting the same protections to species that require significantly more funding, or to species that do not contribute much to the ecosystem, do not deserve the already sparse funds for conservation. Keystone species, for example, should be given more priority in conservation, as the structure of the environmental interactions in their habitat relies on them. Relatively insignificant animals that can be easily replaced should not be given the same priority as those who contribute to their ecosystem. Also, species that are more expensive to preserve should receive less priority. Temporary cost should not drastically shift the decisions on which species to save, but it should be kept in mind.
Author: Andrew Geiser
How Ripping out a Plant Species Is Helping Save an Endangered Southern California Butterfly
Abcarian, Robin. “How Ripping out a Plant Species Is Helping Save an Endangered Southern California Butterfly.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2018, www.latimes.com/local/abcarian/la-me-abcarian-butterfly-20180717-story.html.
The El Segundo blue butterfly was the first insect to make the endangered species list, as its numbers dwindled in the seventies due to developments on the coast. Environmentalists have fought to bring the species out of this state by recreating friendly habitats for them. By ripping out ice plant and putting buckwheat, or other friendly plants, in its place, they have created a new area for these butterflies to thrive. Residents, as well, have aided the species by planting buckwheat in their backyards, which provide food to the butterflies.
The conservationists effort to preserve the El Segundo blue butterfly began many decades ago, but the fight still rages on. This reflects the hard reality of environmentalism. Devastation is quick and easy, but reparations take substantial time and effort. Individual citizens, also, are a big part of conservation. Larger associations alone cannot be expected to fix the harm done in the wake of ignorant development and production. The focus and priorities of society must transition to preserving what we have not harmed, and repairing what we have.
Federal lawsuit accuses Orcutt Hill oil company of violating Clean Water Act
Kim, G. (2018, July 14). Federal lawsuit accuses Orcutt Hill oil company of violating Clean Water Act. Retrieved July 13, 2018, from https://santamariatimes.com/news/local/federal-lawsuit-accuses-orcutt-hill-oil-company-of-violating-clean/article_40e0cc2d-f599-5156-897f-34f87ff071ec.html
In northern Santa Barbara County, an oil company has been accused of releasing polluted water into public waterways. The Pacific Coast Energy Company (PCEC) accusedly violated the clean water act, and have impacted certain endangered species from the area. The company uses cyclic steaming, a process in which steam is released underneath oil deposits, pushing it upwards. However, the steam creates polluted water waste, which then finds its way into waterways. In April the company received an official warning from the agency, but failed to react or respond in any way, now resulting in a lawsuit.
This case of environmental irresponsibility is common to others. Larger corporations particularly prioritize profit, often losing sight of their societal and moral obligations. The government needs to be even more aggressive with their intolerance of ignorant practices. Regulations against such careless handling of oil exist to protect the people and animals of the area. Preservation should be a priority not just for environmentalists, but for businesses. This is how endangered species can be protected from human impact.
Growing marijuana could make these furry creatures an endangered species
Park, M. (2018, June 29). Growing marijuana could make these furry creatures an endangered species. Retrieved July 13, 2018, from https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/28/health/humboldt-martens-california-marijuana-trnd/index.html
The Humboldt Marten, a small furry mammal from Northern California and Oregon, is an endangered species. Their numbers have decreased due to deforestation and loss of habitat, largely due to the growth of marijuana in those areas. Both legal and illegal farms expose the Marten to pesticides and remove forests to make room. The area is popular for growing because of its remoteness, but it has caused an environmentally harmful concentration of farms. Conservationists are calling for it to be protected by the endangered species act, but the future of the species is undetermined.
Marijuana has been legalized in many states, but the rapid growth in demand cannot be allowed to translate to unethical farming. Input from environmental scientists must be considered with substantial if this new product can be sustainably produced. Balancing the needs of the market with the needs of the environment is difficult but necessary. As a newly legal business, companies must adjust to become more responsible in their production. The enemy to the Humboldt Marten is not marijuana, but rather the irresponsible practices cultivated from the business’ long-standing illegality.
Here’s one way to protect endangered species: Don’t let their trophy heads and skins into California
Board, T. T. (2018, June 20). Here’s one way to protect endangered species: Don’t let their trophy heads and skins into California. Retrieved July 13, 2018, from http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-endangered-speices-protection-20180620-story.html#
New trophies from certain endangered species may be banned by a new bill under consideration in the California Senate. Any remnants from eleven different commonly hunted african species will not be allowed to be kept in California. This bill is part of the effort to prevent extinction of these animals, and discourage their hunting. Nationally, restrictions have been relaxed recently, upsetting many parties. However, hunting groups resist the bill, claiming that the money they pay to hunt outweighs the impact of their killing.
This restriction on the possession of trophies is being pushed forward with the intention of protecting certain endangered species, and reducing the impact of humans on their existence. These endangered animals need protection, but this measure might be too removed from the problem. Restricting the possession of trophies in one state is a start, but much more legislation and enforcement will be necessary to slow hunting substantially. With more collaboration, such as more states replicating the bill, will come more success in preservation.
OPRD reintroduces silverspot butterfly caterpillars to Saddle Mountain
News, K. (2018, July 13). OPRD reintroduces silverspot butterfly caterpillars to Saddle Mountain. Retrieved July 13, 2018, from https://katu.com/news/local/oregon-parks-and-recreation-department-reintroduces-silverspot-butterfly-caterpillars-to-saddle-mountain
The silverspot butterfly, an endangered species, only remains in four grouped populations in California and Oregon. Scientists are releasing a batch of 500 caterpillars, which were matured in a lab, to Saddle Mountain. Early blue violets, their main food source, is numerous enough in that specific area to provide for the species. The ORPD, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Oregon Zoo, and the Woodland Park Zoo all worked together to realize this mission. The USFWS Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund monetarily supported the effort.
The demonstrated collaborative and executional abilities demonstrated by the teams and organizations involved are impressive. Finding a location for the reintroduction of the butterflies with such specific requirements is extremely difficult. Also, many organizations needed to work together to create and protect the group of silverspots. This spirit of motivation and teamwork is vital to the success of conservation projects. Environmental science can only positively impact the environment when the necessary groups work together diligently to achieve a result, such is demonstrated here.