Life Q

How Life As A Panda Means Facing Death Every Day

admin — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 07:29:55 +0000

We all know that pandas are endangered species and they have been at the forefront of many conservation efforts of different groups around the world. While the issue of awareness has been addressed quite extensively, the problem still exists. Why?

First of all is the threat from encroaching progress and forest fragmentation. Pandas are continuously being made to move because their homes are being turned into roads or villages or farms. China, which is home to the giant panda has turned part of their natural habitat into a national highway network. Their economic boom means improving access to provinces and raw materials. This means new infrastructure that cuts into the very homes of the giant pandas.Thus from on large habitat, these Chinese giant pandas have to choose between 5 different areas – the forest fragmentation and they cannot safely cross to another habitat without great risk and danger. The estimated 1000 wild giant pandas are now facing dire extinction and the biodiversity in the areas are also under threat of losing many of their species. One reason for this is the problem of mating which is gone from free and wild to restricted and severely limited. As a result of having to inbreed, the conservationists are predicting that 50% of the population will die. These pandas can no longer depend on each other since they have been segregated by highways. Just divide 1000 by 5 areas and you only have 200 pandas in each. This isn’t good enough to increase population because it will weaken the reproductive abilities. They are already not genetically able to produce babies easily which means the problem is critical.One of the Chinese experts on giant pandas, Wang Hao is appealing to the government to consider building forest corridors wherein the pandas can reunite safely. There should also be safeguards that will allow pandas to cross the roads to move from habitat to habitat. For now, many of these wild pandas are being caught to live in captivity but it isn’t a long term solution.

Endangered Species Day in America

admin — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:53:13 +0000

What is an endangered animal? Last May 20 was the Endangered Species Day in America, and it was a day to commemorate and answer the question, “What is an endangered animal, and how can we do our part?”

Several ways private citizens can actively participate in the plight of these animals who are threatened mainly by human disregard for their significance to the world. Have you ever seen an animal trapped in a box, or being killed for its body parts? Would it matter to you that hundreds of endangered animals are being captured and shipped to places where they have very little chance of survival? Does anyone care that rare species are being hunted down and killed for food as a delicacy?

Protecting America’s endangered animals is just as important as taking care of your dog or cat. Otherwise, in a decade or less, many of these animals will cease to exist. To do your part, here are some of the suggestions. Start being active even if the Endangered Species Day has come and gone. The animals need us.

Find Out Your Area’s Endangered Animal

Search for information about any endangered animal living in your state. Learn as much as you can about how this animal has been threatened, and what you can do personally to reverse the trend. It could be something as easy as donating to the local wildlife organization, or being a volunteer.

Be vocal about your concern for endangered animals. Don’t be embarrassed to fight for this cause by posting on your Facebook or Twitter accounts. You can even support fundraising programs of wildlife organizations by buying their greeting cards and any other items like mugs, caps, or t-shirts.

Sign the Endangered Species Act Legacy Pledge. If your city has yet to pass an endangered species resolution protecting the animals in your district, take it upon yourself to ask authorities to consider having one.

Next year, the Endangered Species Day will come around, and you could start planning ways to participate like joining the art contest, and having your community pitch in with special events.

Animal Trafficking

admin — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:46:40 +0000

It’s a dark, business world when people resort to trafficking the endangered animal for profit. In Brazil, the most popular endangered animal is the bird. The reason for its popularity as a money-maker is the bird pet market, which is a million dollar industry, and the more exotic the bird is, the more money you can make – illegally.

Brazilian authorities and concerned citizens are doing all they can to stop the trade. The drop in bird population will not only mean possible extinction, but also turns into a threat to the fauna in their jungles. It will affect lives because the jungles or virgin forests are part of what keeps biodiversity thriving and maintains the ecological balance.

Just this 31st of March 2011, the largest arrest on animal traffickers was reported in Mexico. Confiscated were 762 parrots and other bird species, and a unbelievable 67 reptiles. There were also wild boards, puma cubs, and white-tailed deer.

The sad part about illegal trafficking of endangered animals is that many of these animals die during transit. They have to suffer through cramped cages, if cages are even used. Often, they are just put in sealed boxes with a few air holes for ventilation. There was even one incident when a Mexican was arrested, having been caught with 18 baby endangered monkeys from Peru stuffed inside his socks. The socks were strapped around his waist.

Just this May 2011, a man with a United Arab Emirates passport was arrested in Bangkok. He was attempting to bring out endangered animals like two monkeys, one baby bear, two panthers, and two leopards.

Animal trafficking is a serious problem, and people will go to great lengths to find the animals with the highest price tag on its head to make money. They have no respect for the law, nor do they care about the fate of the animals. To them, it’s just business. Nothing personal.

Reference: Illustrated Encyclopedia of endangered animals.