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It is an undeniable fact that wildlife is disappearing from the planet at
a catastrophic rate. According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the number
of birds, animals, marine and freshwater creatures have dropped by
almost one-third.
One reason for the decline is man's ever increasing needs and greed
that have resulted in habitat destruction. For development purposes,
man has felled trees to build dams, highways and towns and this has
forced the animals to retreat further and further into the receding forests.
Moreover, rapid industrialization with its accompanying pollution and
the use of pesticides and insecticides have made survival difficult for a
large number of animals and birds. Fishing and even the inconsiderate
action of picnickers are driving many fish to extinction. Another reason
is poaching. Man's desire to keep animals in captivity or their desire to
consume the various parts of certain animals as exotic food has resulted
in the disappearance of many animal species such as the sun bear and
the tiger.
The above factors are clearly detrimental to the survival of animals
and other creatures. Yet, animals and birds are necessary. They are
needed to retain the balance in the world of nature. They are also
needed for scientific research and experiments that will benefit mankind.
Animals are also used by psychologists to study animal behavior in order
to understand human behavior better.
So how then can we protect animals and prevent them from becoming
extinct ? First, we need to check human greed by preventing man from
felling trees unnecessarily. Trees should always be replanted if they are
felled. Pollution should be controlled. There should be limited if not zero
disposal of solid wastes into the sea. The authorities should ban fishermen
from using explosives that destroy many fish. More campaigns should be
launched to teach the public on the need to keep our beaches clean.
More zoos that imitate the natural habitat of animals should be set
up to save endangered species like the tapirs and the pandas. The zoo
should have wide spaces, ponds and pools for the animals to roam.
At the same time, existing zoos that have animals that cannot survive in
captivity should take action to allow these animals to return to the wild.
One example is the orangutan in Sabah. A sanctuary has been set up in
Sepilok to help them procreate and survive.
Many countries have attempted to help animals by proclaiming
various birds and animals either as national animals or as protected
species. A ban has been imposed on the shooting of these animals and
the culprits are fined heavily or may be even imprisoned.
Animals have the right to live just as humans. Therefore, we should
take every step to preserve them and ensure their survival. |
