A n A n a l y t i c a l R e p o r t b y C a s s a n d r a W a g o n e r

T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f T e x a s a t E l P a s o

Abstract: The world’s wildlife has been and continues to be in battle with humans and their existence is at stake. Early on, since the late 1800’s there has been an awareness of the need to protect wildlife species. North America has long been one of the world’s leaders in striving to enact and change laws in order to protect many of its wildlife. Although there are many hardworking people working daily to help protect animals, much more could be accomplished if more people, agencies, and companies were involved in direct hands-on projects, providing funds, and helping spread the word. There continues to be the lack of urgency as a country to do more for these animals. For example, conservationists and scientists have consistently been educating the public and government as to the dangers that extinction of wildlife will eventually have on our human race. It is important to spread the word that ecosystems work because of food webs and food chains and disruptions of one link in a chain affects the entire food web, and humans are part of that food web. Therefore, it is dangerous to become complacent and think that the conservationists of today can do all the work necessary to stop the threat to our wildlife. Even though a lot has been accomplished by conservation groups, much more needs to be done before catastrophic events begin to surface in this fragile world. Jim Fowler once quoted, “The quicker we humans learn that saving open space and wildlife is critical to our welfare and quality of life, maybe we'll start thinking of doing something about it.”

Letter of Transmittal

To: The American Public

From: Cassandra Wagoner

Subject: To address the role that us humans have in polluting our planet while depleting our water sources

This Letter of Transmittal was created to address what is happening to Wildlife and what actions are being taken to protect and conserve these animals.

Due to the lack of concern and conservation behaviors there is a need to address the impact humans have on wildlife species, to include animals’ habitats, food sources and health which are leading to extinctions of those animals. Although a few conservation agencies have been furiously trying to intervene in this global problem, there have been able to only do so much for these animals.

Humans continue to move out of cities and develop land that is now inhabited by wildlife, we encroach on their habitats and they are then forced out and are unable to flourish and thrive as they did before. Many species that remain are in danger of being killed, die of starvation or any number of other ill effects. As their habitats are being overtaken their food chain is disrupted due to smaller food sources quickly diminishing from the area. They are misunderstood and feared and are therefore in danger of being killed by humans. Wildlife is also affected by the environment that humans produce, including land, water and air pollution. In particular, water pollution which can contain toxic chemicals and metals are absorbed into

some animal’s skin or are ingested with their food and water which causes illness, mutations and birth defects. Air pollution leads to chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer and other diseases. Many ecosystems contain multiple forms of contamination, for example, streams and rivers contain toxic chemicals from industry and farmland, trash blowing into habitats, and city skies covered in smog. Wildlife conservationists have tried for many years to bring about legislation and acquire funding adequate to meet the needs of these animals by helping conserve their habitat and keep pollution under control but have not been able to meet their goals to the extent that they would like to.

· What protections are afforded to Wildlife habitats? Many pieces of legislation in many states have been enacted with penalties for breaking wildlife conservation laws. Many areas have reserved as Wildlife Preservation Parks and numerous zoos are found all around the country.

· What are the repercussions against wildlife after they are forced out of their habitats? Wildlife end up being pushed into urban communities where they are harmed or killed. They cannot find their usual food sources so they starve or become ill when they eat inappropriate food sources.

· What negative and positive effects to humans have on the environment that wildlife animals live in? Negative impact can be due to industrial waste

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and destruction of wildlife habitats. Positive impact are the formation of zoos and wildlife preservation parks to help save many species.

· What are some of the conservationists’ attempts at solving wildlife dilemmas? Conservationists lobby government agencies to help protect habitats against industry and those harming wildlife. Conservationists help educate and spread information to the public to make them aware of the importance of wildlife preservation.

As the People who are inhibiting this planet we must remain educated about our environment and water systems before they completely deplete. This means taking action and playing an active role in environmental awareness, starting with you.

Executive Summary Introduction

Wildlife are a part of our world’s inhabitants and we as humans, are therefore inevitably connected to them. They live amongst us and we depend on them for our ecosystems to flourish. We are all part of worldwide food webs and food chains and disruptions to these can be catastrophic for our survival on Earth. History has taught us that humans have not always been kind of all living creatures. In our constant need towards making our lives more comfortable we have damaged and many times disregarded wildlife’s habitats and way of life. Ignorance

and carelessness can no longer be excuses for how we interact with wildlife. We need to take a hard look at what we have done wrong and what we have done right and continue to strive towards healthier interactions with wildlife and a more symbiotic relationship.

PurposeTo address the negative impact humans have placed on wildlife habitat, their health and extinction of certain species.

Scope The goal of this research is to help make people aware of what has been done to help wildlife and what we as humans still need to accomplish to create healthier interactions with all wildlife.

Methods In researching to answer questions the efforts of collaborative focus group, government and non-government conservation agencies data were an invaluable resource, timelines depicting

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Figure 1

Source:http://blog.wcs.org/photo/?__utma=1.1556362921.1414380980.1416078253.1416595907.3&__utmb=1.2.10.1416595907&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1416595907.3.3.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=(not%20provided)&__utmv=-&__utmk=15374390

legislation enacted throughout about the last 100 years, and reputable online articles describing legislation on a state and federal level.

Limitations

All data from this report are only from references stated and focus group. Ongoing conservationists work and attained goals have yet to be published.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Animals were on this earth far before we were and they are just as deserving of a healthy and safe environment to live in. They are at the mercy of mankind and many are unable to fend for themselves. It is imperative that the human race understand the functions of a healthy ecosystem and the impact we are having on these systems that we are a part of and will eventually be affected by our own transgressions. The key to making a change, not only in the United States but globally, is to spread awareness so that there can be positive change. It is important to export information and facts for the public to see. From the micro level to the macro level, every effort that is done to protect the homes of all wildlife will prevent the extinction of many of these species.

Table of Contents

Abstract …………………………………. 1

Letter of Transmittal …………………... 2

Executive Summary ……………………. 3

Study Focus One............................…... 5

Study Focus Two....................…………6

Study Focus Three................................ 6

Study Focus Four................................... 7

Conclusions and Recommendations… 8

Appendix A. Focus Study Questions... 8

Appendix B. References....................... 10

Glossary.................................................. 10

Table of Figures:

Figure 1…………………………. 3

Figure 2………………………..... 4

Figure 3…………………………. 6

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Figure 2

http://magazine3.com/demo/newspapertimes/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Obama-Administration-And-Wildlife-Advocates-Strike-Deal-On-Endangered-Species-Act-Protections.jpg

IntroductionThere are numerous protection coalitions and conservation groups throughout the country that are working to keep one or more species of wildlife alive. Some of these groups have been around for over 100 years. Many volunteer their time, effort and money to help finance various activities the coalition’s campaign to spread the word about helping save those animals. They also campaign for or against politicians who either help or hinder the efforts of the group. Many of these groups are in desperate need of funds to further their efforts and make a difference in helping save habitats and/or stop excessive hunting of those precious animals. These conservation organizations report an average of 75-87% of their funds going directly towards conservation projects. It is imperative that more in depth research is needed to find out what results these conservation groups have accomplished throughout the years. Establish what can be done to enhance their goals towards saving wildlife, their habitats and way of life.

Study Focus One: Protections afforded to wildlife habitatsThe United States government has several laws in place to help protect wildlife. They are The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, The Endangered Species Act, The Eagle Protection Act, and The Wild Bird Conservation Act. Only ten of the more than 2,100 plants and animals that are currently protected by the Endangered Species Act worldwide have been declared extinct, which is an astonishing success rate1. The

Migratory bird Treaty Act was passed in 1918 and it helps protect migratory birds. Therefore, it is against the law to remove a migratory bird from its habitat for any reason. Also one cannot take their nest, eggs, feathers or any other parts of birds. Also, one cannot hunt, capture or collect them. The only exceptions are hunting during certain seasons and then only certain birds like ducks, geese, doves, rail, woodcock, and some other ones. An individual can be fined up to $5000 and an organization $10,000 and may also be imprisoned. When the act is considered a Felony the fines are multiplied in the hundreds of thousands and up to two years in prison. The Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973 protects many plants and animals that are considered endangered or threatened to become endangered. Importing or exporting into or out of the United States, harming in any way, selling, transporting or offering to sell to a foreign country are all prohibited. Some permits are given for scientific purposes or difficult situations the endangered species may be facing. The penalties for violators is fines up to $100,000 and one year in prison and organizations fined up to $200,000. Those who help law enforcement capture or convict this type of activity may receive a cash reward. The Eagle Protection Act began in 1940 and it makes it illegal to sell, shoot, take, wound, capture, molest or disturb eagles in any manner. Only scientific and exhibition purposes or for traditional and cultural use by Native Americans is there an exception. The Wild Bird Conservation Act passed in 1992 prohibits import of about 1,000 species except the ones on an approved list. Also, some

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1 Endangered Species Act. (n.d.) Retrieved November 20, 2014, From http://www.defenders.org/legislation/endagered-species-act

exemptions are game birds and bird species indigenous to the United States and the District of Columbia. This Act has an Exotic Bird Conservation Fund with monies from penalties or donations. It is used to help conservation groups. The penalties are fine and/or imprisonment for up to two years. Other states where nesting colonies have been spotted since 1970s in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, California and Texas.

Study Focus Two: Repercussions against wildlife after they are forced out of their habitat. Some species in their efforts to survive find an unusual place to live because they have been pushed out of their habitat by land developers and people in general. It was discovered in 1999 at The Glynn Place Mall roof in Brunswick Georgia there were about 200 terns had been nesting there. They came during the spring each year because their natural habitats on the beaches in Georgia had been taken over by people and developers. It was later discovered that 73% of breeding nests were on gravel rooftops around the state according to a study by Schweitzer and Michael G. Krogh. Several species of wildlife have been found in city or neighborhood streets. The animals have been trying to relocate and adapt to living around humans. Mountain lions have been found in suburban home backyards because they are trying to find something to eat due to the lack of prey surrounding the area. The Florida Black Bear will wander around neighborhoods looking for food in trash cans

and then climb a tree in the neighborhood and hang around for a while. Houston, Texas has one of the most numerous wildlife in and around neighborhoods, streets and sporting events that include raccoons, bats, skunks, coyotes, foxes snakes, turtles, alligators, deer, armadillos, squirrels, rats, mice, hawks, and owls to name a few. In Texas, animal or plant species of conservation concern may be listed as threatened or endangered under the authority of state law. Species may be listed as state threatened or endangered and not federally listed. The state list deals only with the status for the species within Texas. 2

Study Focus Three: Negative and positive effects humans have on the environment that animals reside in

There is no secret that animals have a positive effect on people, especially people who are ill. They serve as comfort to them, help handicapped people be able to move about, and alert other people when their owner is in danger. But the question is, do humans have a positive effect on animals?

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2 Nongame and Rare Species Program: Federal and State Listed Species. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2014, from http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/wildllife_diversity/nongame/listed-species/

Figure 3

Source: http://thurstonhouse.com/2010/05/become-a-certified-wildlife-habitat-like-thurston-house/

The answer is, yes. Through wildlife tourism, preservation of wildlife is the goal so animals are protected, fed and placed in a man-made habitat that suits their needs. Being in a zoo or wildlife tourism habitat ensures their survival. Another benefit for these animals are the people that come visit and learn about them many times become more aware of the importance of saving wildlife habitat, therefore, the public becomes more sensitive to wildlife, their needs and dangers they face out in the wild. Humans have increased the extinction rate of the world’s plants and animals by 10,000 percent. As awareness of this impact has increased, however, so have the positive influences that humans have had on ecosystems that support wildlife.3 There are many Natural Resources conservation groups which indirectly positively affects wildlife. In an attempt to keep our oceans, rivers and lakes clean from pollution; wildlife is inadvertently helped by keeping their habitats safe for them to drink. There is a lengthy list of negative activities humans participate in that affects wildlife. Some of the negative effects humans have on environments are deforestation, pollution, illegal hunting and killing, and many more. These negative activities continue to plague these animals’ habitats even after countless efforts have been made to stop these activities. It is difficult to monitor every corner of the country so many animals continue to be harmed in some way.

Study Focus Four: Conservationists’ attempts at solving the wildlife dilemmas

The Wildlife Conservation Society has been working hard to help save wildlife and wildlife habitats since 1897. Their first goal was met with success when they were able to pass laws regulating hunting. Because of this law the society helped save bison from becoming extinct by helping breed them at the Bronx Zoo then reintroducing them into the Western Plains. In the 1950s the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was established to help save wildlife in a place where climate is changing fast and energy is being developed. The Society’s goals are to help developers not affect breeding areas of migratory birds, monitoring sea ice as it melts and endangers polar bears and other animals. Another area the Society works in is the Yellowstone Rockies, also known as the “Crown of the Continent”. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest intact ecosystems in the world. With its unique wildlife, unspoiled wilderness where natural processes reign, cultural heritage that bespeaks its importance to Alaska Natives, and diverse habitats for hundreds of species. It is one of the most important protected areas on planet Earth.4 In this area there are wolves, grizzly bears, lynx, bull trout, cutthroat trout, pika, mountain goats, bighorn sheet and wolverines. There have been many positive changes in this area, for example, the world’s first national park was labeled here in 1872. Then in 2008 the federal

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3 Positive Effects of Humans on the Ecosystem. (2010, January 13). Retrieved November 24, 2014, from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5869462_positive-effects-humans-ecosystems.html

4 Protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (n.d.). Retrieved November 24, 2014, from http://refugeassociation.org/advocacy/refuge-issues/arctic/

government came in to protect the pronghorn migration. The coastal chain, which the Northern Boreal Maintains start from the western United States up through Canada. These mountains contain various ecosystems like continental boreal, taiga, subalpine forest, and wetlands. Because of all the different ecosystems, many different kinds of wildlife. In 2009 a Strategic Conservation Assessment was completed and one of their goals was to create maps to protect wildlife species and point out what needs these animals have and to help redirect human development in these areas. Today, The Wildlife Conservation Society its work has been seen worldwide. In conclusion, even though human impact on wildlife remains a difficult issue and much more needs to be done to protect our wildlife in all parts of the world, there is much that has already been done to strive towards a goal of protection all wildlife’s habitat, health and extinction rate. Conversationalists around the globe have

Conclusion and Recommendations

This analytical report researched both the positive and negative impact that humans have had on this Earth’s wildlife. This topic is a critical aspect of our world. As humans we have understood many aspects of our activities throughout history that have negatively impacted wildlife and we have seen the repercussions that our activities have led us to. Having said that, it is important that we learn from our mistakes and continue to move forward in our endeavors to help protect all living creatures on Earth. As we have learned how food webs and food chains work and how wildlife interacts with its ecosystem, we understand

that when one species is affected or becomes extinct it affects the entire ecosystem’s food webs. These food webs are important for human survival as well. In the long run if we want to continue our way of life here on Earth we must therefore continue to protect wildlife all over the world.

They say that the future belongs to the children, and to a great extent, it is true. It begins in grade school, children need to learn the importance of saving our ecosystems for wildlife and therefore by the time they are adults they will have a greater appreciation for all creatures and help make positive changes. As a society we need to incorporate wildlife preservation as one of the core subjects that all children should learn about in grade school and through high school. Also, Universities need to expand their curriculum to various degree plans to include wildlife study as a pre-requisite to the graduation plan. Although much has been done to establish various Wildlife saving Societies and legislation, there needs to be a greater urgency to allocate more funds towards these kinds of changes. It needs to be a push for a larger government agency that is solely working towards making more changes to protect more wildlife. Incentives need to be put in place to encourage protection and cleaning of our ecosystems to provide a healthy environment for the animals.

Appendix A. Focus Study Questions

• What protections are afforded to wildlife habitats? Many pieces of legislation in many states have been enacted with penalties for breaking wildlife conservation laws. Many

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areas have reserved as Wildlife Preservation Parks and numerous zoos are found all around the country.

• What are the repercussions against wildlife after they are forced out of their habitats? Wildlife end up being pushed into urban communities where they are harmed or killed.They cannot find their usual food sources so they starve or become ill when they eat inappropriate food sources.

• What negative and positive affects do humans have on the environments that wildlife live in? Negative impact can be due to industrial waste and destruction of wildlife habitats. Positive impact are the formation of zoos and wildlife preservation parks to help save many species.

• What are some of the conservationists’ attempts at solving the wildlife dilemmas? Conservationists lobby government agencies to help protect habitats against industry and those harming wildlife. Conservationists help educate and spread information to the public to make them aware of the importance of wildlife preservation.

• Describe one of the reasons that humans can become affected when wildlife species become extinct.One way humans become affected is by disrupting food chains and food webs which in turn disrupt our food supply.

• Name, describe and tell why a piece of legislation that has been enacted in the United States has made a big impact towards protecting wildlife.The Endangered Species Act of 1973 regulates many activities that affect plants and animals designated as endangered or threatened.

• In what ways does tourism and zoos help preserve wildlife?Tourism brings awareness to many people as to what wildlife need in order to survive and helps to bring a new appreciation to these animals. Zoos also help preserve wildlife because the animals are provided with safe habitats and nourishment that is most like their natural habitat.

• Describe one way that wildlife can help handicapped or ill people.Many animals have a keen sense of other living things needs and illnesses and can provide help and companionship to those in need.

• Which animals does Arctic National Wildlife Refuge protect in the “Crown of the Continent” area?Wolves, grizzly bears, lynx, bull trout, cutthroat trout, pika mountains goats, bighorn sheep and wolverines.

• Describe some of the highest fines and penalties that are imposed on

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people or organizations that break the laws that protect wildlife.Some of the highest fines and penalties for individuals can be up to $100,000 and one year in prison and organizations can be fined up to $200,000.

Appendix B. References

Evans, M. (2011, May 10). Habitat Loss and Degradation. Retrieved September 29, 2014

Heindl, D. (n.d.). Quotes-Animals/ Wildlife/Conservation/ Environment. Retrieved October 27, 2014

Janine Paul , 2007, Positive and negative impacts associated with non-consumptive wildlife tourism, Munich, GRIN Publishing GmbH, http://www.grin.com/en/e-book/92283/positive-and-negative-impacts-associated-with-non-consumptive-wildlife

Klappenbach, L. (n.d.). A Tour of Top- Knotch Wildlife Conservation Groups. Retrieved September 29, 2014,

Laws About Wildlife. (1995, January 1). Retrieved October 27, 2014, from http://wildliferehabinfo.org/ LawsAbtWL_MnPg.htm

National Wildlife® Magazine - National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2014, from http://

www.nwf.org/Home/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife.aspx

Natural and Human Impacts on Wildlife. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2014, from http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/nwep16b.htm

Smejek, T. (n.d.). Wild Animals Displaced by Logging in Cities and Towns. Retrieved October 27, 2014, from http://www.brighthub.com/environment/science-environmental/articles/73693.aspx

Storch, I. (2013). Human disturbance of grouse - why and when?. Wildlife Biology, 19(4), 390-403. doi: 10.2981/13-006

Wild Animals in Houston. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.houstontx.gov/barc/hwai_houston_wild_animals.php

Wildlife - Just One Piece of the Picture. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2014, from http://urbanext.illinois.edu/ecosystems/teacherguide2.cfm

Glossary

A

Agriculture: is described as the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi, and other life forms for food, fiber, biofuel, medicinals and other products used to sustain and enhance human life.

D

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Deforestation: otherwise known as clearance or clearing; the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a non-forest use.

E

Ecosystem: a community of living organisms (plants, animals and microbes) in junction with the nonliving components of their environment, interacting as a system.

Exhaust: toxic chemicals that get released from engines and can fall on plants, on the ground, and into the water.

F

Forestry: the science of creating, managing, using, conserving, and repairing forest and associated resources to meet goals and needs for human benefit.

G

Grouse: a group of birds that are assigned to the subfamily Tetraoniae, which is a classification supported by mitochondrial DNA sequence studies.

H

Human-Caused Stressors: human stressors including invasive species, development, and over-harvest that affect climate change.

M

Marine debris: known as “marine litter”; it is human-created waste that has been released in a lake, sea, ocean, or waterway.

Monitoring: ecological monitoring studies almost always focus on quantifying changes in characteristics of resources over time.

R

Recreationalists: a person who frequently enjoys outdoor recreation like camping and hiking.

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