How can we prevent wildlife species' from becoming extinct... and eventually humans?

Answer 1

Well first of all extinction is a natural process. Some species will go extinct, but the problem is that the current rate of extinction is far above what the average geologic norm (outside of major extinction events). The reason why we see this acceleration is because human dominated landscapes have two tendencies: One is they tend to be homogenous, just think of your lawn. The second is that they cut up the landscape, a process called fragmentation.

Many of the species that have gone extinct, or are going extinct are dissapearing because of two general culprits. The physical space they used to occupy has changed, either because it has shrank, or it has been cut up in such a way that does not allow the species to find mates or other critical habitat. The other general reason is that their habitat has degraded so that food, nesting, or other habitat features have dissappeared or have become rare. Habitat degradation can be due to exotic species, climate change, humans altering the specific landscape, or pollution.

So then what do we do? There are whole bunch of ecologist advocating different tactics. Protect habitats that are likely to dissappear. Build connections between isolated habitats so that creatures can move from one place to another. Control or eradicatie exotic species. Build new habitats. Control stressors such as hunting and pollution. Another is to consciously not homogenize habitats. An example of the latter is that I've seen high plant and insect species diversity in cities and neighborhoods with high land use diversity. I hope that gives you some ideas. I like talking about this stuff so you can email me if you want more detail.

As for humans, I think if we did these things we would conserve critical resources. Clean well-managed water is not just good for wildlife, it's good for people. The main drivers of ecological damage are poverty and over consumption. Control those things and I think you will see the ecological benefits.

Answer 2

There are more species that have become extinct than are alive today. Its one way in which nature renews itself. Good environmental stewardship means protecting species from adverse affects of human intervention. This implies an understanding of what "intervention" is and recognizing that failing to interven is defacto intervention.

A good example of bad environmental policy is intervention to protect a species from extinction that is so fragile that the only way it can survive is through intervention by humans. There are many examples of "at risk" populations that are "at risk" not as a result human presence or intervention but because they are on the verge of self elimination resulting from their non adaptive abilities or naturally occurring environmental or other conditions.

We should do what is good for the planet and the human race.

Answer 3

Get Bush out of office!!

Answer 4

take down the bush/republican war machine and all thier corporations who sponser them. this may slow or even stop the process.