Why should we Protect Endangered Animals

The issue of endangered animals is important because healthy ecosystems depend on animal species as their foundations. The American tourism industry, for instance, heavily relies on plant and animal species and their ecosystems, generating billions of dollars and providing numerous jobs (Endangered Species Coalition). This vital issue is often debated. While some argue that the extinction of endangered animals will negatively impact human populations, others believe their extinction is inconsequential. In my opinion, endangered animals are indeed worth saving and protecting.

Ecosystems and Human Welfare

When we protect endangered animals, we also safeguard our ecosystems, which form the backbone of our economies and welfare. It is crucial to understand that animals, much like humans, have complex emotions and experiences. They feel joy, grief, pain, and care for one another, having a perspective on the events that affect them and their communities (Marc Bekoff Ph.D.). Experts have found that the key to the survival of endangered species is ensuring they are reintroduced to protected areas and monitored regularly (Wildlife ACT). This approach not only helps in preserving the species but also maintains the ecological balance essential for human survival.

Economic and Security Perspectives

The protection of endangered animals also has significant economic implications. Jan Vertefeuille, Senior Director of Advocacy at Wildlife Conservation, emphasized the importance of bringing the issue to global attention. When poaching of elephants and rhinos in Africa reached a crisis level, framing it as a matter of global security and organized crime helped mobilize resources from world leaders, including the UN and the White House. By highlighting the broader implications of animal protection, we can effectively secure the necessary support and resources.

Ecosystem Health

Healthy ecosystems rely on the diversity of plant and animal species. The endangerment of a species signals the gradual disintegration of its ecosystem. The loss of one species often leads to the decline of others within the same ecosystem. Humans depend on these ecosystems to purify the environment, providing us with clean air, water, and land (Endangered Species Coalition). Allowing these ecosystems to deteriorate poses a direct threat to our health and well-being.

Counterarguments and Rebuttals

Some argue that conservation efforts are unnecessary, claiming that extinction is a natural part of evolution. R. Alexander Pyron suggests that extinction is the engine of evolution, allowing for natural selection to favor the hardiest species. However, this reasoning is flawed. Our cities, towns, and communities are built on foundations that require diverse animal populations to maintain the balance of nature. The argument against protection overlooks the essential role these species play in maintaining ecological balance and, by extension, our quality of life.

Expert Consensus

The notion that we do not need to protect endangered animals has been repeatedly discounted by experts in biology, wildlife rehabilitation, animal welfare, zoology, and conservation science. These professionals emphasize that the evidence supporting the protection of endangered animals is far stronger than the arguments against it. Protecting these species ensures the health of our ecosystems, which in turn supports human life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of why we should protect endangered animals can be answered by considering the critical role they play in sustaining ecosystems that support human life. By preserving endangered species, we maintain the ecological balance necessary for clean air, water, and land, while also supporting economic and security interests. The protection of endangered animals is not just a moral obligation but a practical necessity for the well-being of current and future generations. We must take decisive action to ensure their survival, understanding that their fate is intricately linked to our own.

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