Paper Example. Causes and Effects of Endangered Species

The world is comprised of human beings, plants, and animals; however, there are unknown species because of endangerment. The future generations are likely not going to see some species of plants and animals if they get extinct. Human beings are to blame for the continued extinction of various species. There are different causes of endangered species that include advancement in the creation of exotic species, destruction of natural habitat, overpopulation, and diseases.

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The loss of habitat is the leading factor causing endangered species. There are isolated cases where natural calamities that lead to loss of habitat. It is, however, true that human activity is the leading cause of habitat loss. Human activities such as dam construction, urbanization, and agricultural practices destroy the natural areas occupied by animals and plants. Once the endangered species are wiped out due to loss of habitat, its effects are that it creates biodiversity and chain reactions. Species in a natural habitat depend on each other, and eliminating endangered species will affect different species. The long-term effect will cycle back to affect human beings.

Exotic species that invade other species end up destroying endangered species. There are exotic species introduced in our environments. These species end up exploiting the existing species to help them adapt. The native species occupying the ecosystems are then endangered due to competition for food from predators and new inhabitants. The effects of endangered species because of the introduction of exotic species lead to ecological disruptions (Duenas, Manuel-Angel, et al. 3178). The native species, in particular, ecosystems, end up failing to breed and eventually allowing the exotic species to take over. The benefits of exotic species are inferior compared to native species.

Overexploitation of resources directly causes the endangering of animals. Overfishing is an example of activity leading to the destruction of species that depend on each other. Overexploitation of resources leads to abiotic imbalance whereby organisms compete to survive (Tarjuelo, Rocio, et al. 73). The effects of overexploitation of resources are that it increases strain on species that depend on each other for survival. The Atlantic cod is an example of endangered species caused by overfishing. The cod stocks reduced in numbers and effects, leading to economic distress among fishers who relied on fishing for financial stability.

Climate change is another reason for altering the ecosystem. The changes in weather lead to the drastic death of species that cannot adapt. There are extreme climate changes such as the melting of glaciers and ice caps, leading to a completely adverse effect on the ecosystem. The rise of sea levels alters species' life and increases the risk of extinction. Bees are an example of species affected by climate change. The effect of the reduction in bees is significantly felt across the world. The honey industry is declining because of a decline in bees' population. Bees help in pollination, and endangering their existence means that negative effects are felt in the fruit industry.

Pollution is a key reason for ecosystem destruction through the dumping of solid wastes and oil spillages on oceans. Pollution has caused the deaths of a high number of marine species and seabirds. The reduction in marine life species creates an imbalance between the mainland and the sea. The ecological risks become difficult for natural existence between human beings and other species. An example effect of introducing chemicals to ecosystems is the use of chemicals to kill mosquitoes. The adverse effect is that it can result in reduced reproduction of birds.

Human-wildlife conflict is increasingly spreading throughout the world due to overpopulation. The increase in the human population around areas inhabited by wildlife creates conflicts. The negative outcome of these conflicts is that human beings end up killing wildlife to prevent them from invading their farmlands. The killing of wildlife accelerates the reduction of species that are already facing extinction due to loss of habitat.

Diseases are also caused by species endangerment. Domesticated animals increase the chances of the spread of diseases. The introduction of pathogens to new habitats kills native animals that may not be resistant to these diseases. There was a serious problem when the Ebola virus killed endangered western gorillas at Lossi Sanctuary. All these instances of deaths due to pathogens and disease are a threat to endangered species (Robertson, Ellen, Robert, Fletcher, James, and Austin 857).

There is also a threat of low birth rate as a cause of endangered species. There are types of animal species that fail to reproduce regularly. Even if these species produce, they take time to mature, reducing their chances of furthering their population. Failure to breed at a faster rate causes endangering in the long term. Marine mammals are an example of species that risks getting extinct because of the low birth rate.

The different causes of endangered species which include advancement in the creation of exotic species, destruction of natural habitat, overpopulation, and diseases require immediate actions before it escalates beyond control. The efforts to protect endangered species should be a collective responsibility involving all countries. An international agreement to rescue endangered species is worthwhile because it ensures sustainable habitats, eventually allowing for safe breeding grounds.

Works Cited

Duenas, Manuel-Angel, et al. "The role played by invasive species in interactions with endangered and threatened species in the United States: a systematic review." Biodiversity and Conservation 27.12 (2018): 3171-3183.

Robertson, Ellen P., Robert J. Fletcher Jr, and James D. Austin. "The causes of dispersal and the cost of carryover effects for an endangered bird in a dynamic wetland landscape." Journal of Animal Ecology 86.4 (2017): 857-865.

Tarjuelo, Rocio, et al. "Isodars unveil asymmetric effects on habitat use caused by competition between two endangered species." Oikos 126.1 (2017): 73-81.