Endangered Species
THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED TO HIGHLIGHTING VARIOUS SPECIES THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION, THEIR STORIES, AND THEIR EFFORTS TO HELP THEM SURVIVE.
INTRODUCTION
When it comes to defining endangered and threatened species, things can be a little confusing. This is because there are two main organizational structures that assess these terms differently.
One of these is the U.S. government, and is directly related to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), which defines an endangered species as “any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” Under the ESA, endangered species are automatically protected under U.S. law with strict prohibitions in place. A threatened species, under the ESA, is defined as “any species which is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” Threatened species also receive protections under the ESA, however, they are separate and less strict regulations than those for endangered species. Scientists use the best scientific and commercial information available as the basis for listing their decisions. The Endangered Species Act has allowed for great progress in conservation efforts in the United States and these classifications are an integral part of that progress. [Source]
The other organization that has somewhat different definitions is The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi, and plant species.
Example of IUCN Redlist Categories. Vulnerable, Endangered, & Critically Endangered are all considered threatened.
Under their definitions, a threatened species is used as an overarching term for any species that is at risk of becoming extinct. Species are then categorized based on the severity of that risk. A threatened species is either vulnerable (least threatened), endangered (more threatened), or critically endangered (most threatened). Outside of these 3 categories are species that are of least concern or are near threatened, and on the other end of the spectrum, are extinct or are extinct in the wild (as shown by the image).
Although there are no legal protections under these classifications, the IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Far more than a list of species and their status, it is a powerful tool to inform and catalyze action for biodiversity conservation and policy change, critical to protecting the natural resources we need to survive. It provides information about the range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats, and conservation actions that will help inform necessary conservation decisions.
Currently, more than 30,000 species are threatened with extinction.
The following is an overview of 10 species that are threatened in or around the U.S., using IUCN’s classifications.
POLAR BEAR (URSUS MARITIMUS)
Type of animal: Mammal
Status: Vulnerable
States Found: Alaska
About: Polar Bears are dependent upon Arctic sea ice for access to their prey, making climate warming the single largest threat to their long-term survival. Another threat that brings uncertainty to the welfare of Polar Bears is the presence of pollutants in their habitat. Polar Bears are apex (top-level) predators and are therefore exposed to high levels of pollutants, which are magnified at each step in the food web. Their diet is rich in fat and blubber making them more susceptible due to the fact that many of these contaminants are lipophilic (fat loving) and thus stored in fat tissues. There are other emerging and growing threats to Polar Bears which include resource exploration and development in the Arctic, as well as the increase in human-bear interactions. The International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears was signed in 1973 by the five nations of Canada, Denmark, Norway, the Soviet Union, and the U.S. This agreement is still considered to be the cornerstone and basis for any action plan on Polar Bears and is held in high regard by the PBSG (Polar Bear Specialist Group). Action plans often require multi-jurisdictional cooperation between all parties. These plans contain multiple research and management elements, including but not limited to monitoring, assessment, documentation, protection of habitat, public education, and development strategies that minimize impacts.
For more details on Polar Bears, go here.
RED WOLF (CANIS RUFUS)
Animal Type: Mammal
Status: Critically Endangered
States Found: North Carolina
About: The Red Wolf was originally pushed to extinction in the wild by 1980. Today, Red Wolves only exist outside of captivity in a reintroduced population in eastern North Carolina, with a population of 20-30 mature individuals. The primary threat to the species persistence in the wild is hybridization resulting from Red Wolf x Coyote breeding. It has been estimated that the North Carolina Red Wolf population can sustain only one hybrid litter out of every 59 litters in order to maintain sufficient genetic diversity over the next 100 years. Unfortunately, the coyote population in the reintroduction area became well-established shortly after the Red Wolf was reintroduced. Hybridization reached levels approximately 900% higher than the population can handle to maintain genetic diversity. However there has been an adaptive management plan that suggests with intensive management, hybridization can be reduced to acceptable levels. A major part of this plan is locating, sterilizing, and collaring all hybridized individuals. Recovery of the Red Wolf is possible without the detrimental effects of hybridization. Human-induced mortality (vehicles and gunshots) can be a significant threat, however, have been declining since reintroduction as animals become less naive. Other conservation actions that have been implemented include captive breeding programs and other failed attempts at reintroduction.
For more details on the Red Wolf, go here.
FRANKLIN’S BUMBLEBEE (BOMBUS FRANKLIN)
Animal Type: Insect
Status: Critically Endangered
States Found: California, Oregon
About: This bumble bee species can only be found in southern Oregon and northern California between the coast and Sierra-Cascade mountain ranges, and their population is in decline. The use of commercial bumblebee colonies to pollinate crops has had an impact on bumblebee populations as exotic diseases are introduced into populations of native bees. The commercialization of bumblebees in North America over the past two decades is thought to have caused a pathogen spillover that has devastated populations of various bee species. These pathogens include tracheal mites and intestinal protozoa, which can be transferred from bumblebee to bumblebee via the flowers upon which they feed, or within the colony. Although these pathogens are not directly lethal to their hosts, they reduce the bumblebees’ ability to learn and feed on new flower types. This can have extremely detrimental consequences for the health of a colony, by reducing resources brought in from foraging, and thus limiting the size of the colony and the number of offspring it can produce. Additional threats to Franklin’s Bumble Bee include habitat destruction and degradation due to agricultural development, as well as poisonous agricultural pesticides. Currently, there are no large-scale recognized conservation measures in place to protect this species. Beneficial areas of focus for conservation efforts would be to attempt to prevent the spread of commercially based disease pathogens to native populations and habitat protection.
For more details on Franklin’s Bumblebee, go here.
CUI-UI FISH (CHASMISTES CUJUS)
Animal Type: Fish
Status: Endangered
States Found: Nevada
About: This species of fish is endemic to (only found in) Pyramid Lake, Nevada. Its survival is threatened by habitat alteration (siltation and pollution) and declining flow in the Truckee River, where it spawns. There is also declining water quality in the Truckee resulting from the expanding urban populations upriver. Pollutants from municipal, agricultural, and industrial sources result in high levels of nutrient loading to the river and Pyramid Lake leading to decreased oxygen levels, increased temperatures, and sediment loading. These, along with other factors have all reduced habitat quality for Cui-ui. The only current conservation action that is in place is a ban and fine for fishing and harvesting this fish from the lake or river, and is implemented by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Other actions that are needed to ensure the welfare of Cui-ui include securing spawning habitat by increasing inflow to Pyramid Lake, achieving water quality standards, and improving fish passage by removing or improving dams.
For more details on the Qui-ui Fish, go here.
STAGHORN CORAL (ACROPORA CERVICORNIS)
Animal Type: Marine Invertebrate
Status: Critically Endangered
Areas Found: Florida Coast, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas
About: Staghorn Coral is particularly susceptible to disease and coral bleaching. Although the overall decline of coral reefs has been around 38% in the Caribbean region, Staghorn Coral has seen a loss of individuals anywhere between 80%-98%. In general, the major threat to corals is global climate change. In particular, temperature extremes lead to bleaching and increased susceptibility to disease, increased severity of storms, and ocean acidification. This species has also been especially susceptible to white-band disease, thought to be the primary cause of the region-wide decline. Furthermore, localized declines are associated with loss of habitat, pollution, ship groundings, anchor damage, trampling, and marine debris. Thankfully, there are conservation actions being taken. Staghorn Coral is present in numerous marine preservation areas and has been deemed illegal for harvest in U.S. waters. Reintroduction efforts have also been taken. Further recommended measures for conserving this species include further research, habitat recovery, and disease management. Artificial propagation and similar techniques may become important for conserving coral biodiversity in the future.
For more details on Staghorn Coral, go here.
CALIFORNIA CONDOR (GYMNOGYPS CALIFORNIANUS)
Animal Type: Bird
Status: Critically Endangered
States Found: California, Arizona, Utah, Mexico
About: After the removal of all surviving birds into captivity in 1987, an intensive conservation program involving the reintroduction and release of captive-bred birds has led to a very small but increasing population of this species in the wild (44 mature individuals as of Aug. 2018). The drastic population decline during the 20th century is principally attributed to the accidental ingestion of fragments of lead while feeding on carcasses, resulting in lead poisoning. California Condors are particularly prone to lead poisoning due to their longevity and delayed-onset breeding behavior, meaning lead can build up to dangerous levels in the blood over many years and in many cases before they have a chance to reproduce. Lead poisoning remains a key threat for released birds and has caused many fatalities and resulted in the treatment of many more birds. The population along the Central California coast also suffers from reduced eggshell thickness due to exposure to the pesticide DDT. As DDT has been completely banned, it’s suggested that these effects will reduce over time. Specific conservation actions that are being taken include a large-scale, integrated captive-breeding and reintroduction program, managed by the Peregrine Fund, Los Angeles Zoo, Oregon Zoo, and San Diego Wild Animal Park. Furthermore, in 2007, the Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act was signed, which requires the use of non-lead ammunition within the species’ range in California. There are also localized efforts of habitat conservation and supplemental feeding (lead-free carcasses provided in the wild). The future of these efforts looks hopeful, as they continue to gain traction and organizations advocate for a more widespread ban on lead ammunition.
For more details on the California Condor, go here.
LEATHERBACK TURTLE (DERMOCHELYS CORIACEA)
Animal Type: Sea Turtle
Status: Vulnerable
Areas Found: Major nesting site in Florida; Additional sites outside of the U.S.; Found widely distributed among the world’s oceans, including along the west and east coasts of America.
About: The global population of Leatherback Turtles is comprised of seven subpopulations that vary widely in population size, geographic range, and population trends. Overall, it is estimated that the global Leatherback population has decreased by 40.1% over the past three generations (~30 years/generation). The following are major threats to Leatherbacks listed from most impactful to least impactful: fisheries bycatch or the incidental capture of marine turtles in fishing gear targeting other species; Direct utilization of turtles or eggs for human use (consumption, commercial products); Coastal development affecting critical turtle nesting habitat and causing hatchling disorientation due to artificial lights; Pollution and pathogens; Climate change (increasing sand temperatures affecting hatchling sex ratios, sea level rise, storm frequency and intensity affecting nesting habitats, etc.). There are currently various national and international laws, treaties, and agreements in place that provide legislative protection for Leatherbacks. Conservation efforts mainly focus on the reduction of Leatherback bycatch as well as reducing threats to Leatherbacks on nesting beaches. There have been many successes, however, threats persist. It has been implied that a holistic approach that addresses threats at all life stages should be implemented in order to ensure the recovery of Leatherback Turtles.
For more details about the Leatherback Turtle, go here.
WESTERN PRARIE FRINGED ORCHID (PLATANTHERA PRAECLARA)
Type: Flower
Status: Endangered
States Found: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Canada
About: Historically distributed throughout the western Central Lowlands and eastern Great Plains within the U.S., the Western Prarie Fringed Orchid is now found in only 45 counties. The most significant threats to this flower are habitat destruction/loss and habitat degradation/alteration. Large tracts of prairie habitat ideal for the orchids have been lost due to the conversion of land for agricultural production. In addition, more habitat is lost due to development for housing and commercial uses. Improper management of the intact habitat is also a significant threat to the species. Other threats to the orchid include damage by herbicides used in an effort to control invasive species, roadway maintenance activities, and the introduction of new, alien species. The focus of conservation and recovery is on protecting the habitat of the Western Prarie Fringed Orchid but has been difficult due to many populations being on private land and/or in separate states with different jurisdictions.
For more details on the Western Prarie Fringed Orchid, go here.
REDWOOD (SEQUOIA SEMPERVIRENS)
Type: Conifer Tree
Status: Endangered
States Found: California, Oregon
About: Redwoods are the tallest of all trees and can live for over 2000 years. Easily reaching heights of over 300 ft. along with equally impressive trunk widths, Redwoods have gained much attention over the years. Distribution of Redwood forests has been greatly reduced since the arrival of Europeans to the West coast of America. Its easy regeneration both from seeds and resprouting from stumps indicate the resilience of this tree against disturbances. However, it’s slow growth and shade tolerance means it is easily replaced by more light-demanding trees. This can be a permanent effect if forests are mismanaged, which they indeed tend to be in commercial forestry operations. Furthermore, urbanization has caused a decline in the habitat for this tree and is only predicted to get worse. It is imperative for the conservation of the Redwood to place all remaining old-growth forests under strict protection; fortunately, the greater portion of these forests is already so protected. Logging the species should be under stricter regulation, focusing on allowing the trees to grow back to maturity. There surely is widespread protection of this species, and even a national park dedicated to them, however, most of the remaining redwood forest is on private/tribal-owned land and is on the decline.
For more details on the Redwood, go here.
DUSKY GOPHER FROG (LITHOBATES SEVOSA)
Animal Type: Amphibian
Status: Critically Endangered
States Found: Mississippi, Louisiana
About: The class Amphibia is the most vulnerable in the entire world, with nearly 1/3 of all amphibians meeting the criteria to be threatened with extinction. The Dusky Gopher Frog is a good example of what is happening to this large and important group of animals. Frogs and toads have proved to be very sensitive to climate change, meaning that small changes to their environment, that other animals would be more easily able to adapt to, wreak havoc for their populations. Variability in weather events, temperature rises, habitat alteration, etc. reduce reproductive potential drastically, which are all exacerbated by global warming. Further threats to many amphibian species and specifically the Dusky Gopher Frog include habitat destruction due to forestry and urbanization, population isolation causing inbreeding and disease. The last known population of Dusky Gopher Frog has been put under protection in most of the areas it lives, however, the lack of a nearby suitable habitat makes it difficult to see a bright future for this unfortunate amphibian.
For more details on the Dusky Gopher Frog, go here.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
While the above animals deserve our attention, I believe our lens of understanding must be widened in order to aptly address the endangerment of any species. Considering that endangered species are the result of an unhealthy or unbalanced ecosystem, we must realize that the health of these populations is intimately connected to the workings of the entire integrated system that is our planet. In order to discontinue the abrupt increase of extinction rates across Earth, we must address the underlying issues that relate to the health of the complex system that all life is part of. As humans, it is easy for us to want to pull things apart and define them separately from everything else. This allows for our understanding of things to become skewed, or incomplete. In reality, everything is connected, part of the whole, inseparable from anything else. As such, our efforts as humans to address endangered species may be futile if attempting to nurture the immediate needs of any species, without also nurturing the entire community they rely upon for sustainable survival. For example, to protect the Western-Prairie Fringed Orchid is to protect the mycorrhizal fungi that form a symbiotic relationship. Just as protecting the Polar Bear is to mitigate global warming through the reduction of fossil fuel use. In a world where everything is built upon what came before it, it is important for us to channel good-hearted action effectively and efficiently by looking at these issues from a top-down, wholesome perspective.