Endangered Species and Deforestation, Seeing the Forest for the Trees

What is an endangered or threatened species?

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 defines "endangered" as "any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." "Threatened" is defined as "any species which is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range."

Why do species become endangered?
In many cases, declines in populations of plants and animals are caused by more than one event. Habitat degradation and destruction by humans are the most serious threats to wildlife and plants worldwide. Destruction occurs through development activities; environmental pollution; introduction of invasive, nonnative species; overharvesting of wild species; and conversion of habitat to other uses.

Isn't extinction natural?
Extinction can be and has been a natural process; however, we have accelerated the process to the degree where we can no longer attribute the increasing loss of plants and animals to "natural" processes. Current extinction rates are estimated to be at least ten thousand times greater than natural levels.

Which species are threatened or endangered?

See the "Threatened and Endangered Species" list for Federally listed species in the back of this brochure. Check with your State wildlife agency and Natural Heritage Program (See "Where to Go For Assistance" lists) to find out what the threatened and endangered species (T&E Species) are in your state.

I am disturbed that while we tout our responsibility to protect endangered species like the Bald Eagle, we also continue to allow deforestation, which has an exponential negative impact on the entire ecosystem, rather than one species' potential for extinction. Extinction is a natural process that has and will continue to occur despite the efforts of humans. Deforestation is an active process of destroying an ecosystem, effecting our entire world. Endangered species will go extinct at times, something we need to accept and move on. We need to focus on ending the destruction of the forests that protect and promote life around the world, as deforestation affects all species, not just one. The few forests left need to be protected, which in turn will promote ecological health and biodiversity. Putting all our efforts into saving a single species is simply not seeing the forest for the trees.

Threatened and Endangered Species and the Private Landowner

On a side note, Douglas Adams (of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fame) was part of the driving force behind a series about the extinction of species. His series Last Chance To See sees Adams joining Mark Carwardine and exploring the world, seeking out some of the last examples of endangered species on the brink of extinction. It is quite a wonderful book, starting out as a radio show and later turned into a television series with Stephen Fry.