Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the study

Endangered species are like fire alarms. They tell us about problems in our home

we call Earth. If we listen to their alarm calls, they could help us improve our lives and

the health of our planet.

In nature, everything is interconnected. Unfortunately, we often have very little

idea of all the repercussions involved in the disappearance of a single animal population

in a corner of a forest, swamp or river. Imagine the impacts of clear cutting on the

development of a new residential area or those of filling a swamp in order to build a road.

Imagine that pollutants are emptied into the mouth of a river. What would happen?

Obviously, the shrubs, trees, aquatic plants and algae would be contaminated, die or

disappear. Browsing animals would then be obliged to leave the area owing to the lack of

food sources. Next, predators large and small would be deprived of the prey they need to

survive. And so on and so forth. Disruption and imbalance are the hallmarks of a nature

modified and remodeled by humans. And since every animal plays a specific role in the

food chain and the balance of nature, the entire natural world would be turned on its head.

Then again, why not protect animals simply because they're beautiful? Even

animal species not at risk need your support. If humans don't take action to keep our

planet "green and blue", hundreds of species will be gone 50 years from now, while those

currently abundant will merit the status of endangered species in 2050 – an unenviable

fate. As inhabitants of the Earth, we must take measures to reverse this trend, for we are

the ones responsible for the ecological disorder. Over the next decades, therefore, we

must step up efforts to ensure that our grandchildren, like ourselves, will have the

opportunity to enjoy nature in all its glory.

B. General Purpose and Significance of the Problem

We know that animal species have appeared and disappeared continually since

life began on Earth. This is a natural phenomenon. However, species have been vanishing

at a much faster rate for about a century now thanks to human factors such as pollution,

commercial overexploitation, poaching and deforestation.

The will to protect animals and nature in general demonstrates the value of a

society. And if the optimal development of our resources is a priority, it must be achieved

not only economically or socially, but environmentally as well. This is the vision of

sustainable development, which dictates that we use our natural resources wisely for the

benefit and enjoyment of future generations.

But again, why the strenuous attempts to protect snakes, crocodiles, sharks,

spiders, or even wolves and raptors? Because it doesn't matter that an animal is ugly to

look at, undesirable or potentially dangerous, all animals play a role in nature and have a

right to survive. It's surprising to learn the services they render us in return.

The general goal of this term paper is to discuss the conditions on the protection

of endangered species.

C. Objectives

After studying this term paper, you should be able to:

♦ define the terms Endangered Species, Endangered, Species, Endemic, Extinct,

Threatened and Protection;

♦ state the legal bases of endangered species protection;

♦ identify reasons why species become endangered;

♦ cite possible solutions on endangered species to save their habitat;

D. Statement of the Problem

This research aimed to determine the protection of endangered species and the

Philippine Situation.

Likewise, it sought to answer the following sub- problems:

1. Is the environmental and technological factors affect the condition on the

endangered species?

2. Is it effective to have an approach on the protection of endangered species?

3. Can we save Endangered Species?

E. Definition of terms

Endangered

A species of plant or animal that is in immediate danger of becoming extinct and

needs protection to survive.

Species

A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms where two hybrids are

capable of reproducing fertile offspring, typically using sexual reproduction.

Endemic

growing or existing in a certain place or region; common in a particular area or field

Extinct

A species of plant or animal that is no longer living.

Threatened

A species is likely to become endangered if it is not protected.

Protection

Something that keeps a person or thing from being harmed, lost, etc. : something that

protects someone or something.

Biodiversity

The total number of species, genes, and ecosystems found on our planet.

It is a representation of the wealth of life on earth, a wealth which has undergone

hundreds of millions of years of evolutionary changes, and to which many human

cultures have become adapted. Biological resources provide mankind with food,

and form the basis of many medicines and industries. The enormous variety of life

in the form of genes, species, and habitats has incredible value as it allows

humans to successfully meet the demands of the ever-changing environment in

which we live.

Fish or wildlife

Means any member of the animal kingdom, including without limitation any

mammal, fish, bird (including any migratory, no migratory, or endangered bird

for which protection is also afforded by treaty or other international agreement),

amphibian, reptile, mollusk, crustacean, arthropod or other invertebrate, and

includes any part, product, egg, or offspring thereof, or the dead body or parts

thereof.

Habitat

Includes with respect to species of animal, plant or other organism, an area on

which the species depends, directly or indirectly, to carry on its life processes,

including life processes such as reproduction, rearing, hibernation, migration or

feeding.

Chapter II

Discussion

A. What is about Protection of Endangered Species?

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was passed in 1973 to protect both plant and

animal species that are at risk for becoming extinct. Species are protected under the ESA

are classified as "Endangered" or "Threatened," depending on how many are left in the

wild and how bad their survival is threatened

An Endangered species is one that is in danger of becoming extinct in large

portion of the areas where it lives. Threatened species are those that are likely to become

endangered in the foreseeable future. As of May 31, 2000, there were 1051 animal

species that were protected by the Endangered Species Act. 368 animals are listed as

Endangered in the US and 518 are listed as Endangered in other countries. In addition,

128 animals are threatened in the United States and 37 in foreign countries.

B. Our Approach to Endangered Species Protection Includes:

Defending and strengthening the Endangered Species Act, which provides an

essential legal safety net to prevent the loss of plant and animal species to

extinction.

Holding federal agencies and others accountable for complying with laws

protecting rare and endangered species using cooperation, persuasion, and--where

necessary--litigation.

Advocating for increased funding for private landowner incentives and other

conservation programs that benefit endangered species.

Protecting and restoring the habitats on which endangered species and other

wildlife depend for their survival, and encouraging wildlife-friendly land

management practices.

Reducing threats to wildlife that can lead to their endangerment and extinction,

such as loss of habitat, contamination of water and spread of invasive species.

C. Reasons why species become endangered

Habitat Destruction

Every living organism needs a place to live. But habitat is not simply a home; it

also is the place where an animal finds food and raises its babies. Then, of course, those

babies need room to grow up, spread out, and live their own lives. The trouble is, humans

take up a lot of space on the planet. Not only do we build houses in wild animal habitats,

we clear forests to get lumber and to make fields where we farm food. We plow up native

plants to grow miles and miles of single crops like corn and wheat. We drain rivers to

bring water to our crops, and many of our farming methods strip the soil of its nutrients

and microbes.

Today, nearly every type of habitat is impacted by changes in land use and habitat loss.

Grasslands

In the United States, over half of our native prairies have been lost.

Grasslands have been cleared for agriculture and to make room for towns and cities.

Rainforests

Approximately 1 acre of rainforest is destroyed every second which equals 50

football fields every minute. Destruction and severe damage is caused by logging,

clearing for farming and cattle ranching, mining, dams and oil development.

Deciduous forests

Thousands of acres of deciduous forests have been destroyed throughout the world.

Deciduous forests are cleared for logging and to make room for expanding cities and

towns.

Deserts

Deserts are not vast empty spaces, but are delicate ecosystems teeming with life.

Deserts are destroyed or damaged by overgrazing by livestock, off-road vehicles,

military equipment, mining and irrigation.

Wetlands

Each year between 300,000 and 500,000 acres of mangroves, salt marshes, freshwater

marshes, bogs and swamps are destroyed. Wetlands are drained for agriculture,

development, industry and marinas.

Pollution

Pollution from pesticides, burning coal, oil and gas, industrial plants and automobile

emissions all impact wildlife populations. The Bald Eagle, our national symbol, is

just one example of how pollution can cause a decline in wildlife populations. Bald

Eagles became endangered largely due to the pesticide DDT. The pesticide caused the

eagles and may other birds to lay thin-shelled eggs that could not survive. This

pesticide is now banned in the United States. Deformed frogs are being discovered

around the world. Scientists have several theories to explain the malformations and

declines in frog populations, including one implicating pollution. Damage to the

earth’s ozone layer allows increased amounts of ultraviolet radiation to enter the

earth’s atmosphere. Scientists fear that the additional UV light could be damaging not

only to frogs but to humans as well.

Population

It took the entire history of humankind for the population to reach 1 billion around

1810. By 1930, this doubled to 2 billion people. Today there are over 6 billion people.

As the population continues to grow so does the need for space for housing and food.

Wild animals in the United States which were formerly isolated from the public now

must cross paths with humans who have moved into their former territories.

Over-consumption

Because of over-consumption of the earth's resources, the world is losing wild places

and species as the demand for food, minerals, lumber, and other resources increase.

Many species of animals, such as rhinos, tigers and bears, are endangered due to

illegal hunting for their body parts. Animals are poached (hunted and killed illegally)

and their body parts sold on the black market. Some sources say that this black

market is larger than illegal arms sales and second only to the drug black market.

Illegal Hunting

Species all over the world are hunted illegally (also known as poaching). When

hunters ignore governmental rules that regulate the number of animals that should be

hunted, they reduce populations to the point that species become endangered. Poachers

are often hard to catch because governments don't have enough money to hire game

wardens to patrol large tracts of wilderness. Poachers are also very sneaky. They

transport live animals and animal parts in ways that are hard for law officials to track.

Bird smugglers will bind live birds tightly to their legs so that they can't be seen when the

criminals pass through airports.

Legal Exploitation

Even legal hunting, fishing, and gathering of wild species can lead to population

reductions that force species to become endangered. "Unrestricted whaling during the

20th century is an example of overexploitation," reports EndangeredSpecies.com. "The

whaling industry brought many species of whales to extremely low population sizes.

When several whale species were nearly extinct, a number of nations (including the

United States) agreed to abide by an international moratorium on whaling. Due to this

moratorium, some whale species, such as the grey whale, have made remarkable

comebacks, while others remain threatened or endangered."

Natural Causes

Over the past 200 years, humans have made significant changes to natural

environments all over the globe, and most of these changes have negatively affected

wildlife, forcing unprecedented numbers of species toward extinction. However,

extinction is a natural biological process that has been a part of species' evolution since

the beginning of time. Fossil records have shown that, even before humans were a part of

the world's biota, natural factors such as over specialization , competition, sudden

climatic change, or catastrophic events like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes have

driven species to endangerment and extinction.

D. Possible solutions on endangered species to save their habitat

1. Learn about endangered species in your area

Teach your friends and family about the wonderful wildlife, birds, fish and plants

that live near you. The first step to protecting endangered species is learning about how

interesting and important they are. Our natural world provides us with many

indispensable services including clean air and water, food and medicinal sources,

commercial, aesthetic and recreational benefits.

2. Visit a national wildlife refuge, park or other open space

These protected lands provide habitat to many native wildlife, birds, fish and

plants. Scientists tell us the best way to protect endangered species is to protect the places

where they live. Get involved by volunteering at your local nature center or wildlife

refuge. Go wildlife or bird watching in nearby parks. Wildlife related recreation creates

millions of jobs and supports local businesses.

3. Make your home wildlife friendly

Secure garbage in shelters or cans with locking lids, feed pets indoors and lock

pet doors at night to avoid attracting wild animals into your home. Reduce your use of

water in your home and garden so that animals that live in or near water can have a better

chance of survival. Disinfect bird baths often to avoid disease transmission. Place decals

on windows to deter bird collisions. Millions of birds die every year because of collisions

with windows. You can help reduce the number of collisions simply by placing decals on

the windows in your home and office. For more information on what you can do, check

out these tips from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

4. Native plants provide food and shelter for native wildlife

Attracting native insects like bees and butterflies can help pollinate your plants.

The spread of non-native species has greatly impacted native populations around the

world. Invasive species compete with native species for resources and habitat. They can

even prey on native species directly, forcing native species towards extinction.

5. Herbicides and pesticides may keep yards looking nice but they are in fact

hazardous pollutants that affect wildlife at many levels

Many herbicides and pesticides take a long time to degrade and build up in the

soils or throughout the food chain. Predators such as hawks, owls and coyotes can be

harmed if they eat poisoned animals. Some groups of animals such as amphibians are

particularly vulnerable to these chemical pollutants and suffer greatly as a result of the

high levels of herbicides and pesticides in their habitat.

6. Slow down when driving

Many animals live in developed areas and this means they must navigate a

landscape full of human hazards. One of the biggest obstacles to wildlife living in

developed areas is roads. Roads divide habitat and present a constant hazard to any

animal attempting to cross from one side to the other.

7. Recycle and buy sustainable products

Buy recycled paper, sustainable products like bamboo and Forest Stewardship

Council wood products to protect forest species. Never buy furniture made from wood

from rainforests. Recycle your cell phones, because a mineral used in cell phones and

other electronics is mined in gorilla habitat. Minimize your use of palm oil because

forests where tigers live are being cut down to plant palm plantations.

8. Never purchase products made from threatened or endangered species

Overseas trips can be exciting and fun, and everyone wants a souvenir. But

sometimes the souvenirs are made from species nearing extinction. Avoid supporting the

market in illegal wildlife including: tortoise-shell, ivory, coral. Also, be careful of

products including fur from tigers, polar bears, sea otters and other endangered wildlife,

crocodile skin, live monkeys or apes, most live birds including parrots, macaws,

cockatoos and finches, some live snakes, turtles and lizards, some orchids, cacti and

cycads, medicinal products made from rhinos, tiger or Asiatic black bear.

9. Harassing wildlife is cruel and illegal. Shooting, trapping, or forcing a threatened

or endangered animal into captivity is also illegal and can lead to their extinction

Don’t participate in this activity, and report it as soon as you see it to your local

state or federal wildlife enforcement office.

10. Protect wildlife habitat

Perhaps the greatest threat that faces many species is the widespread destruction

of habitat. Scientists tell us the best way to protect endangered species is to protect the

special places where they live. Wildlife must have places to find food, shelter and raise

their young. Logging, oil and gas drilling, over-grazing and development all result habitat

destruction. Endangered species habitat should be protected and these impacts

minimized.

By protecting habitat, entire communities of animals and plants can be protected

together. Parks, wildlife refuges, and other open space should be protected near your

community. Open space also provides us with great places to visit and enjoy. Support

wildlife habitat and open space protection in your community. When you are buying a

house, consider your impact on wildlife habitat.

E. Why Save Endangered Species?

Maintaining a healthy environment for wildlife will also give humans a healthy

environment to live in.

These animals and plants can serve as early signs about environmental changes

and pollution, which can negatively affect people and other wildlife.

Preserving endangered species allows people to develop new medicines and

foods.

Losing a single species can cause a chain reaction, adversely impacting others.

Chapter III

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

Summary

An Endangered species is one that is in danger of becoming extinct in large

portion of the areas where it lives. Threatened species are those that are likely to become

endangered in the foreseeable future. As of May 31, 2000, there were 1051 animal

species that were protected by the Endangered Species Act. 368 animals are listed as

Endangered in the US and 518 are listed as Endangered in other countries. In addition,

128 animals are threatened in the United States and 37 in foreign countries.

There are many factors that lead to the endangerment of a particular species.

These factors include: Pollution—pollution can come in many forms. Air, water and

ground pollution are the major types of pollution that threaten the survival of any species.

Pollution from oil spills at sea or dumped toxic substances on land can have devastating

effects on organisms that are making these areas their home.

Habitat Loss—a habitat refers to the home of any organism. This may be a coral reef,

mangrove forest, upland forest, mudflat, seagrass bed, rainforest and many more. Habitat

loss is the greatest cause of species endangerment. Examples of this include the

construction of roads, homes or buildings etc.Disease—diseases come naturally however

sometimes humans introduce diseases and problems into a species that threatens their

survival. An example of this is the effect of insecticides or pesticides that causes changes

in the genetic makeup of an organism. In the United States, the introduction of the

insecticide DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane), which was found in waterways

and soil, eventually worked its way up the food chain from small water feeders to the fish

who ate the plant life in the water and the animals and humans who ate the fish. When

DDT was left in the water it eventually broke down and became DDE

(dichlorodiphenylethylene). These toxic substances (along with others like PCB’s) caused

eagles and peregrine falcons to produce eggs that had shells so thin that they broke just

from the mother sitting on them. Unregulated fishing—unregulated fishing or over

harvesting may lead to the diminishing of targeted species. A good example is the

overfishing of Humphead wrasses. Introduced Species—new species introduced by

humans into an ecosystem where they never existed before can sometimes have a

negative effect on the ecosystem upsetting the balance and changing the whole system.

Competition from other species—sometimes there are just too many organisms living in

an area that compete for the space, water and food that is found there.

The Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) is a federal law that was enacted in 1973 to

protect endangered and threatened species from becoming extinct (dying out). A species

or subspecies is endangered if it is “in danger of extinction through out all or a significant

portion of its range.” A threatened species is one that is likely to become endangered

within the foreseeable future. Three different departments of the federal government

administer ESA: the Department of Interior (endangered animals generally), the

Department of Commerce (marine mammals), and the Department of Agriculture

(plants).

ESA facilitates species recovery in several ways. It makes it illegal to import,

export, take, possess, sell, or transport any endangered or threatened species. In addition,

ESA provides that land necessary for the survival of the species should be designated as

critical habitat. This includes land that is presently occupied by the listed species and land

that is important for its continued and future existence. The prohibition against “taking” a

listed species includes destruction of critical habitat.

Conclusion

The issue of endangered species and extinction is important because it

directly affects our quality of life. There are over 2,000 endangered species in the U.S.

and more than a third of all endangered species are close to extinction. While in the

Philippines there are 191 mammal species in the Philippines, of which 8 are critically

endangered, 13 are endangered, 30 are vulnerable, and 1 is near-threatened. One of the

species listed for the Philippines is considered to be extinct. Endemic species include the

tamaraw of Mindoro and the Philippine tarsier (which is one of the smallest species of

primates in the world). The Philippines also have three endemic species of deer, namely

the Philippine deer, the Calamian deer and the Philippine spotted deer. The Philippine

mouse-deer which is also endemic in the Philippines, does not belong to the deer family

Cervidae, but is a member of the chevrotain family. And the Total Plant Species is 92,536

while the Endemic Plant Species: 6, 091 and lastly the Endemics as Percentage of World

have a total of 2.0

Protecting the habitat of these species is critical to their survival. The four acts put

in place to protect these endangered species help to reduce threats to wildlife such as

overfishing, hunting and habitat destruction.

It is important to create awareness and to make a difference in the lives of the

animals as best as we can.

Recommendations

Through small conservation efforts, you can help preserve the Philippine eagles,

tarsiers, and sea turtles and allow future generations to enjoy them as well. Here are

some things you can do to help sustain and protect endangered species.

Volunteer in non-native plant and river cleanups in your area.

Attend public meetings about land and water-use decisions, such as water

management district and regional council meetings.

“Adopt” an endangered species, such as a Key deer or humpback whale, to learn

about these animals and share the information with others.

When driving, keep a lookout for endangered animals to prevent collisions—

remember, habitat loss may force them to move near highways and roads.

Discover how your community affects endangered species in your area.

Visit national, state, or local parks to learn more about and observe endangered

species.

Report violations of conservation laws to federal and state authorities.

References

http://www.cwu.edu/~kirklandk/EndangeredSpecies.html

http://especesmenacees.ca/en/why-protect.php

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw064

http://endangeredspecies.about.com/od/endangeredspecies101/a/What-Causes-

Species-To-Become-Endangered.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildlife_of_the_Philippines

http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/hot_topics/environment/

protecting_endangered_species.shtml

Carpenter, K.E. and V.G. Springer. 2005. Environmental Biology of Fishes

(2005) 72: 467-480.

F. J. Mazzotti, “The Value of Endangered Species: the Importance of Conserving

Biological Diversity (SSWIS14),” UF/IFAS Wildlife and Ecology Conservation

Department (rev. 06/2014).