Reflections on the protection
of endangered species
If we are not part of the solution, then we are the problem
By Georges R. Dupras
August 14, 2024
The origins of the problem
It is fair to say that eighty percent of our conservation energy is destined for endangered species preservation. Included are those on national red lists and those listed by the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES). Before going further, it might be wise to ask ourselves why most of these species are endangered.
Change
The natural environment is in constant change. The loss of species has been a part of these changes since the dawn of time. Any number of factors have contributed to the “why” species have slipped into the abyss, but climate change, or the ice age, tops the list. It appears that those species that survived were not the strongest but those best able to adapt to these changes.
The question remains, where do endangered species come from? They come from abundant species that have been over-exploited or neglected.
Today, due to our obsession with energy and the increase in global population, these changes are occurring faster than in previous times. The loss and fragmentation of habitat is but a side effect. The question remains, where do endangered species come from? They come from abundant species that have been over-exploited or neglected. They come from a change in topography when predators have been eradicated to increase the presence of capital species. This can change the topography and thus the species that live within that habitat.
Black bears, though now numerous, are vulnerable to a growing oriental pharmacology in America. The loss and fragmentation of habitat and the corridors that help maintain the genetic health of the species aren’t even a consideration currently. The draining of wetlands is also often overlooked by the public. Its effects are catastrophic to some species, including those at risk.
Another consideration is the illegal wildlife trade. The unregulated trade in birds and fish alone is exceptional. Though I do not favour placing a monetary value on living beings, the losses in the Illegal wildlife trade range between seven billion dollars and twenty-three billion dollars annually. Living beings should not be considered trading chips.
‘Climate change, deforestation, fracking, strip mining, overfishing, shark rodeos, rodeos, untreated sewage discharging into our waterways will continue to be a part of our world until we experience a change in mindset.’
This is all happening now, though little is being done proactively to protect all the species that live in these habitats. Climate change, deforestation, fracking, strip mining, overfishing, shark rodeos, rodeos, untreated sewage discharging into our waterways will continue to be a part of our world until we experience a change in mindset.
We have improved technology and communication and made education more attainable. We have increased the number of trained personnel in the field. Due to our efforts, there are more wildlife specialty channels than we could imagine. Still, we complain that nothing ever changes but forget that the first change must occur within ourselves.
I live in admiration of animal protection organizations whose members give 110% of themselves, without any thought of personal reward. For this, they are often referred to as overly sensitive and misguided in their choice of service. When I walk through their shelters, and see the heartbreak in the eyes of the abandoned, I see betrayal by the people who claimed they care.
Social changes
We are encouraged to improve our patience, tolerance and understanding of cultures foreign to our own. There is little doubt that humans, with their history and cultural baggage, have much to overcome. Our mistrust and even hatred can be inbred, and despite our best efforts, there are times when our biases surface.
‘We must commit to having animals recognized as sentient beings, and work to change the mindset that believes that animals are property.’
Accountability
We have long passed the time when playing political games should be tolerated. Sustained efforts must be made to track the root of the problems mentioned. Last month, Alberta’s Forestry and Parks quietly amended regulations to allow “problem” grizzlies to be hunted as a management tool and safety mechanism. This is a clear example of authorities falling back to a default position to address an issue.
An effective system of accountability must be put in place. Processing species at risk is a part of a much greater problem. We can begin by comparing the effectiveness of those entities mandated to manage wildlife and change their focus from exploitation to protection.
We must commit to having animals recognized as sentient beings, and work to change the mindset that believes that animals are property.
If we are not part of the solution, then we are the problem.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of its author and do not reflect the opinions of WestmountMag.ca, its publishers or editors.
Feature image: Christopher Michel – StockPholio.net
Read also: other articles by Georges Dupras
Georges R. Dupras has advocated for animals for over fifty years. A member of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA), a Director of the Animal Alliance of Canada (AAC), a Quebec Representative of Zoocheck Canada and a past Board member of the Canadian SPCA, he worked on the original Save the Seal campaign in 1966 that culminated in the founding of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 1969. Georges Dupras has published two books, Values in Conflict and the eBook Ethics, a Human Condition, and currently lives in Montreal, Canada.
‘If we are not part of the solution, then we are the problem’
There needs to be an all out campaign using this slogan.
A daily talk show on every radio station.
Every school should have an organization that addresses it.
All publications should have regular columns dealing with it.
Please make everyone aware through education by every possible means.
Thank you.