Plants and
animals hold medicinal, agricultural, ecological, commercial and
aesthetic/recreational value. Endangered species must be protected and saved so
that future generations can experience their presence and value.
Reasons:
Medicinal
Plants and
animals are responsible for a variety of useful medications. In fact, about
forty percent of all prescriptions written today are composed from the natural
compounds of different species. These species not only save lives, but they
contribute to a prospering pharmaceutical industry worth over $40 billion
annually. Unfortunately, only 5% of known plant species have been screened for
their medicinal values, although we continue to lose up to 100 species daily.
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Some Medical species |
The Pacific
yew, a slow-growing tree found in the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest,
was historically considered a "trash" tree (it was burned after
clearcutting). However, a substance in its bark taxol was recently identified
as one of the most promising treatments for ovarian and breast cancer.
Additionally,
more than 3 million American heart disease sufferers would perish within 72
hours of a heart attack without digitalis, a drug derived from the purple
foxglove.
Agricultural
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Ecological
Plant and
animal species are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. Humans depend on
ecosystems such as coastal estuaries, prairie grasslands, and ancient forests
to purify their air, clean their water, and supply them with food. When species
become endangered, it is an indicator that the health of these vital ecosystems
is beginning to unravel. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that
losing one plant species can trigger the loss of up to 30 other insect, plant
and higher animal species.
The
northern spotted owl, listed as threatened in 1990, is an indicator of the
declining health of the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest. These forests
are the home to over 100 other old-growth dependent species, which are at risk
due to decades of unsustainable forest management practices.
Pollution
off the coast of Florida is killing the coral reefs along the Florida Keys,
which serve as habitat for hundreds of species of fish. Commercial fish species
have begun to decline, causing a threat to the multi-million dollar tourism
industry, which depends on the quality of the environment.
Commercial
Various
wild species are commercially raised, directly contributing to local and
regional economies. Commercial and recreational salmon fishing in the Pacific
Northwest provides 60,000 jobs and $1 billion annually in personal income, and
is the center of Pacific Northwest Native American culture. This industry and
way of life, however, is in trouble as salmon decline due to habitat
degradation from dams, clearcutting, and overgrazing along streams.
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Commercial Species |
Freshwater
mussels which are harvested, cut into beads, and used to stimulate pearl
construction in oysters form the basis of a thriving industry which supports
approximately 10,000 U.S. jobs and contributes over $700 million to the U.S.
economy annually. Unfortunately, 43% of the freshwater mussel species in North
America are currently endangered or extinct.
Aesthetic/Recreational
Plant and
animal species and their ecosystems form the basis of America’s multi-billion
dollar, job-intensive tourism industry. They also supply recreational,
spiritual, and quality-of-life values as well.
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Zoos |
Each year
over 108 million people in the United States participate in wildlife-related
recreation including observing, feeding, and photographing wildlife. Americans
spend over $59 billion annually on travel, lodging, equipment, and food to
engage in non-consumptive wildlife recreation. Our national heritage of
biological diversity is an invaluable and irreplaceable resource. Our quality
of life and that of future generations depends on our preservation of plant and
animal species.
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