http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/mammals/grizzly_bear/index.html
Photo: This picture shows the grizzly bear in its natural habitat, eating fresh salmon. Without the Endangered Species Act, these animals could have been extinct many years ago.Summary: The grizzly bear, a staple of the American west, is one of the many animals that benefited from the Endangered Species Act. Although they used to cover a massive amount of western country, they now only cover less than 2% of their original habitat. Westward expansion by humans caused the species to become classified as "threatened", meaning they were nearly endangered. Humans took it upon ourselves to help protect grizzly populations, banning the hunting of them and attempting to shelter their natural places of habitation. Through the passing of the Endangered Species Act, these great animals multiplied their populations and, in 2007, were officially taken off the Threatened Species list. This only goes to show how beneficial the ESA can really be, and is a great success in its history.
Opinion/ Reflection
I think this story is really inspiring. The fact that the grizzly is rebuilding its population after nearly facing endangerment and extinction is remarkable, and I think should be encouraged in every other threatened species that we can help. Just knowing that we were able to save an entire species of well-known animals makes me feel like something great has been accomplished, and I can't wait to see what other species can possibly benefit from this act.
Questions:
1) Can you think of any other species who benefited similarly to the grizzlies?
2) Why do you think grizzlies were so successful, when others may not have been?
3) Are there any other precautions/aids you can think of to help endangered species in the future?
Opinion/Reflection:
ReplyDeleteWow! I never knew the grizzly bear used to be a threatened species. I am really happy that they were saved, even though they kind of scare me. The Endangered Species Act is something that i greatly appreciate and obviously it is working. I really do not understand why people think the ESA is a waste of time and money. I understand it does not work as well as we would hope but maybe that is because we are not working hard enough. How can people say the ESA is not working at all, when you see inspiring success stories just like this one? It is obvious to me that saving species is very important! I feel bad for the animals that are threatened and endangered. Imagine if an endangered animal were the pets we all know and love, i know we would all do everything we can to help. Well, even though they do not live in our homes or keep us company, other species are just as important and we need to help them!
"Can you think of any other species who benefited similarly to the grizzlies?"
There are quite a few species who have benefited from the ESA which is why I do not understand why people think the ESA is failure. I found this website that talks about some of the species that have been saved. Many species populations are improving but have still not been fully recovered. Some of the species that are mentioned are the Whooping Cranes, Bald Eagle, and the American Gray Wolf. Obviously a lot more species still need help! If you would like to learn more about some of the species that have been saved visit this site:
http://www.allaboutwildlife.com/animals-saved-by-the-u-s-endangered-species-act
Opinion/Reflection
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful article, Navy! It really has to do with what we are learning about right now! I believe that the hunting and westward expansion really had an effect on the bears. Could you imagine living in a world with no grizzly bears?! I am proud of humans that they stepped up to the plate and saved them. Obviously ESA is working because it has also saved numerous amounts of species.
Question #3
Some precautions we could take up are that we can protect all of our species through ESA and try not to let any more animals become extinct. We could protect them from harmful humans, natural disasters, and lack of food. Our animals are important to this world, and we need to keep them alive and healthy!
Opinion/Reflection
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love bears, i think they are such beautiful animals, I can't believe they had been on the threatened species list. Though I don't really believe the Endangered Species Act is that effective, i'm really glad that the Act was able to help grizzly bears! Without the bears, there would be a rise in fish population, where certain fish may outnumber the other organisms in the grizzly bear's old habitat, and we wouldn't want that! I definitely agree with you, Navy, the article you summarized does seem pretty inspiring, an underdog rising above it's struggles!
"Why do you think grizzlies were so successful, when others may not have been?"
Some factors could include reproduction rate, habitat changes (maybe an increase of land?), or and increase in the grizzly's prey. Grizzly bear hunting was also banned, which was probably a big contributor. It is also possible that the government took extra pro cautions and spent a little extra money on our fuzzy friends.
Opinion/Reflection
ReplyDeleteI LOVE BEARS! They are one of my favorite animals. I am very happy that humans decided to take action and take care of these bears because I could not even imagine having my kids grow up and not knowing that they even existed. It is so weird to think that the animals that you grew up with might not be around for your kids to see. I think the endangered species act is doing a great job taking care of the animals and making sure they are not threatened. I hope we continue to keep animals safe.
Question 3
I think we need to keep a close eye on all threatened species or even species that may become threatened. It is our job to keep animals safe if it is not possible for the animals. Most of the time it is our faults that the animals are getting hurt. We need to make sure animals have a good enviromnent to live in.