Endangered Animal Habitats

Nature has planned the co-existence and interdependence of all living beings in a very accommodating way. None of the living beings is self-sufficient. But, the course of development pursued by man has created a natural imbalance. This has destroyed the natural habitats of endangered animals.

There are several habitats in the world inhabited by animals. But, the five most endangered animal habitats are:

• Coral Reefs: The coral reefs are amazing and a magnificent natural beauty. It is a home to 25 percent of fish species in the ocean. But, oil drilling, careless scuba diving, and the pollution of water in the form of spilling of oils has caused a severe problem to the marine life.

• Rain Forests: Rain forests cover only one percent of the total land area of the earth, but it is a home to about 40 percent of the animals alive. Urban growth has led to deforestation, and endangering habitats of the animals.

• Wetlands: Wetlands are a home to a plenty of amphibians and water birds. Man's desire to expand has changed these wetlands into his colonies. The displaced creatures of these wetlands are struggling to find their habitat, and have become homeless. The shrinking wetlands are a concern for human beings also as these wetlands play a crucial role in drainage and filtering of rain water, which is used for drinking purpose.

• Tundra: Tundra region has extreme cold conditions, and is difficult to have a permanent human habitation. But, it is a home to many other living beings like Polar bears, Reindeers, and other life forms. Presence of oil in this region has led to establishment of heavy industries. This has severely endangered the lives and habitats of the natural inhabitants of this region.

• Grasslands: Grasslands are the fertile and flat plains suitable for farming. It includes the Steppes, Savannas, Prairies, and Pampas. It is natural for the fields to be on fire, and is a necessary part of the grassland ecosystem. But, this by itself endangers habitats of the animals.

Nowadays, environmentalists are considering saving the endangered habitats of the animals by relocating them. They have proposed the idea of "managed relocation" to help the species to adapt to rapid climate change. The scheme is partly funded by National Science Foundation (NSF).

But, some scientists have rejected the scheme fearing that the overpopulation of the relocated species in a new area can cause local organisms to become extinct. However, the scheme is still open, and it is believed that the method has to be considered for the benefit of all.

Another way to save the habitats of endangered animals is to develop the habitats as tourist industries. It will help the local economy without creating pollution, and without disturbing the natural habitat of the animals.

Therefore, the endangered animal habitats are a concern for all. A timely effort to ensure the safety of endangered animals will be in the interest of human beings. Otherwise, the nature has its own way of maintaining balance, and all will have to face the wrath of nature.