Endangered Species
Autumn Coleman
Period 4/5
4/12/2013
Autumn Coleman
Period 4/5
4/12/2013
Throughout the years the number of species being classified as endangered has increased. As the human population and their contributions to Earth increase the endangered species list becomes longer. In order to stop the list from extending we must reduce threats towards species, defend and strengthen protection acts, and develop and support recovery plans. Species are being classified as threatened, endangered, and extinct due to the destruction of their habitats, the introduction of foreign species, overexploitation, and pollution (APSCA Kids, 2012). Species are considered endangered when they’re native to a certain place and face high risk of becoming extinct in the close future. They are added to the list of endangered species by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Petitions are sent in, reviewed, and approved or dismissed based on scientific evidence (APSCA Kids, 2012). Although many species are recognized, they often miss smaller species due to the lack of knowledge of them being threatened or the overlooking of them. The Endangered Species Preservation Act was signed by President Nixon, banning the killing or threatening of species on the endangered list. This Act wasn’t giving enough protection so it later was changed to the Endangered Species Act. “This provided additional protection by prohibiting the importation and sale of endangered species in the United States” (Net Industries Staff, 2013). This act depends on the Linnaean classification system. “In order to establish legislative protection for habitats, communities, or ecosystems, classification systems for these ecological units must be developed” (Orains, 1993, p. 207). Unfortunately, many species will not be saved or protected because they are overlooked or forgotten. “Species are made aware to the United States Fish and Wildlife
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