The Extinction Of Animals In The 18th Century

The United States was a nation that was filled with animals from a variety of different species. The animals walked freely throughout the nation coexisting with humans. However, they began to attract attention. Humans not only started to hunt them for food, but began to quest after them for their skin, teeth and vital traits. As a result, vital animals began to disappear. However, hunting is not the only reason why there has been a sharp increase in animal extinction. Pollution and other hazardous waste have destroyed the natural habitats of many animals. Not only has it stripped them from their homes, but it has deprived them of food and a clean water supply. All these factors have lead to the extinction of a plethora of animals. Yet, we
ask ourselves one question. What is responsible for the decrease of the animal population in the United States? Humans are a large factor. In the text, The Last Flight of Doctor Ain, we encounter a biologist who admires Earth and its vital qualities. Yet, he comes to the fundamental understanding that humans are destroying earth. As a result, he goes on the perilous journey to destroy mankind by spreading a virus.Many individuals in our society possess a deep love for our Earth and its creatures. Yet, unlike Dr. Ain committing mass murder is not the ideal solution to help lessen animal extinction. Animal extinction in the United States has been very prevalent as a result of hunting and poaching, pollution, and deforestation. Throughout the course of the years, hunting has become a tradition for the American culture. Yet, although present day society views it as a hobby, thousands of years ago it was a tactic for survival. Around 2000 B.C hunting became an extreme popularity for the human race that was just starting to appear. As a result, species of animals started to disappear. Studies performed by archaeologists and historians have come to the conclusion that one of the leading factors for animal extinction in the United States are indeed humans. Research shows that when the first sign of human presence began to surface on Earth, the animal population started to decrease. This is largely the result of hunting a significant amount of animals. “As argued in the studies conducted by Paul Recer, a large amount of animals had disappeared over the course of 1,200 years after the fact that humans had traveled to the nation 13,600 years ago (Recer, Paul. "Studies: Human Hunting Led to Extinctions"). In the 21st century hunting has become an unnecessary and detrimental hobby. For instance, in the last twelve months there has been a sharp increase in the number of registered licensed hunters in the United States, the average total has been 16.61 million. Unfortunately, these registered hunters go out and hunt many animals to death. Many even capture animals illegally. As the years have progressed the number of animals in the verge of extinction has increased significantly. The Center for American Progress states that statistics that shows that currently in the United States one out of five animals that consist of a total of 1,300 species is at risk of extinction. Many individuals have grown accustomed to hunting animals for food, clothes and other materials. However, we are taking more than we should and it is having a detrimental impact on the animal population. Many might not find the loss of one species disastrous. Yet, the loss of one can act like the domino effect and wipe out many more species. For Example, in the United States birds are hunted as a fun hobby. Yet, The National Wildlife Federation has recently stated, that over 30% of bird species are threatened by “overexploitation”. Sadly, the Carolina parakeet was hunted to extinction due to the fact that many used its feather for hat decoration and crop protection (Overexploitation). Hunting has become a very large factor that impact animal extinction in the United States. It is a hobby that should be monitored and limited to aid in the regrowth of the animal population. In the 18th century the industrial revolution began in the United States.
While society progressed immensely, it had a detrimental impact on the environment. Many factories began to surface across the nation, however, the factories released harsh chemicals into the atmosphere. As a result, animals unaccustomed the the release of detrimental chemicals in the environment began to die at a rapid rate. Moreover, after the industrial revolution commenced a plethora of factories began to grow. As a result, our pollution levels grew significantly, contaminating the environment for many animals. Factories across the United States are disconcerted with what kind of damage they can cause to animals with the release of toxic chemicals. Yet, not only factories have caused an immense amount pollution across the United States. Most human beings are responsible for the high pollution rates in our nation. Unknowingly at times, we throw out are garbage in incorrect places. Whether it is on the street, a lake, or the ocean, it can have a negative toll on many animals. For instance, there has been a sharp decrease of aquatic life such as fish and other aquatic creatures due to waste in the ocean. In addition, the chemicals released into the atmosphere from factories and hazardous waste had caused acid rain. Acid rain is deleterious to many aquatic animals. Unfortunately, it raises the acidity level in the ocean which is responsible for the death of many aquatic
species. Our society heavily relies on oil. Yet, we tend to forget the repercussions that wildlife can face. When oil spills occur, many animals suffer immensely, they are suffocated by the products being released, their fur or feathers becomes covered with it resulting in death. In 1989, there was a large oil spill from Exxon Valdez, as a result, “A total of 36,466 dead seabirds, 1,015 dead sea otters, and 144 dead bald eagles were recovered from the spill area” (Davis, Jay. "Chapter 11: Wildlife and Pollution"). Deforestation is a leading cause for animal extinction.
Over the years, society has began to destroys habitats in order to either create new houses, plant crops, or simply use trees to construct essential materials. Yet, we are leaving animals without homes resulting in the loss of many species. When a tree is cut down many animals die in the process. Humans are depriving animals of their homes and food supply. When individuals invade their land many may need to relocate unexpectedly and learn to hunt for another food supply. The United States has lost an estimated amount of 949,750 acres of forest to deforestation. These acres provides thousands of home to the animals within in them. Animals such as the northern spotted owl is now on the verge of extinction due to deforestation. In 1974, the tacoma pocket gopher was registered as extinct due to deforestation. Similarly, in 2007 the columbia basin pygmy rabbit was declared extinct. Human construction on forests is having a negative impact on the forest life. It essential to limit the amount of forest space we consume to help avoid the loss of such vital
species. There are multiple factors that are responsible for the extinction of many species across the United States. At times, we are unaware of the negative repercussions that our actions can have on wildlife. It is essential to remain conscious of the impact we hold. Factors such as hunting, pollution, deforestation are responsible for the loss of animals we have endured throughout the course of the years. Unfortunately, as human population has increased, the animal population has sharply decreased. Every day, more species are being declared as endangered. If we do not find a balance between our needs as humans and animal life we could be facing the eradication of several species.