Actions and Attitudes Endangered Species Handbook

Vanishing Species

Actions and Attitudes

Biologists, conservationists, government officials and many members of the public are regarding the rise in the number of extinctions and endangered species with great alarm. The United Nations has found that species and habitats are being lost at an "unprecedented rate" (Stevens 1997c). The need for effective action has never been greater. Fortunately, concurrent with the general deterioration of the environment and wildlife populations, programs for the preservation of rare species have mushroomed, along with a new compassion for animals. These programs address the status of a small number of species, and if expanded to include a far greater percentage of threatened species, the extinction rate would decline.

Some conservation efforts to preserve endangered species have had remarkable success, while others have had mixed results. The expenditure of large sums of money to save some endangered species has not automatically resulted in an increase in their numbers. It is a common misconception that endangered species, once accorded legal and habitat protection, will survive and increase in number. Unfortunately, many species have died out in spite of conservation measures on their behalf. Through examination of failed programs, fewer mistakes can be made in the future.

Page 1 (Tigers)
Page 2 (Elephants)
Page 3 (Bears)
Page 4 (Sharing Earth)
Page 5 (Land Ownership)
Page 6 (Turtles)
Page 7 (Birds)
Page 8 (Bats)
Page 9 (Introduced & Exotic Animals)
Page 10 (Preservation)
Page 11 (Education)
Page 12 (Government)
Page 13 (Tools)