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When you come across the phrase “endangered species,” you might envision a polar bear gripping a dissolving ice floe or a tiger growling in an Instagram photograph. However, the dilemma of species extinction encompasses a much wider scope — and is much nearer to home — than most individuals comprehend.

What Constitutes an Endangered Species? 

An animal species is classified as endangered when it encounters a substantial risk of extinction in its natural habitat. This implies that the species is disappearing at a much quicker rate than anticipated. It serves as a cautionary indicator for researchers and other fauna in the ecosystem. 

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), over 47,000 species globally are at risk of extinction. That equates to more than one-fourth of all evaluated species that the IUCN monitors through the Red List. 

These creatures are disappearing before we entirely grasp their function in the ecosystem or even become aware of their absence. A striking instance is the Indian Vulture Crisis. In the 1990s, more than 100 million vultures were present in India. By the early 2000s, their population had plummeted by 97%. 

But why should we be concerned about dwindling vulture numbers? It turns out that their decline was linked to a medication left in cow remains, which are the vultures’ primary food source. Without vultures to dispose of deceased livestock, India’s wild dog population surged, resulting in a rise in rabies cases. One study approximated that nearly 50,000 individuals perished as a consequence. 

What Leads to Species Endangerment? 

Endangerment rarely arises from a solitary factor. It is frequently the outcome of intersecting pressures that include:  

• destruction of habitat, 
• competition from other species, 
• pollution, 
• and illness.

Dr. Sonia Hernandez, a wildlife veterinarian and Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor at the University of Georgia, indicates that many threats are associated with human activities. These can occur directly, like deforestation or severe agricultural practices, or indirectly, through non-native species inadvertently introduced via cargo transport, leading to competition with indigenous species. 

For many of these species, genetic diversity is a crucial factor determining their survival through crises. Genetic variety influences how species respond to challenges like diseases or extreme weather conditions, and this principle applies to animals as well. 

“If you have a population of animals with varied genetics,” Hernandez noted, “the likelihood that every single individual will fall ill and perish is significantly lower than if they are closely related and react to a disease in a similar manner.” 

The Threat of Disease in Extinction 

Illness plays a significant role in pushing species toward extinction. This is particularly relevant for populations already stressed by habitat destruction or pollution. 

“With the exception of newly emerging pathogens, disease is usually the final factor that leads to species extinction,” says Hernandez. “It’s the last straw after they’ve been impacted by pollutants or forced into substandard habitats or have lost their food sources to other species.” 

Some illnesses are endemic, meaning they have coexisted with an animal population for extensive periods. Many even play beneficial roles in preventing overpopulation, hindering dominant species from overtaking an area, and fostering stronger genetic lines. Conversely, others are novel, introduced pathogens, frequently transported by humans.

For instance, the chytrid fungus disseminated among amphibians via global trade. It infected over 500 species and is thought to be responsible for the extinction of more than 90 of them. In the early 20th century, avian malaria was introduced to Hawaii as human travel brought mosquitoes and the malaria-causing parasite to the islands. The disease led to substantial declines in bird populations, particularly Hawaiian honeycreepers. 

A disease may have minimal effect on a healthy animal. However, when combined with environmental stressors like prolonged droughts and pollution, inadequate nutrition, and low genetic diversity, it can push an already fragile species toward extinction.  

The Ancient Tapir Confronts Modern Threats 

These interlinked threats pose especially severe risks for animals compelled into human proximity, such as the Baird’s Tapir. This tapir is the largest native mammal in Central and South America and has existed for 20 million years.

Despite enduring ice ages and prehistoric predators, this ancient species now faces a contemporary threat. Hernandez has dedicated over 30 years to studying the tapir. She is concerned that as the human population expands, tapirs are increasingly encountering roads, livestock, and agricultural land.

“Encountering cattle, horses, and humans also leads to exposure to the diseases they carry,” said Hernandez. “Tapirs have primarily lived in protected regions, so they lack immunity to them.”

Now, tapirs are suffering from infections that are entirely preventable in livestock. One of the largest contributing factors to this issue is the loss of habitat. As tapirs are driven away from their…
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Residences are disrupted as agricultural operations and export sectors (such as bananas, pineapples, and palm oil) evolve, leading to increased encounters with these illnesses and even incidents involving vehicles.

Hernandez contends that environmental preservation should involve the local populace. Initiatives to reposition tapirs as a resource for ecotourism and facilitators of seed dispersion are gaining momentum. Some landowners permit wildlife excursions on their property, while others implement non-lethal measures to protect both tapirs and their crops.

“Researchers conduct studies that contribute to the preservation of these creatures,” states Hernandez. “However, the engagement and enthusiasm from individuals in these areas are equally vital for ensuring that these populations do not vanish indefinitely.” 

Terrapins at a Crossroads 

In coastal Georgia, another species grapples with various challenges. The diamondback terrapin, once plentiful in Georgia’s ecosystems, is currently experiencing a decline. Mortality due to road traffic, nest predation by raccoons, and unintentional capture in crab traps represent significant threats to this diminutive marsh turtle.  

John Maerz is a wildlife ecologist, Carey Distinguished Professor of Forestry and Natural Resources, and Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Georgia. He has been examining terrapin populations nationally and collaborating with local communities to mitigate their decline.

Maerz’s methodology goes beyond mere research—it encompasses actionable conservation. His team partners with local authorities and residents to develop turtle-friendly roadways and enhance public understanding.

“We cannot simply erect a massive barrier or relocate the roads,” he mentioned. “Such actions would impact how individuals engage with transportation. It can be costly and lead to safety concerns. We need to devise solutions that are economically feasible, visually appealing, and pragmatic.”

Terrapins often find their way into crab pots during low tide, and the returning tide ensnares them. This leads to bycatch, the unintentional capture of non-target species. Unable to surface for air, they risk drowning within a few hours.

At first glance, the extinction of a single animal species may appear inconsequential, but the consequences can extend outward in unforeseen ways.

“Animal and plant populations rely on their connections to other species,” notes Maerz. “Every time we lose a population of a species, it undermines the resilience of others, creating a broader extinction debt.” 

Why Should We Be Concerned About Endangered Species? 

Every creature, including the terrapin, is an essential component of the ecosystem, asserts Maerz. Frogs regulate insect populations, which include disease-carrying mosquitoes. Elephants, due to their large size, modify environments to create habitats for smaller species. Bats spread seeds from fruits, facilitating forest regrowth and enhancing plant variety.

“Many people dislike bats or insects, yet around 85% of the food we consume requires pollination,” remarked Maerz. “If an apple had to be pollinated by hand using a paintbrush, that would make for a very costly apple.”

The initial step toward enhanced conservation is simply recognizing how intertwined we are with our surroundings. The subsequent step? Pose the appropriate questions. 

“When it comes to managing animal populations, we should maintain our curiosity,” Maerz advised. “Ask yourself, ‘What is that creature? What role does it play? Why am I observing fewer of them?’ Much of the critical knowledge we have about animals today stems from someone’s curiosity.”

Every county in Georgia has an Extension agent available to address those inquiries. Numerous states have comparable outreach initiatives, as we regard wildlife as a collective resource. By law, both the state Department of Natural Resources and the federal government oversee those resources, which encompass habitat restoration, fisheries management, and the protection of endangered species.

“All of us collectively own the wildlife in this nation, as do every other American and taxpayer,” remarked Maerz. “When I study a frog, it’s your frog. It is our duty to manage these creatures and sustain the ecosystem in a manner that satisfies both wild species and human needs.”

By being observant of what is absent, what is new, and what piques our interest, we can each contribute to ensuring that these species exist not solely in textbooks and documentaries but continue to thrive in our surroundings. 

The post Vanishing Wildlife: The Facts about Endangered Species appeared first on UGA Today.

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