Wildlife Conservation
by There are four major reasons for wildlife destruction: we are killing wildlife for food, for fun, and for luxury goods we could do without; we collect exotic animals for pets, and plants to decorate the home; we are destroying their habitats for own use; and we are poisoning wildlife with our wastes.
Many species are declining because of a growing world-wide demand for animals and plants and their by-products. This international wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions of dollars a year, and up to a quarter of it is illegal.
An international treaty, called CITES, has been signed by 150 nations since 1973. It seeks to prohibit trade in the rarest 600 or so species threatened with extinction, and requires a permit and a certificate showing country of origin to export 25000 more which might be threatened if trade is not controlled and monitored.
Each member country compiles annual trade reports and has scientific authorities to provide the expertise on which wildlife import and export approvals are based. In most countries CITES laws are enforced by customs officers.
By-products of animals such as furs, ivory, and tortoiseshell, as well as rhinoceros horn and tiger bones, are protected. Unfortunately, some nations still import huge quantities of illegally obtained species and products so the trade in wildlife still thrives.
Some farmers plough up unique habitats out of ignorance, so there must be better communication between conservationists and farmers. Farmers can also plant native species of trees and shrubs where farming is difficult. In addition, it is wasteful to spray crops so regularly that every pest is killed. Insect traps can be used to estimate pest numbers so that farmers can be warned if pests increase to danger level, then they can spray at the best time for maximum effect.
The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group was formed in 1969 to promote environmentally responsible farming. It gives advice and guidance on maintaining habitats including field margins, wetlands, watercourses, and woodlands, as well as on pollution control, waste management, and the application of agricultural chemicals.
There are currently around 4300 Sites of Special Scientific Interest nationally. These are protected by the National Parks and Access to the countryside Act of 1949. Local authorities must be notified of any activity which could damage an SSSI and may assess any potential impact, but this has not prevented continual damage to over 300 of them a year. According to government advisors, at least 45 per cent of them are in an unfavourable condition. Better laws are urgently required.
What you can do for wildlife:
· Never uproot wild plants, or take birds’ eggs.
· Never leave fish hooks or lead weights where they can be swallowed by animals. The fish hooks will injure them and lead will poison them.
· Never start fires or leave litter in the countryside.
· Start a wildlife garden:grow nectar-rich plants, e.g. aubretia, buddleia, bugle, hemp agrimony, hyssop, marjoram, red valerian, sweet william; grow ivy and other thick climbers for nesting birds, spiders, and insects; piles of rocks, rubble, or logs make excellent hiding places for amphibians, spiders, and insects and many other invertebrates and; put up as many bird and bat boxes as you can.
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