Can you imagine a world without wildlife? A morning without the melodious chirping of birds, oceans devoid of dolphins leaping through the waves or whales spouting fountains of sea water, forests silent without the haunting calls of owls or the mighty roar of lions? This is a world we cannot imagine, because it is the one, we should not imagine. The practice of conserving wildlife species along with their natural habitats is called Wildlife conservation. “World Wildlife Conservation Day”, observed annually on December 4th, serves as a global reminder of the urgent need to conserve wildlife and protect endangered species.
History behind World Wildlife Conservation Day
Wildlife plays a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance, yet human actions like illegal poaching, habitat destruction, and wildlife trafficking threaten the survival of many species. The day came into force from the sincere efforts of the then US secretary of state, Ms. Hillary Clinton on 8th November 2012 at ‘The Wildlife Trafficking and Conservation’ event. Clinton quoted,
Wildlife cannot be manufactured. And once it’s gone, it cannot be replenished. Those who profit from it illegally are not just undermining our borders and our economies, they are truly stealing from the next generation.
This initiative, aimed to raise awareness about the devastating effects of illegal wildlife trade and poaching, estimated to cost $7–10 billion annually. The main organizations behind the establishment of this day are the US state department and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Present Statistics: A Grim Reality
According to the Living Planet Report, 2024 by World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the average size of monitored wildlife populations has declined by 73% between 1970 and 2020. The decline has been most severe in freshwater ecosystems, where populations have decreased by 85% on average. In terrestrial ecosystems, the decline has been 69%, and in marine ecosystems, it has been 56%.
As reported by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species, over 41,000 species are currently threatened with extinction–making up for 28 percent of all assessed species.
Some well-known animal species whose populations are at concerning levels includes (According to the World Wildlife Fund):
● Tapanuli orangutan (less than 800 left)
● Tigers (around 3,900 left)
● Giant panda (around 1,890 left)
● Amur leopard (around 100 left)
● Mountain gorilla (around 1,063 left)
● Black rhino (over 6,000 left).
In 2011, over 23 tons of ivory—equivalent to the deaths of at least 2,500 elephants—were seized globally. A 2010 UN report predicted that gorillas could vanish from large parts of the Congo Basin by the mid-2020s.
Not only the wildlife, communities dependent on eco-tourism too face severe economic setbacks, park rangers often risk their lives protecting wildlife.
Challenges to Wildlife in Today’s World
As the human population and our needs are growing, we are leaving less and less room for wildlife. Wildlife faces an array of challenges in today’s world, many of which are driven by human activity:
Habitat Loss and Deforestation: Expanding rate of agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development are encroaching on forests, wetlands, and grasslands, leaving species without their natural homes.
Climate Change: Climate change is quickly becoming the biggest threat for the long-term survival of wildlife species. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, melting ice caps and prolonged droughts are disrupting crucial life cycles like migration and breeding.
Pollution: Plastic waste in oceans harms marine life, while air and soil pollution affect terrestrial species. Toxic chemicals often enter food chains, causing long-term damage.
Illegal Wildlife Trade: Poaching and trafficking continue to decimate populations of elephants, rhinos, and pangolins, driven by demand for ivory, horns, and scales.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: As human populations expand into wildlife habitats, encounters between people and animals increase, often leading to the injury or death of animals.
These challenges highlight the urgent need for collective action to ensure a brighter future where humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously.
How We Can Contribute
World Wildlife Conservation Day is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments alike. It’s the high time we should take action. This global occasion provides us with the opportunity to learn more about wildlife conservation. Here’s how we can contribute:
Raise Awareness: Spread the word about the importance of wildlife conservation and its role in environmental sustainability.
Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade: Support bans on products made from animals, such as ivory, fur, and skins. Advocate for stricter laws to end poaching and trafficking.
Protect Natural Habitats: Advocate for forest preservation and sustainable development to minimize habitat destruction.
Be a Responsible Consumer: Avoid purchasing products linked to wildlife exploitation, such as ornamental ivory or animal-derived fashion items. Opt for cruelty-free and sustainable alternatives.
Support Conservation Efforts: Donate to organizations like the WWF, which train and equip rangers, establish wildlife sanctuaries, and implement conservation policies.
Way Forward
Man shall not live by bread alone. Wildlife species are an integral part of in our environment. The loss of wildlife would be a tragedy for the future generations. On this World Wildlife Conservation Day, let us pledge to take meaningful steps to combat wildlife crime, preserve habitats, and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity. Together, we can make a difference in ensuring a sustainable future for wildlife and humanity alike.
References:
Picture Credit: https://www.ifaw.org/journal/world-most-endangered-animals
Written by:
Susama Khan
BA (H) Geography
2nd year
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