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“There’s been a lot of discussion about how global climate change affects ocean acidification, and now there’s emerging evidence that the even greater threat is reduced oxygen levels,” says noted conservationist William Laurance of James Cook University. Protecting an astounding diversity of species. These activities threaten everything from elephants and tigers to insects and rare plants. The oceans will also be a big part of the Aichi targets. ... Last year, we wanted to learn more about our neighboring wildlife and put up a series of hidden camera traps along a creek at the GAAP Nature Discovery Center near Valvidia, Chile. “Changes in ocean composition will be a large-scale driver of mortality,” Laurance says. They also affect people by reducing land productivity, reducing opportunities for recreation, altering water supplies, or increasing risk of severe wildfires. Each new threat puts additional stress on already weakened ecosystems and their wildlife. Most recently, a study found that 100 percent of sea turtles had plastic or microplastics in their digestive systems. We work to bring people together through environmental education, community engagement, and other initiatives that will broaden our wildlife constituency and increase prosperity for future generations. “Emerging diseases are increasing in numbers, impacts, and in incidents, and are likely to cause greater losses of species,” says Lips. That could be devastating to one of the world’s most biodiverse regions on the planet, which is often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth.”. That could be devastating to one of the wo… Taking action for wildlife has never been more important. Wildlife Habitat Management Programs USDA offer assistance to landowners with wildlife habitat management issues through its conservation and resource management programs. Johnson expects funding to remain an issue in 2019, as will further attacks against the Endangered Species Act. “Th… ©2021 Wildlife Conservation Society. “Addressing wildlife trade issues and promoting sustainable harvesting are likely to become more important than ever,” he says. “Water temperatures are rising, increased flooding, deforestation, fires, storms — these are all things that affect a species’ existence.” And new threats continue to emerge. (Humans included.) “Some species will undoubtedly decline as a result of climate change, making them rarer and thus potentially even more desirable by those who trade in them,” explains Richard Thomas, global communications coordinator for TRAFFIC, the anti-wildlife-trafficking organization. Conservation issues in the UK, History of the British landscape. “I think our current administration has shown that the environment and conservation are not high priorities,” says Lips. “I think research showing when, where and how species are able to adapt to some changes is promising,” says amphibian biologist Karen Lips of the University of Maryland. Conservation issues are a growing concern for most scientists. Share your thoughts online using the hashtag #Wildlife2019. “The federal government is shirking its duty to protect species and commit to conservation programs,” says Johnson of the Union of Concerned Scientists, who points to three potential rule changes would diminish the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act and other conservation regulations, among many other attacks against the laws. Another species starting the year off on better footing is one of the world’s rarest birds, a duck called the Madagascar pochard (Aythya innotata), just returned to the wild after 15 years thanks to a captive-breeding program in Scotland, of all places. One big problem is that conservationists don’t always know where these roads—legal or otherwise—are being built, and without that information it’s impossible to protect species from development. Human–wildlife conflict is a big problem in many parts of Africa. Saving nature is at the very heart of what we do as WWF. His "Extinction Countdown" column has run continuously since 2004 and has covered news and science related to more than 1,000 endangered species. Important global research like the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species guides our work, and once in-country we mobilize local partners and the community, rapidly assess root-cause issues, and take swift action. Earlier this month, to celebrate National Wildlife Federation Membership Month, we asked supporters like you to vote for your top three wildlife issues. Indeed, that may have also helped inspire last November’s “blue wave,” the newly elected officials from which took office this month. Many of our experts expressed cautious optimism about these new government representatives. “This, in addition to funding cuts for species listings, will put a strain on conservation efforts,” she says. New road and infrastructure projects, many backed by Chinese investment, are currently being carved into critical habitats in Indonesia, Africa, the Amazon and other regions. Most ecosystems are facing multiple threats. Did … Defenders of Wildlife deploys a wide range of tools and tactics, from policy analyses and advocacy, to litigation, innovative science and technology programs and field conservation. “Each individual thing they do will be very subtle and maybe you won’t even know what’s happening on time, but the aggregate effect, I think, will be slowing down a lot of the harmful decisions made by this administration.”. “We haven’t had a camera trap photo of saola since 2013 and no biologist has ever seen one in the wild,” says Mayer from Global Wildlife Conservation. Here are some big issues that experts say we should be watching in 2019: Of course, climate change will continue to threaten species around the world in 2019. Key Conservation Issues (KCIs) are large-scale conservation issues or threats that affect or potentially affect many species and habitats over large landscapes throughout the state. Wildlife didn’t have an easy go of it in 2018. First, we continue to learn more about how plastic waste affects wildlife and the environment. Former president Andry Rajoelina, whose previous tenure was marked by a dramatic increase in illegal logging, deforestation and biodiversity loss, was reelected last month, although as of press time the election remains mired in protests and accusations of fraud. Among the greatest threats to wildlife are the Trump administration and similar politicians around the world, such as Brazil's new far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, who took office last week and immediately moved to undermine indigenous rights in his country. Winners were announced in six categories - Animal Portrait, Habitat, Behavior, Conservation Issues, Creative Nature and Young Photographer - with an … As fish and wildlife and their habitats feel the pressure from stressors like drought, wildfire, invasive species, sea level rise, development, and other challenges, Landscape Conservation Cooperatives are supporting investments in applied science that are helping to ensure the long-term vitality of species are hunted and fished and open recreational access for all. As this road-building goes on, governments around the world face a tight deadline to protect some of their most pristine wildlife habitats—or at least say they’re doing so. “Some people are calling this ‘the great dying.’ ”. In our Kilimanjaro landscape in Kenya, for example, only three elephants died in 2015 from poachers engaged in the illegal wildlife trade—but 24 were killed due to human–elephant conflict. He cautions, though, that some of these could be established in places where there’s no fish or other species to protect, or no system in place in which to protect what’s there. We act to protect, restore, and connect the intricate patchwork of lands and waters that our wildlife call home. John lives on the outskirts of Portland, Ore., where he finds himself surrounded by animals and cartoonists. With more and more plastic being produced every day, this will be a major focus of research and conservation the coming year. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is an international non-governmental organization working on the issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the environment, formerly named the World Wildlife Fund, which remains its official name in Canada and the United States. You can learn about them here…: As leaders in wildlife science, management and conservation, The Wildlife Society has a responsibility to address national and international issues that affect the current and future status of wildlife in North America and throughout the world. As a consequence, conservation workers, in their struggle to protect the natural environment, are likely to become antagonized toward people. Contact Information. Another factor in conservation policy has been the type of species facing extinction. “They could end up being paper parks—parks in name only,” he says. This review highlights the major issues about wildlife life extinction, endangerment and conservation. This may also mean keeping an eye out on the Trump administration’s continuing efforts to promote big-game hunting and resulting trophy imports by its wealthy patrons. The Issues We Work On T he Wyoming Wildlife Federation is focused on issues surrounding Wyoming’s wildlife, habitat and outdoor opportunities. Meanwhile, a similar—if not even more extensive—proliferation of illegal roads is being constructed around the world by loggers, miners, poachers and other extractive industries. Hidden cameras reveal big wildlife conservation issues! This post first appeared on The Revelator on January 7, 2019. “We need to watch out for the pro-trade agenda” like this past year’s attempt by China to legalize the medicinal trade in rhino horns and tiger parts, cautioned Rhishja Cota, founder of the wildlife advocacy organization Annamiticus. There will be more blood, more habitat loss, more legislative attacks and more extinctions—but at the same time, there will also be signs of hope and progress on many levels. Plastic is accumulating in the world’s oceans at a staggering rate. Wildlife Conservation To ensure wildlife thrive in the face of 21st-century challenges, we call for measures to recover America’s declining wildlife populations and protect species at risk. Confronted with climate change and a host of other environmental issues, we act to advance climate and clean energy solutions that will safeguard our wildlife and our communities. Without that, conservation—and species—will lose ground every day. Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) Of course, climate change will continue to threaten species around the world in 2019. “The impacts of climate change aren’t showing signs of slowing, and this administration refuses to recognize it,” saysCharise Johnsonof the Union of Concerned Scientists. "The new president in Brazil could unravel 50 years of progress for species, tropical forests and indigenous people," said Lindsay Renick Mayer, associate director of communications for Global Wildlife Conservation. Many conservation efforts have highlighted endangered mammals and … Wildlife face a variety of problems; most of the animals admitted each year to the Center are admitted due to human-related causes. or a conservation breeding program in Vietnam. Subscribers get more award-winning coverage of advances in science & technology. A study published last month found that ocean deoxygenation could have a major impact on zooplankton, one of the building blocks for the ocean food web. “The risk of losing the amazing biodiversity of Madagascar is always a big story and it could get worse now,” Mayer says. Our record speaks for itself. John R. Platt is the editor of The Revelator. Here are a few more factors predicted to play a big role in 2019. To ensure wildlife thrive in the face of 21st-century challenges, we call for measures to recover America’s declining wildlife populations and protect species at risk. Pesticides Are Killing Off the Andean Condor, 32 Orchid Species Feared Extinct in Bangladesh. “I think that has a dampening effect on the actions of the federal agencies.”, There’s a potential positive side to this, she adds: “I have heard, however, that historically this produces increased donations to NGOs and increased activism by citizens.”. Scientific American is part of Springer Nature, which owns or has commercial relations with thousands of scientific publications (many of them can be found at, Swampy Thing: The Giant New Salamander Species Discovered in Florida and Alabama, Hawaii's Snail Extinction Crisis: "We're Just Trying to Stop the Bleeding", deoxygenation could have a major impact on zooplankton, Horizon Scan of Emerging Issues for Global Conservation in 2019, undermine indigenous rights in his country, dramatic increase in illegal logging, deforestation, three potential rule changes would diminish the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act, could wipe out the newly discovered Tapanuli orangutan, more and more plastic being produced every day, legalize the medicinal trade in rhino horns and tiger parts. Among the greatest threats to wildlife are the Trump administration and similar politicians around the world, such as Brazil’s new far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, who took office last week and immediately moved to undermine indigenous rights in his country. When wildlife is in danger, they can't speak up for themselves—so we speak for them. We believe that the human element in conservation is critical to … Which of these threats to wildlife and endangered species do you worry about most in the coming year—or which additional threats do you think also need to be discussed? Most countries haven’t come close to that goal yet. “I think one of the biggest stories of the year is going to be what Democratic House oversight of the Trump administration can do for environmental policy,” says shark scientist David Shiffman. The National Wildlife Federation Action Fund’s critical areas of focus include. Meanwhile, on top of the obvious weather-related changes, climate change could create an additional unexpected threat to some species: wildlife trafficking. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. We’re fighting for key legislation and other actions that will protect and restore our valuable water resources from the devastating effects of pollution, climate change, and other threats. “They don’t often get the attention that climate change does, and the time scale is accelerated.”. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (Redirected from List of conservation issues) This is an alphabetical list of environmental issues, harmful aspects of human activity on the biophysical environment. Because so many scientists are studying it, we’re learning more and more about its effects. Other incredibly rare species likely to benefit from similar programs this year include the Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) and maybe even the rarely seen saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis). Mayer adds that the recent election in Madagascar could be just as bad. Discover world-changing science. So with that rough bit of recent history, what does 2019 hold? Threatened and endangered species play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. But outside of Washington, things are speeding up. Conservation issues include the protection of trees, animals and wetlands. Thus, wildlife conservators who adopt a biocentric stance see their responsibility as protecting the ecosystem from people whose actions are perceived as harming the natural environment. F or 83 years, the Wyoming Wildlife Federation has been the voice for sportsmen and women of Wyoming – advocating on their behalf for the healthy, intact, and fully functioning ecosystems – providing outdoor opportunities and finding common ground through our initiatives and campaigns. According to the just-released “ Horizon Scan of Emerging Issues for Global Conservation in 2019 ” (the tenth annual edition of this study), climate-change induced release of … Wildlife Conservation The value of American wildlife spans economic, ecological, and spiritual realms. Infographic Restoring Wolves at Isle Royale Through years-long advocacy efforts by National Parks Conservation Association, the National Park Service will bring more wolves to Isle Royale National Park, an island in Lake Superior. Today our nation faces a myriad of issues that threaten to impact our wildlife and our environment for centuries to come. We deliver measurable, boots-on-the-ground, solutions. An award-winning environmental journalist, his work has appeared in Scientific American, Audubon, Motherboard, and numerous other magazines and publications. “You’ll probably see a lot of new, large marine protected areas established in the next year,” says Shiffman. Much of this stems from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a development strategy to build extractive industries in 70 nations around the globe along with overland roads, ports, railways and pipelines to exploit them. From forest and farms to national monuments or tribal lands, we advocate for the protection of natural resources and the management of these lands to support healthy wildlife populations. It’s been hard to miss some of the shocking facts about our plastic waste recently. Wildlife need unspoiled spaces to thrive. Annually, The Wildlife Society determines the top policy priorities that guide our activities. “That’s a very rough average, but it gives you an idea of the magnitude of the problem.”. “The impacts of climate change aren’t showing signs of slowing, and this administration refuses to recognize it,” says Charise Johnson of the Union of Concerned Scientists. Read more; Ocean plastic pollution. According to the just-released “Horizon Scan of Emerging Issues for Global Conservation in 2019” (the tenth annual edition of this study), climate-change induced release of carbon from polar ice will further worsen global warming, while the release of mercury from thawing permafrost will create a toxic threat for animals, plants and soil. Wildlife are under threat from many different kinds of human activities, from directly destroying habitat to spreading invasive species and disease. The red wolf and Florida grasshopper sparrow captive-breeding programs may save those species from extinction in 2019. A related issue in the Arctic also appears to be another emerging threat. March 17, ... published a report on the role Britain’s 2,600 golf courses can play in providing sanctuaries for birds and other wildlife, especially in rough and out-of-bounds areas, which account for some 140,000 hectares across the country. It’s going to be a rough year, but we’ll also see some progress. 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