“Every creature on the earth is a masterpiece, but some are at risk of disappearing eternally. Let’s take action to protect our threatened wildlife before it’s too late.”
As usual, the sun’s rays fell on the earth, while giving light from the smallest insect to the largest mammal on the planet. Yet, today it delivers more specialty in reminding us that every animal and plant has a right to exist. Today is the Threatened Species Day in Australia, a day to raise awareness of the many animals and plants that are on the brink of extinction. The underlying cause for the date is as follows. On 07th September 1936, the last Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacine) died in captivity, from the cold after being locked out of its sleeping quarters in Hobart Zoo, Australia. After sixty years in 1996, the same date was established as National Threatened Species Day in Australia to commemorate the death of Thylacine.
This day calls attention to the importance of protecting Australia’s wildlife including 2000 plants and animal species that are listed as at risk of demise. Similarly, it spotlights a remembrance of the impact of human activities on wildlife not only in Australia but also on the importance of recognizing the amazing diversity in the whole world and the urgent need to protect it globally for the betterment of a sustainable future.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the global authority to maintain a red list of threatened species. Presently, there are over 30,000 varieties under threat on the list including iconic species such as tigers, rhinos, and even elephants. One of the major problems that these animals and plants face is habitat devastation. With the expansion of the human population, urbanization, and agricultural purposes have risen and natural domains are being destroyed. Apart from that, climate change is another factor in which unpredictable weather patterns affect species that struggle to adapt. Pollution, chemicals and waste products, over-exploitation, and hunting are also some challenges these species face.
But there is hope. Across the world, passionate conservationists are working tirelessly to safeguard threatened species and their domains. They have taken actions such as measures of protected areas, habitat restoration, and captive breeding programs. We also can play a vital role in this endeavor by reducing our carbon footprints. Because every action we take can count. We must remember that we share this earth with numerous other creatures and that their survival is intimately linked to our own. So, let’s take a moment to reflect on the beauty and diversity of life on earth and work together to ensure that we do everything in our power to protect it, for ourselves and future generations.
Written By: –
Rtr. Sethmi Navoda
(Blog Team Member 2023-24)
