International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 104 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 104 Calling for the Protection of Endangered Animals on International Biodiversity Day Received: 19 May, 2024 Accepted: 22 May, 2024 Published: 25 May, 2024 This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: 2024, Calling for the protection of endangered animals on International Biodiversity Day, International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 14(3): 104 (doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0012) ay 22nd is International Biodiversity Day, a special day to remind us to focus on and protect the rich diversity of life on Earth. At this important moment, we call on the international community to work together to protect wildlife, especially the ecosystems of endangered species. Biodiversity is not only a rich expression of life on Earth but also the foundation of our human survival and development. It provides clean air and water, fertile soil, abundant food resources, as well as numerous medicinal plants and industrial materials. However, with the expansion of human activities, the survival environments of many species are severely threatened, and biodiversity is decreasing at an alarming rate. Endangered species are one of the most obvious signs of the biodiversity crisis. The numbers of these species are declining sharply, and many are on the brink of extinction. The main reasons include habitat loss, overhunting, pollution, and climate change. These factors not only threaten the survival of endangered species but also disrupt the balance of entire ecosystems. In terms of protecting endangered species, the international community has made some important progress. For example, the Convention on Biological Diversity is a key legal framework for the protection of biodiversity worldwide, and many countries have also formulated and implemented various conservation laws and policies. However, laws and policies alone are not enough; actual conservation actions are key. Let’s look at some specific examples of endangered animals to more clearly understand the urgency of protecting them: Spotted Owl in British Columbia, Canada The Spotted Owl is one of the most endangered birds in Canada. Due to habitat loss and excessive logging, their numbers have drastically decreased. Currently, the conservation efforts for Spotted Owls are focused on protecting their habitats and increasing their numbers through captive breeding programs. Hainan Gibbon in Hainan Island, China The Hainan Gibbon is one of the most endangered primates in the world, with fewer than 30 individuals remaining, all living in the tropical rainforests of Hainan Island. The key to protecting them lies in protecting and restoring their habitats and strengthening law enforcement to prevent illegal hunting and habitat destruction. Andean Bear in the High Altitude Wetlands of the Andes Mountains, South America The Andean Bear, also known as the Spectacled Bear, is the only bear species in South America, primarily living in the high-altitude wetlands and forests of the Andes Mountains. Due to habitat loss and human activity interference, their numbers are rapidly decreasing. Conservation measures include establishing protected areas and reducing human activities’ impact on their habitats. African Elephant in Serengeti National Park, Africa The African Elephant is one of the largest land animals on Earth, but due to the ivory trade and habitat loss, they face serious survival threats. Protecting African elephants requires the international community to jointly combat illegal ivory trade and protect their natural habitats. Great Barrier Reef Turtle in Australia The Great Barrier Reef Turtle faces multiple threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution. Protecting these turtles is key to protecting the marine environment, reducing pollution, and taking measures to address climate change. On this International Biodiversity Day, we have a unique opportunity to make our voices heard. By advocating for comprehensive and immediate implementation of plans, we can challenge the status quo and prioritize ecological health over industrial interests. Our goal must be to establish a future that prioritizes ecosystem health, endangered species, and our right to a sustainable future. Collective action can amplify our impact. It is our shared responsibility to protect the land and water. By demanding strong legal protections for biodiversity, we fulfill this responsibility and work towards a sustainable future. We urge our readers and the scientific community to join us in this important effort. Let us not only celebrate biodiversity with words but also ensure the preservation for future generations through meaningful actions. M The Editorial Open Access
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