The Dilemma of Extinction

Biological extinction has been a natural phenomena in geological history but the rate of extinction was probably one species every thousand years. Evolution causes populations to adapt to the ecological changes brought about by changing climates and the environment but some species may not possess the genetic diversity to withstand such changes. The sabretoothed cats of the Pleistocene preyed only on mastodon mammoths. The extinction of the prey led to the extinction of the predator. Dinosaurs crumbled under their own heavy and odd bodies. Over recent times, the rate of extinctions is rising at an alarming pace.

Humanity today is on a rampage, changing natural habitats through development pursuits. The process is accelerating the rate of destruction of tropical ecosystems which are the richest in diversity. The human population is likely to exceed 10 billion by 2050. The demands on resources for commercial and subsistence purposes will reach unimaginable heights. With man increasingly parasitising on the net primary productivity of ecosystems, the amount of energy available to support the millions of other kinds of life forms on earth has been greatly reduced. This explains the extinction crisis – common sense does call for caution. One model based on the reduction of available energy suggests that if the current accelerating trends continue half of the earths species might disappear by 2050.

The ravaging of Bio diversity is the single most environmental peril facing civilisation. Biodiversity is a resource for which there is absolutely no substitution. Its loss is irreversible on any time scale of interest to society.

Habitat destruction, excessive hunting and poaching have had a very serious impact on the population of these birds. Increased emphasis on agriculture and associated pesticide pollution and the introduction of exotic weeds in wetlands have also caused deleterious affects on the population of these birds. Ever since man assumed a dominant role on this planet and began exploiting natural resources, the rate of extinction of species increased beyond contemplation. While many species became extinct, others are highly endangered and if immediate steps for conservation are not taken these will be lost to mankind.

Wet lands are complex ecosystems that share the characteristics of both wet and dry environment. They exhibit enormous diversity and are the most productive life support systems with great ecological importance to mankind. They provide suitable habitats for fish, winter resorts for a variety of birds and are a rich source of food, fodder and other important biological products. Ever since man assumed a dominant role in this planet and began exploiting natural resources, the rate of extinction of species increased beyond contemplation. While many species became extinct, others are highly endangered and if immediate steps for conservation are not taken these will be lost to mankind.