What is Biodiversity? This is described as the variety of life which consists of different species, ecosystems, populations, and genes. Why is it important to preserve endangered species? It is important to prevent plants and animals from vanishing. People, governments and societies must join hands to protect wild places like jungles. This is crucial to our wellbeing and the future of younger generations. Unfortunately, endangered species all over the world are being wiped out.

Cecil the Lion

Take the case of the famous Cecil the Lion. The priced cat was shot dead by an American dentist during an illegal lion hunt at the Hwange National Park of Zimbabwe last April. This hunter along with the guide and land owner where the hunting occurred has been accused of illegal hunting under the Parks and Wildlife Act of Zimbabwe.

The environment minister of this African nation has already urged the United States Government to extradite the dentist who shot Cecil the Lion. Zimbabwe’s authorities started legal proceedings and hope the US will cooperate. Fortunately, Jericho (another lion) was reported alive following the retraction made by members of Zimbabwe’s Conservation Task Force that the animal was also killed by poachers.

Endangered Species Act

This unfortunate and despicable act is just an indication that there has been brazen disregard for the conservation of species which are in danger of extinction.

In the United States, the ESA or Endangered Species Act is one of the country’s most effective and principal environmental legislation. The Act embodies the commitment of Americans to collaborate in protecting and restoring species which are at risk of becoming extinct. According to recent surveys, more than 80 percent of citizens support this law and agree that the safety measure has been successful in the protection of wildlife and plants. Ironically, an American professional was responsible for violating a similar law in another country.

What happened to Cecil the Lion prodded a lawmaker from the State of New Jersey to introduce a measure named after the animal that will contest game hunting of potentially threatened or endangered animal species. Senator Roberto Menendez revealed his CECIL Act: Conserving Ecosystems by Ceasing the Importation of Large Animal Trophies Act, in a press statement. The bill seeks to expand import and export restrictions in the US to species proposed for inclusion in the Endangered Species Act.

As early as October, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service suggested listing the African Lion as under threat. However, the agency has not finalized details of the protection. The US senator remarked the lion’s killing could have been averted if stipulations of the Endangered Species Act were widened.

Zimbabwe Wildlife

Wild animals in Zimbabwe can be found in the far-flung national parks as well as private ranch areas. These are spread over the Miombo Forest and serve as habitat for lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, rhinoceros, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. The Wildlife Conservation Act (1960) was able to stop the loss of flora and fauna in this part of Africa. In fact, it is one of the African countries that became known for conservation and management of wildlife. It has a board with 12 members who handle policy concerns under the Environment & Natural Resources Management Ministry. It oversees activities in 10 national parks, four safari grounds, nine recreational facilities, three sanctuaries, and four botanical gardens. World Wide Fund for Nature

Meanwhile, the World Wide Fund for Nature is a global NGO created in April of 1961. It deals with matters of conservation, restoration and research of the environment. The organization used to be called the World Wildlife Fund. This name is still recognized in the US and Canada. This is the biggest conservation group all over the world with more than five million advocates. It operates in over 100 countries and gives support to roughly 1,300 environmental and conservation projects.

The WWF also obtains financial subsidy from the United States Agency for International Development, World Bank and Department for International Development of the United Kingdom. Some multinational corporations also help fund this program. The mission of the NGO is to prevent the dreadful conditions of the natural environment in this planet and develop the condition so human beings can live harmoniously with nature. At the same time, it is concerned with issues affecting endangered species, biodiversity, climate change, and pollution.

In other words, saving wildlife is at the center of the WWF’s objectives. The animal population is dying (or killed) at a very shocking rate because of hunting, loss of habitation and misuse of the world’s natural resources. The organization simply wants a better life for the world’s wild animals and birds. Overall, this is not only the responsibility of governments, the United Nations, NGOs like the WWF, and the business community. People also need to cooperate and be aware of the importance of this endangered species.