Animals brought back from extinction

01 Oct Animals brought back from extinction

Posted at 08:14h in Climate Change, Environment by
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A mass extinction is a short period of geological time in which a high percentage of biodiversity, or distinct species—bacteria, fungi, plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates—dies out. In this definition, it’s important to note that, in geological time, a ‘short’ period can span thousands or even millions of years.

 

The planet has experienced five previous mass extinction events, the last one occurring 65.5 million years ago which wiped out the dinosaurs from existence. Experts now believe we’re in the midst of a sixth mass extinction.

 

The other five extinctions in Earth history have been caused by dramatic natural causes. This sixth one is human induced. Unlike previous extinction events caused by natural phenomena, the sixth mass extinction is driven by human activity, primarily (though not limited to) the unsustainable use of land, water and energy use, and climate change. 

From 412 breeding pair of bald eagles, in 1950s there are now 320,000 individual birds. To prevent their extinction, Congress passed The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940, which prevents the hunting or shooting of bald eagles. IUCN lists the birds as Least Concern
In 1970 there were only hundreds of blue whales left in the oceans due to whale hunting. In 1966 they received complete protection under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. Now it is estimated that there are between 10-20,000 which is 10% of the population pre whale hunting times. IUCN lists them as Endangered.
In the 1970s there were only a few thousand Giant Galapogos tortoises left. Legal protections now restrict hunting, trade, and the export of Galapagos tortoises, and conservationists closely monitor their numbers. Captive breeding programs have helped numbers reached 15,000. IUCN lists them as Vulnerable.
Scientists actually thought that the Southern White rhino had gone extinct when they found a population of 20 in 1895. There are now 21,000 individuals living on reserves , in zoos and some in the wild. They are considered by the IUCN as Near Threatened
The Giant pandas numbered only 1000 in the 1970s. Strict laws in China preventing the hunting or trade of pandas and established reserves have helped these animals come back from extinction. There are about 3000 in the wild. IUCN considers then to be Vulnerable
A document is available by the ICUN which tells you about the status of animals that are heading for extinction. It is called the red list.

Source 1 information

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IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature have a red list of threatened species

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