By michael vivar
Mainstream wildlife conservation began during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries in the United States and Canada. Ironically, one of the major boosters was President Theodore Roosevelt who wanted to preserve species for hunting.
In his zeal, Roosevelt established national parks in America which protect the natural beauty of the United States and have since been called one of "America's Greatest Ideas."
Ensuing decades have seen United Nations natural World Heritage Sites maintained to ensure the world's most stunning wonders are safe from destruction. It's not just superficial beauty that makes conservation crucial.
The Earth's ecosystem exists in a delicate balance. A wide range of biodiversity fosters stability in every aspect of the planet. Observe how conservation has a direct, significant impact on humanity.
Forests are the source of oxygen and air filtering that fosters all life on the this pale blue dot. Clear cutting tropical jungles in the global South literally chokes the breath out of humanity and contributes to climate change.
Poaching apex predators is a favorite "sport" of so-called hunters. When species such as tigers and wolves become endangered, their herbivore prey strip the land of crops and wild flora.
Oceanic pollution is bleaching and killing coral reefs around the world. Like terrestrial forests, these undersea biomes nurture myriad hosts of life, each contributing to planetary health.
Sometimes superficiality is a valuable argument for conservation. Monoculture farming has devastated fruit species like the gros Michel banana and many pear varieties. There was a time when fruit wasn't as mealy and tasteless.
The same is true for animals. Pandas are endangered and cute, the Florida Bonneted Bat is less attractive to some. Conversely, they are invaluable for controlling malarial mosquito populations in the Southwest US.
Wildlife conservation isn't something that should be taken for granted because you believe it doesn't affect your everyday life. It really does affect your everyday life.
"It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know of wonder and humility." - Rachel Carson, author and environmentalist