World Wildlife Day will need to refocus and combat the loss of natural habitats for ecosystem restoration. As we celebrate World Wildlife Day on March 3, the planet needs to focus on habitats rehabilitation to halt the loss of wild species in the ecosystem.
World Wildlife Day aims to cherish the planet's wildlife and biodiversity, as well as raise awareness of the world's wild fauna and flora. It is also a day that aims to remind us about the plants and animals we share the planet with, and how we can combat the loss of their natural habitats in order to restore the ecosystem.
The theme for this year’s World Wildlife Day is "Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration", a theme meant to draw attention to the conservation status of some of the most critically endangered species of wild fauna and flora, and to drive discussions towards imagining and implementing solutions to conserve them.
Habitat Loss Equals Loss of Wild Species in The Ecosystem
Habitat loss is the primary threat to the survival of wild species in the ecosystem. The world loses enough wild species every three seconds due to human invasion of wild spaces, putting additional stress on the already weakened ecosystems. The invasion also renders entire habitats functionally unable to support the species present. When an animal loses their natural home that it needs to survive, its numbers decline rapidly, and it moves toward extinction. Loss of some species in the ecosystem results to a misbalance as all species need the other to thrive.
Across the globe, wildlife plays a pivotal role in community livelihoods as well the rich diversity of human cultures on our planet. Destruction of wild habitats means a decline in wild populations, posing social, cultural and economic challenges.
Continued loss of habitats and ecosystems threatens the lives of millions of wildlife. Humans also consequently suffer as they largely depend on wildlife to meet their needs; from food, fuel, medicines, housing, and clothing. -Says Dr. Judy Kimaru, Director at APAA.
According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, over 8,400 species of wild fauna and flora are critically endangered due to habitat loss. Based on these estimates, it is suggested that over a million species are threatened with extinction.
There are several ways that we can ensure recovery of species for ecosystem restoration.
Donation to conservation groups involved in ecosystem restoration,
Restoring natural vegetation in the wild
Cessation of farming and occupation in wildlife spaces
Eradicating invasive exotic species.
Setting aside lands for natural reserves
This year, APAA aims to drive the debate towards reversing the fate of the most critically endangered species, by supporting the restoration of their habitats and ecosystems and promoting their sustainable use by humanity. Thriving ecosystems will further support animals’ lives and livelihoods.
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