According to experts if we don’t work together
in coming up with ways in which we can stop the rapid decline in numbers of
elephants and the wild big cats we could,
within our generation see the
actual extinction of the these wild animals. This is how important it is that
we create that voice for them since they cannot be heard, they are instead
being eradicated because of greed and because they lack the necessary
information to know how valuable they are to their environment.
Ecological
role
An elephant’s
ecological role is very vast and important such as:
·
Elephants travel long distances in
search of food and water; along the way their feces filled with seeds allows
for new plants to grow.
·
Elephants are key role in maintaining
balance of other species in their community.
·
Maintain large grassland clearing for
other animals.
·
Dig waterholes in dry river beds that
are a water source for other animals.
·
Create pathways in forest for other
animals including humans.
Source:
(96elephants.org)
·
Ecological
role of big cats is to keep the population of other
species in balance with other species with in their communities.
Animal
Protection
The Animal Wilderness Act
(AWA) was enacted in 1966 by congress to govern the humane treatment of
animals. The (AWA) was amended 1970 to protect the wild animals used for
exhibition such as the circus, this was the first law to provide such
protection to wild animal in the US. Never the less, the protection of the
(AWA) proved to have its flaws and gaps which is why the mistreatment was able
to take place, and big Circuses such as Ringling Brother, never got fined for
the many violations they clearly committed. (158 Beverage) The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was created
to protect any animal that is categorized as an endangered species which
prohibits any harm to any animal, such as the African elephant.
Learning about the
issues that these wild animals are experiencing right now is a testament that
we are in need for more laws that protect their rights. We need to ask for our
local governments to ban any use of wild animals in traveling circuses, we also
need to advocate against the illegal trade of ivory and fur skins.
Act
now and help!
Educating our selves
and spreading the word about the harm that these animals are being put through
on a daily basis is something that can help in an enormous way. These animals
are suffering greatly and need someone to be the voice, that voice can be you, friends,
family, teachers, and community leaders. If you are thinking in going to a
circus, support one that doesn't include animal acts. All it takes is someone
to take that first step in having their voice herd, together we can help!
If you are interested in more information please visit these websites where more information can be reached: http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/
http://www.96elephants.org/
Wild
animal conservation society: http://www.wcs.org/
Big Cats Initiative: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/big-cats-initiative/get-involved/
http://blackjaguarwhitetiger.org/
Sources: www.NationalGeographic.com; 96elephants.org; www.wikipidea.com
Images: google.com
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