Tigers are a charasmatic mammal used to promote endangered species conservation.
Humans rely on other living organisms for survival. We eat plants and animals and use them for shelter and protection. Modern civilization is built on industries of trade. As a result of human exploitation of the natural world, thousands of species are declining. The effects can be direct, the actual harvest of animal and plant materials, or indirect, the destruction of critical habitats caused by urban development. Of particular concern are animals requiring large or unique habitats and the destruction of animals for plumage or ivory, goods only necessary to sustain luxury trades.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
Migratory species are endangered because of their expansive habitat requirements.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was formed in 1973 when 80 countries met in response to global concern about species extinction. CITES identified species imperiled by international trade. Decades later, countries continue to meet every two years to report on the status of listed species and to consider induction of newly imperiled species. There are currently 126 countries in the Convention. It serves as the international political agreement for the protection of globally endangered species, which may be traded across geopolitical boundaries.
Endangered Species Act
Sea turtles practice philopatry and have low reproductive output.
In the United States, the Endangered Species Act has taken several forms, with the final document being coined The Endangered Species Act of 1973.
The first Act (1966) commenced programs to conserve, restore and propagate imperiled fish and wildlife species. It named the Secretary of the Interior as the governing body over this legislation concern. It also created the National Wildlife Refuge System.
The second Act (1969) authorized a list of imperiled animals and prohibited the trade of any part or whole of these species across American borders. This Act also indicated that prohibitive endangered species legislation from an original country would be honored in the United States.
The final Act (1973) added the provision of habitat protection as it had become clear to the scientific community that protection of the species alone was not enough to improve reproductive rates in endangered populations.
Historic American Endangered Species Legislation
Bald eagles were once a rare sight in America because of overexploitation.
The Lacey Act of 1900 controlled the trade of feathers, which had become rampant when hats with feathers were popularized in Europe. The Lacey Act also addressed interstate transport of other wildlife or wildlife products. It imposed fines, although lack of enforcement undermined the effectiveness of this legislation.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 addressed issues of interstate trade authority and subsequent enforcement issues by making the trade of any migratory bird species illegal.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 prohibited the hunt, trade or sale of any part or whole of bald or golden eagles, as they were the symbol of freedom in America but were a rare sight due to inappropriate exploitation of them.
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