The Reintroduction of Species

The Dodo bird, which is one of the extinct animals.

     Species reintroduction is a huge topic that takes place very frequently in today’s society.  The idea of reintroduction is a great way to help our ecosystems and make sure that certain animal species do not go extinct.  Species Reintroduction is whenever someone will take an animal or group of animals out of their natural habitat to give them a better habitat where they can flourish.  By making sure the numbers of the animals continue to grow while in captivity, the species will continue to get stronger until it is ready to be completely reintroduced to its natural habitat.  These efforts by environmentalists are a large part of the huge conservation movement sweeping the world.  We are starting to understand that humans are the deadliest things on the planet and we need to work against the damage that we have caused and are still causing.  Many of these efforts can be seen in helping ecosystems by returning them their original state through reintroduction. 

     The problem is that humans have been killing ever since we stepped on the planet and we are probably the most egocentric species on the planet.  Animals have started to go instinct and the only way to get them and our ecosystems back to their original form is through humans helping to fix it.  The social problems of the extinct animal is that many organizations like PETA are fighting to keep people more knowledgeable about the tragedy humans are causing.  Our killing has caused many species to suffer greatly and we need to realize the damage that is being done.  The political issues that impact many of these efforts to help out the animals are mostly related to money.  In order to have such a huge project be successful, the project must get funding to follow through in their plans.  And the best way to get funding quickly is through government.  Government’s budgets are often times getting fought over and everybody wants their share of government money.  This is no different for organizations that are trying to get money to help ecosystem’s animal populations.  Also, some laws and rules put into place in certain areas will constrict people’s abilities to reintroduce animals into the wild.

Map of bison reintroduction across the US

     A huge example of the benefits of reintroduction can be seen in northern Colorado.  In Colorado, there used to a very large number of bison that would roam the area.  Since hunting bison has become a fun game for many people, they have started to become endangered, especially on the prairies.  The bison were then taken out of the ecosystem and bred in captivity to ensure that they survived.  In a study, a group of scientists had the pleasure of studying the area’s ecosystems and the bison before and after the reintroduction process.  Before, the area was starting to grow barren and affect the lives of many humans along with all the organisms that relied on it.  After the bison were reintroduced, everything in the area was beginning to grow for the better.  The humans had better water and land to harvest, while the land become healthier.  The bison numbers have been growing ever since this study was held and this is a perfect example of how species reintroduction can help an entire area.  

Sources:

http://source.colostate.edu/one-health-project-examines-ecosystem-health-before-and-after-bison-reintroduction/

http://www.goldeneagletrust.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=660&Itemid=195

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~dallan/nre220/outline23.htm