Endangerment of species has become a major concern today. But not much can be said with confidence about the marine species that are on the verge of endangerment. Most of us only know about the endangered status of Penguins, Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Seals. But there is much more to know about than just Penguins, Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Seals.
To begin with, the ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface and home to the majority of living creatures. Till now humankind has considered ocean as a source of infinite resources because of its vast size and depth and unexplored frontiers. But pollution, over-fishing and over-hunting, mining, the destruction of the oceans’ richest areas, the massive occupation of the coasts and the alteration of their chemical composition and temperature are posing a great threat to this over 400 billion years old ecosystem. The populations of many species are decreasing at an unsustainable rate. The species listed as endangered from marine life families such as whales, dolphins, manatees and dugongs, salmon, seabirds, sea turtles, and shark are just a few names. According to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 620 marine animal species or specie population has been listed as extinct, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable, and the numbers are increasing.
Over and above, the threats to marine species are difficult to perceive because marine animals are not as visible as animals on land. But they are equally, vulnerable to problems such as habitat destruction and overexploitation. Animals living in shallow waters that breathe air, like turtles, manatees, dugongs, and whales are often hit by boats and caught in fishing gear. Species such as turtles that lay their eggs on land often lose their nurseries due to coastal development.
Not only are turtles at risk but also seahorses, the most intriguingly, spectacular and interesting creatures are under a great threat too. They are traded for making ornaments, souvenirs and medicines. The Cape seahorse or Knysna seahorse endemic in South Africa is one of the endangered seahorse specie. Found only in a few estuaries, its habitat is threatened because of development, water pollution and frequent floods in this area. Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that happened last year has taken a long and terrible toll over the marine life. Dwarf Seahorses already struggling prior to the oil spill are now on the verge of extinction. By far eight species are classified as threatened (vulnerable or endangered).
Nature is the art of GOD and we are destroying it for our selfish reasons unaware of it consequences. Think about it!!
Reference: Illustrated Encyclopedia of endangered animals.
