All humans are born with free will, giving each one the ability to commit any flaw or error that he or she so chooses. Humans take great advantage of this freedom of mind, but sadly go overboard by using it in ways that can often be selfish and potentially harmful. People have the tendency to think of one another and consider each other’s feelings, but their common failing is their lack of consideration towards other species of the animal kingdom. In the great race for land by corporate associations, animals often fall as the last item on the list of the average business associate. This poses a rising problem for animals. The problem is deforestation, which is defined as “the permanent destruction of indigenous forests and woodlands (Collins 1)”, or more simply put, human-induced destruction of forest land and animal’s homes.
Animals all over the world reside in the wild in rainforests and woodlands alike. Some animals require certain climates and living conditions that can only be found in such environments. It has been reported that tropical rainforests are homes for 50% - 90% of all organisms (Stock 1). This makes one wonder, where do these creatures go as they watch their homes crumble before their saddened, frightened eyes. The sad thing is, there aren’t many places for them resort to. Industries are growing, and as soon as one part of a forest is knocked down, the rest often goes with it. Companies are using land to build upon while others are using the trees to chop up and use to make products and lumber. The government and construction companies are utilizing land in order to build homes for the ever-growing populations. Agriculturalists and farmers tear down trees to use the land for farming and the grazing of cattle (Stock 1), only to slaughter the very same cattle to provide food for the very species that is stealing homes from other animals - the human race.
According to Norman Meyers the world is losing between 50 and 100 animal and plant species each day as a result of this growing issue. So what are animals to do when the dirt, leaves, and trees are turned into cold, hard concrete? Sadly, there are not many options. Animals have much difficulty adapting to new, strange environments, especially in surroundings as busy as humans inhabit. They are often forced into highly populated areas where they are put in danger by things such as traffic and pollution. Many a time an animal, like a deer or raccoon, who belongs in the wild can be seen making a daring dash across a highway or busy intersection only to have its life stolen away by man-made machinery. This is because highways and other roads go through what used to be forest and woodland, making accidental animal homicide more and more common.
The death of these animals effects not only themselves, but their offspring. When a mother dies, children are left to fend for themselves and often have no idea how to do so, especially as newborns. They are unsure of where to find food or how to defend themselves because there is no one to “show them the ropes”. This leads to more deaths as a result of starvation and lack of personal defense skills. As more and more animals die off, what is to happen to their species? If deforestation continues at the rate that it is going at now, “endangered species” will eventually become more common than anyone has ever expected.
“The World Wildlife Fund defines biodiversity as ‘the wealth of life on Earth, the millions of plants, animals, and micro-organisms, the genes they contain and the intricate ecosystems they build into the living environment.’(Innes 1)" What people do not consider is the fact that biodiversity will cease to exist as the rate of endangered species grows. Gene pools will stop existing and the lack of biodiversity could have serious effects on the world that extend beyond animal endangerment into such issues as climate changes and the loss of organisms that help humanity, not harm it.
One may ask if this is an issue that should truly be considered a contribution to animal suffering and cruelty. Why not focus on animal abuse, when so much of it occurs. It is often seen on television - the sad ads depicting canines who have been beaten by owners, and kittens neglected in boxes. This form of animal suffering receives much attention and has enough publicity that there may be resulting action to end these heinous crimes and increase animal rescue. But how many times are deforestation ads seen on billboards and televisions? When was the last time anyone was heard saying that they saved an animal from an accidental death that would have been caused by the loss of a natural habitat? It is unheard of. The government won’t speak out because they are often the ones stealing animal’s homes to provide low-income housing and places for new industries. When does it end? The answer is that it doesn’t, unless people take action. It is easy to adopt a previously abused animal, but it is not as easy to stand up against corporate America to say that what they are doing is wrong. One day it will be too late. The only landscape to picture will be skyscrapers and factories, apartment buildings and shopping malls. Trees will be scarce, and the few animals that have survived will be those who have been house trained or those who have, against all odds, found refuge among the smoggy city atmosphere. The human race are members of the animal kingdom as well, and whether they acknowledge it or not, they to may become extinct in the distant future. Deforestation mean less oxygen, and more factories means tainted air supply. As other animals breathe in toxins, so do we, and soon enough this will eat away at the human race. It all extends into the broad future, generations from now, but when this cruelty and suffering could be stopped, why not put an end to mass extinctions? Madagascar is already suffering from extinction of animal and insect species, and they are only one of many countries who are beginning to notice the loss of these creatures (Butler 1). Animals are running from bulldozers and towards humans, crying out for help. It is time to extend our hands and embrace their needs, putting aside our own selfish whims. Forget the shopping mall and the new highway, and protect the animal kingdom before the sand within the hourglass runs out on life.
Works Cited-
Butler, Rhett A. "Deforestation causes species extinction in Madagascar". 7 Mar 2007. Mongabay. 26 Feb 2007
Collins, Jocelyn. "Deforestation". 1 Feb 2001. UWC: Enviro Facts. 26 Feb 2007
Innes, Robert K. "Effects of Deforestation". 20 Nov 2006. Innes Productions. 26 Feb 2007.
Stock, Jocelyn, and Andy Rochen. "The Choice: Doomsday or Arbor Day". University of
Michigan. 26 Feb 2007.
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