How Our Wildlife Ends Up in Captivity
The Human Impact
Boating Strikes
Unsafe and unaware driving
Unsafe boating can be extremely harmful to marine life, especially marine life who need to breathe air at the surface. A study done by Leigh Henry with WWF on turtles and boating strikes stated, “boat injuries were found in 11% of captured terrapins. [...] We have observed dead terrapins washed up on nesting sites that had major carapace and plastron damage consistent with boat propeller strikes."
Global Warming
Increase of CO2 in atmosphere
Global warming doesn't just affect earth's temperature, it's a chain reaction that has many effects on ecosystems and the safety of wildlife. Sea level rise, CO2 in the atmosphere, and the loss of crop are all effects of global warming that don't just impact animals, but also impact humans. With ice caps melting our cold temperature friends need our help. Visit "How You Can Help" for ways to reduce carbon emissions.
Asphyxiation and Entanglement
Caused by boating equipment and trash
Trash can cause animals to choke and become trapped. For marine animals, specifically, bycatch is another very dangerous threat. Mass fishing can trap dolphins, turtles, and other marine animals and can cause death or injury. The World Wildlife Fund states, “as air-breathers, small cetaceans – dolphins and porpoises, [...] are unlikely to survive these events, typically succumbing to asphyxiation, injury or stress." Fishing gear thrown in the ocean is also very dangerous, as animals can get entangled and die.
Endangered Habitats
Wildlife needs our help
Deforestation, global warming, and oil spills are all factors that contribute to the decaying of ecosystems. Coral reef bleaching is a big issue in the The Great Barrier Reef, and is caused by global warming. Kelp forests, found in the Pacific, are threatened by the warming of the oceans. Animals in these ecosystems need special care and attention, as their species may be next.
