With more than 1 million animal species on Earth, is it vital to protect and conserve every single species?
Yes, says Peter Gros, co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.
“Nature is an important balance. All things are connected. The removal of a single species can set off a chain reaction,” he said.
Learn why wildlife conservation is so important — not only for animals, but for humans too.
Why is biodiversity important to our planet?
“Lots of people, especially a generation or so ago, were of the attitude that, ‘oh, there’s plenty of wildlife to go around,’” Peter said. “So, if we lose a species, there’s plenty more.”
But biodiversity — the variety of animals, plants, all living things — is essential to support all life on Earth.
“The protection of our ecosystems and natural habitats help protect and preserve all the species,” Peter said. “We need the diversity that comes with all these species because once we lose biodiversity, we start to lose the planet’s very complex ecosystems.”
A case study: the Channel Island fox
For example, take a look at the story featured in Season 1, Episode 6, “The Lost Fox of the Channel Islands.”
On this remote California island, the Channel Island fox lived happily until humans introduced domesticated animals. These animals then attracted golden eagles. Even after the domesticated animals were removed, the golden eagles stayed and preyed on the foxes, who up until then, had no natural predators. So, the fox didn’t have prey instincts, and its population dwindled.
The National Park removed golden eagles and instead reestablished bald eagles who prey on fish, not foxes.
“They recognize the way the ecosystem is supposed to work,” Peter said. “Now we have a balance in nature and the Channel Islands archipelago again.”
How removing one species affects another
A similar domino effect happened in Wyoming with prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets. Prairie dogs were perceived by ranchers to be harmful to their cattle. Ranchers then eliminated prairie dog colonies, which then eliminated their primary predator, the black-footed ferret.
Scientists later reintroduced prairie dogs to the plains. This brought back prairie dog holes, which double as burrows for rattlesnakes, owls and rare birds. But there was still an issue.
Not wanting the prairie dog population to get completely out of check, scientists reintroduced their primary predator, the black-footed ferret.
In the delicate dance to create balance, scientists carefully consider carrying capacity.
“Carrying capacity looks at, ‘how many species of wildlife will X number of acres maintain before it becomes destructive,” Peter said. “The black-footed ferret will maintain the population of prairie dogs, so they stay at carrying capacity. And the prairie dogs staying creates homes for these other species. So, once again, all things are connected.”
Watch Season 1, Episode 21, “Conservation Comeback” to hear more about this story.
Tips to coexist with wildlife
As the Wyoming ranchers know, it can be tough to coexist with wildlife. While we recognize we need these species for biodiversity, they can also get in the way of our everyday life.
The key thing to do? “We have to adapt,” Peter said.
Some ways you can adapt to coexisting with wildlife include:
- Using fencing around ranches or other property to keep predators, such as wolves, away from livestock.
- Bring small animals into the barn at night. And bring cats and dogs inside.
- Don’t leave pet food or other food where it could attract wildlife.
On a larger scale, states like Florida and California are implementing creative ways to expand human development while creating safe spaces for wildlife. Two examples are through wildlife crossings, such as the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, being built in Los Angeles, or the Florida corridor. These passes create safe spaces for wildlife to cross above or below a road, so they don’t have to dodge cars. Plus, the animals can have the large territory they need to survive.
“One of the things people in L.A. like the least is traffic. What was discussed was there’s going to be traffic issues as we build this wildlife corridor over the freeway,” Peter said. “I didn’t hear one complaint. They all want to be on board with helping to save wildlife.”
“People generally want to do the right thing, and when you show them there is a solution, they’re on board with it. I think that’s one of the most exciting things for me to realize.”
Learn more about urban wildlife through the story of P-22, the most famous cougar in L.A.
And see more stories of wildlife conservation success on Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, weekends on NBC.
