There is great news regarding some formerly endangered animals. Marine biology researchers have found that Florida’s manatee and green sea turtles populations have recovered.
In 1991, manatees were found endangered, and the Endangered Species Act was set in place. Manatees are slow moving herbivorous creatures who graze on sea grass and other plants at rather shallow depths. They are a migratory species. In the US they reside in Florida in the winter; but travel as far west as Texas and North as Massachusetts in the summer. Being struck by motorized water craft is a common cause of mortality as well as fishing hooks and lines and pollution effecting their feeding beds. Strictly enforced speed restrictions for boaters, as well as pollution laws have helped the species recover. Remarkably in a relatively short amount of time, their population has since increased from 1,267 to 6,300.
Along with the successful population growth of manatees, green sea turtles have also made a significant recovery. In 2001, scientists found only 198 sea turtle nests, and quickly declared them endangered. Many different laws were set in place to facilitate their growth. These laws included reducing the length of fishing nets, requiring the insertion of escape doors into shrimp traps, laws against pollution in the water. Light restriction is another beneficial change for the sea turtles. Female sea turtles have difficulty locating a safe place to lay her eggs because of the over developments and constant light around beaches. They resort to nesting too close to the ocean or even in the water, threatening the future of the hatchlings. The hatchlings are naturally programmed to go toward bright light which naturally would be the moonlight reflecting of the ocean. Brightly lit cities day and night have confused the hatchling attracting them toward highways and physical harm. City ordinances have instituted light restrictions at night to allow for this natural adaptation of the baby sea turtles. This work has made a huge impact, in 2015, scientists discovered a shocking 14,152 nests of green sea turtles.
Bald eagles are another successful example of the impact of protection laws. In 1963, there were only 487 nesting pairs of bald eagles, but now there are at least 9,789 nesting pairs. The threats to the bald eagle included hunting, contaminated water fowl and the pesticide DDT. The laws prohibiting hunting or possessing a bald eagle and pollution restrictions for the waterways as well as the ban of the deadly pesticide, DDT, have made a huge impact on our national symbol of freedom.
Animal researchers, conservationist, lawmakers and all American citizens played a role in improving the state of these animal species. Hopefully success like this can continue for more animals on the endangered and extinct list.
Research and educational programs help humans understand the symbiotic relationship we share with various animal species. Behaviors can be changed to facilitate a healthy animal population. The animal protection laws in place have made a positive impact and have helped restore growth for the different species. People now know different ways to help protect endangered animals. It’s extremely important to help protect mother earth for the health and survival of humans and animal species.
