Humans are responsible for caring for animals as stewards of God's creation. However, human activities like expanding villages and cities have destroyed natural habitats for animals. Certain fishing practices also harm coral reefs and endanger animal populations. If these practices are not addressed, some animal species in the Philippines like tarsiers and Philippine eagles risk total extinction. The document recommends establishing wildlife reserves, enforcing fishing restrictions, artificial breeding programs, and protecting coastal mangrove forests to conserve endangered animals and their habitats.

1. Conserving Animals
Science V

2. Humans As Stewards of God’s Creation
God created all animals equal. Humans
are animals, but we have the special gift of
thinking and reasoning. Because of this, God
entrusted animals to our care; we are stewards
of His creations. How do humans take care of
animals?

3. In improving the number of villages and
cities, humans destroy the natural habitats of
animals in mountains and forests. Birds and
other wild animals, therefore, run out of
places to live. What if there are no more safe
places for these animals, where should they
go? Illegal fishing known as muro-ami and
dynamite fishing destroy coral reefs. Look at
the picture in the next slide.

4. In some other countries, the
meats of seals are taken as
food. When there are
continuous killings and death of
animals, their kind can be
endangered (near extinction)
until it leads to total extinction
of species (population is zero).

5. Tarsiers, tamaraws, and the Philippine eagle
are all endangered now. What should we do?
Do we want these species of animals to be
completely extinct?
How will you show your love and care for
animals? The decision is yours to make.
Here are some of the endangered animals
in the Philippines.

7. Wildlife Conservation
To conserve wildlife, we have to strictly
implement the following:
1. the establishment of closed seasons during
which fish or game species may not be
hunted;
2. the establishment of reserves and wildlife
refuge areas where birds and other animals
may breed without being hunted by man;

8. 3. Enforcement of game laws to restrict the size
of fish and other species that may be caught
and the method of capture;
4. the artificial breeding of fish and the
restocking of ponds and streams; and
5. the protection of birds and wildflowers

9. Coastal Zone and Resources Conservation
One of the major issues in resource
management today is the fast rate of mangrove
forest destruction, especially the areas which
are increasingly being converted to fishponds
and timber logging. The destructive fishing
methods, such as the use of dynamites in
fishing, reclamation of area, contamination by
land-and-sea-borne pollution, and siltation and
sedimentation also contribute to the
destruction of mangroves.

10. The mangrove area should be protected
and conserved. This area helps in the
reproduction of fish, mollusks, and
crustaceans. Forest products, such as timber
and charcoal and other raw materials, can be
found in this area. The mangrove area protects
and stabilizes the coastal zone by reducing
typhoons and strong wind damage, and by
controlling soil erosion. It also provides shelter
and a breeding ground for wildlife.

11. Assignment:
Make a list of how you can take
care and love animals.