1. G
eorges Cuvier, French naturalist and zoologist, first proved that species
of animals had become extinct in 1769. Then people first know the
existence of extinction. Now about a hundred species go extinct per a day,
and half of species will be threatened with extinction in 2100. Most of all are
attributable to human activity: for example, overhunting, environmental pollution,
alien species, and so on. Meanwhile, humans are capable of solving the problem.
But how do we save species? Recently science technology enables us not only
protect but also restore them. In this report, I’m talking about two ways to restore
the eco-system.
Zoo: Recreation or Conservation?
In Japan, as the poll on my blog shows, many people consider a role of zoo
as recreation. However some people argue that zoos are going to have to
fundamentally rethink their mission. In the West, a long time ago, zoo showed
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2. power of authority. Since the end of the 19th century,
zoos have focused on preservation of species. For
example, Bronx Zoo succeeded in saving wild bison
in North America at the 20th century. Also, at the end
of the 19th century, Cincinnati Zoo tried to save
passenger pigeons but it ended in failure. San Diego
Zoo freezes and conserves the cells of endangered
species. They are waiting restored someday. “Plenty
of species need exactly the expertise that zoos can
provide.” says Onnie Byers, chair of the Conservation
passenger pigeon
Breeding Specialist Group.
On the other hand, to be frankly, Japanese zoos are out of date. Most of
them pay attention to almost only recreation even now. For example, U.K.
established Zoo Licensing Act and set strict standards. However there is no
zoo act in Japan, and they ignore other purposes, especially conservation of
species. Actually, the number of animals in Japanese zoos decrease, and, if
they are biased toward recreation, it will be
Ueno Zoo
difficult to receive endangered animals because
Washington Convention regulates commercial
trade strictly. Japanese zoos and people have to
rethink the balance between recreation and
conservation. Watching animals in a cage isn’t
all recreation of zoo.
The Pros and Cons of De-extinction
As I stated earlier, San Diego Zoo conserves the cells of endangered species
until restoring them. But is it possible? In Jurassic Park, dinosaurs are
revived with genetic technology. In reality, this is impossible because DNA
deteriorates with age. But we may be able to revive the species which humans
drove into extinction in recent years. Great technological advancement will
bring de-extinction into reality. In fact, a team of Spanish and French
scientists first succeeded in bringing an animal back from extinction for a
short time. And, as you imagine, this technology produces a dispute.
For a long period, humans have driven many animals into extinction: for
example, dodo, marsupial wolf, mammoth, and so on. "If we're talking about
species we drove extinct, then I think we have an obligation to try to do this,"
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3. says Michael Archer, a paleontologist at the University of New South Wales.
However, is it really obligation? Some people protest that reviving animals is
no longer what humans do. It seems divine act. Also, others say that it's a
waste of money. John Wiens, an evolutionary biologist at Stony Brook
University in New York, says "There is clearly a terrible urgency to saving
threatened species and habitats". In addition, reviving animals may
negatively affect the present ecosystem. This is very difficult issue, and
therefore it is important for us to discuss it deeply.
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4. Conclusion
I approve the conservation of species, but, on the other hand, have a feeling
of strangeness. I feel something like a human-oriented thinking in what
environmentalists say. They think humans need to conserve, save, and
restore endangered species. However, what does it have a good effect on? On
earth? On nature? Or on humans? Basically, lives were born in the world
without oxygen. Of course, I don’t think it is good to do nothing. But we have
to face and vanquish the human-oriented thinking.
Citation:
“Building the Ark” National Geographic, Elizabeth Kolbert (Dec 11, 2013)
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/10/zoos/kolbert-text
“Bringing Them Back to Life” National Geographic, Carl Zimmer (Dec 11, 2013)
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/04/125-species-revival/zimmer-text
“The dawn of de-extinction. Are you ready” TED, Stewart Brand (Dec 11, 2013)
http://www.ted.com/talks/stewart_brand_the_dawn_of_de_extinction_are_you_ready.html
Images from:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/04/125-species-revival/kendrick-photography#/01bucardo-670.jpg
http://www.mnn.com/green-tech/computers/blogs/2nd-step-to-save-the-world-wear-condoms
http://arata.page.ne.jp/photodiary/2007/11/post_682.html
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2013/07/13/environment/could-passenger-pigeons-be-onthe-brink-of-de-extinction/#.Uqdh7vRdUQE
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