Are There Species Close to Extinction Due to Natural Causes?

The question of whether there are species currently close to extinction due to natural causes rather than human activities is often debated. While many endangered species find themselves in their precarious positions due to our impact on the environment, there are indeed some that are endangered for reasons not directly linked to human intervention.

Endangered Species and Human Impact

Most of the species that are currently under threat of extinction are primarily due to human activities. These include habitat destruction, pollution, overhunting, and other forms of environmental degradation. The reasons for their decline can be complex and multifaceted, often resulting from our direct or indirect actions.

Are There Species Endangered Due to Natural Causes?

There are certainly instances where species can become endangered due to natural causes. For example, an animal living in an area near an active volcano, like the Anak Krakatau in Indonesia, Mount St. Helens in the United States, or Surtsey in Iceland, could face natural threats that make their survival challenging. However, such cases are rare and typically localized.

The Polar Bear

The Polar Bear is a prime example of a species threatened by global environmental changes. The melting of Arctic ice due to global warming is slowly reducing the Polar Bear's natural habitat. This issue is a primary concern, driven by broader environmental shifts that are largely beyond the direct control of human intervention. While the polar bear's situation is indeed influenced by human activities such as greenhouse gas emissions, it also highlights the interconnectedness of global environmental systems.

Cheetahs and Genetic Diversity

Cheetahs are another example of a species at risk, but for different reasons. The cheetah population has extremely low genetic diversity, which leads to high susceptibility to diseases and low birth rates. This natural genetic bottleneck has made the population particularly vulnerable to environmental and other pressures, even in the absence of significant human impact.

Tasmanian Devils and Disease

The Tasmanian Devil is another species that is currently endangered, but this time due to a specific disease known as Devil Facial Tumor Disease. This disease has already significantly reduced the devil population, highlighting the vulnerability of species to natural biological and ecological factors.

The Sixth Ongoing Mass Extinction

It is important to acknowledge that the current era, known as the Holocene, is experiencing a sixth mass extinction, primarily driven by human activities. This mass extinction is largely preventable through collective human action, emphasizing the need for cooperation to mitigate the harm.

Conclusion

While there are some species at risk due to natural causes, the majority of currently endangered species are impacted by human activities. It is crucial to recognize and address these human-induced threats to ensure the preservation of biodiversity. Continuing to study and understand both natural and anthropogenic factors contributes to more effective conservation efforts.