Like the canaries in the coal mines that provided warning of the presence of
dangerous gases, amphibians have been indicators of the health of planet Earth.
A new study takes our understanding a giant step forward.
The report of the Zoological Society of London and the Global Footprint Network
said that the world's species are declining at a rate “unprecedented since the
extinction of the dinosaurs.”
In the 35 years between 1970 and 2005, land species have declined 25%, marine
life by 28% and freshwater species by 29%. These are not population numbers but
species that are gone never to return.
Scientists report that “the current extinction rate is 10,000 faster than what
has been recorded as normal.” Governments have made commitments to reduce
biodiversity loss but have taken little action. The consequences of inaction and
further loss will be devastating, not only to the lost species but to the
remaining beings.
Humans are the main cause of this epidemic. They are the primary agents of
climate change, pollution, destruction of animals' natural habitat, spread of
invasive species, and overexploitation of species.
We must take steps to avoid continuing to destroy natural habitat by
overdevelopment and cultivation and avoid overfarming and overfishing a la the
industrial mode.
The life community on earth is a mystery in delicate balance, perfected over
hundreds of thousands of years. Loss of species results in loss of harmony,
confusion and pain for the survivors, including humans. Man, who often forgets
or denies that he is an integral part of nature, acts as though the natural
world was invented to serve his wants and desires.
We can not plead ignorance in the face of overwhelming evidence. Action is
needed to divert us from this perilous path. We need, first, to honour a vision
of the interconnectedness of life on this planet that is difficult to fully
comprehend, but to continue along the trodden path is suicide and fratricide.
