Wildlife Threats

"It should not be believed that all beings exist for the sake of the existence of man. On the contrary, all the other beings too have been intended for their own sakes and not for the sake of something else.”

There are a number of causes that lead to the threatening of the wildlife living in our national parks.
Invasive Species - The invasive species are also termed as aliens, non -natives or exotics. They are plants and animals that are not native to a region. Invasive plants and animals are introduced to the parks or nearby areas by unsuspecting gardeners , pet owners who release exotic pets into the wild. The invasive can prove to be lethal to native plants and wildlife by destroying or out-competing for food sources and habitat.

Air Pollution and Climate Change - Power plants located near several of our national parks are pollute the atmosphere and damage the plant life. The burning of these fossil fuels-coal and oil, for example results in an accelerated rate of global warming, a trend that scientists say will wreak havoc on temperatures, storm systems, and precipitation, which in turn will gravely affect habitat and migration patterns.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation - National Parks offer some of the best remaining habitats for many wildlife species. However some of the parks are not that large enough to support a healthy population. For example, the Grizzlies require a large territory-between 50 and 500 square miles-to survive. Grizzlies simply do not survive in populated areas, and with development growing around Yellowstone, the park is rapidly becoming an island of survival for the grizzly bear.

Recreational Machines - Snowmobiles and Jet Skis can stress park wildlife, pollute both air and water, and alter wildlife behaviour. Their chainsaw-like sounds and disturb can interfere with nesting and denning. Off-road vehicles destroy fragile vegetation and cause erosion. These recreational activities can have long-lasting impacts on park wildlife.

Logging - The cutting of large number of trees or the creation of large openings in the forest often eliminates important structural habitat for goshawks, fishers, martens, spotted owls, and other sensitive wildlife species. Clear cuts denude entire hillsides, removing plants that provide food and shelter. Bulldozed skid trails cause erosion that can lead to sediment washing into streams. Logging slash increases the risk of forest-damaging wildfires. Intensive logging disturbs wildlife species that need refuge from chainsaws, noise and traffic.

Dams and Diversions - For more than a century in the West, the demand for more and more water for agriculture and domestic use has led to dams and diversions that block fish, dry up streams, and disrupt the river ecosystem. New development threatens to take more and more water from local rivers and streams. Without CSERC's intensive involvement and years of experience in local water issues, fish, frogs, ducks, river otters, kingfishers, ospreys, and many other species would suffer from new dams, diversions, or water management policies that prioritize water use rather than water quality and keeping water in the river. Even with our vigilance on water issues, new demands on water resources will continue to stress local aquatic systems