Summary
The extinction of animal species is still a serious problem facing ecosystems at present. Certain animal species are of immense economic, social and even cultural significance in different regions of the world. As a result, these animals have been over-exploited. If necessary measures are not taken, these animals will soon become extinct. This will severely affect the ecosystem and result to a set of ecological imbalances. All organisms interrelate in an ecosystem and the extinction of one species will undoubtedly affect the other animals. Grizzly bears are currently among the endangered species of animals (Bishop and Potts 43). If adequate measures are not taken to safeguard the grizzly bear, then they will soon be forgotten. Grizzly bear parts are on high demand in various parts of the world. As a result, they have been illegally hunted and now their existence is threatened (Smith and Hudson 75).
Grizzly bears are a group of brown bears that live in the highlands of North America. The grizzly bears play an essential role in their ecosystems. In particular, they are remarkably good agents of seed dispersal. The bears consume fleshy fruits, and they release the seeds in their excreta. They boost germination of seeds since they excrete the wastes with nutrients which provide favorable conditions for germination. They, therefore, form vital agents of seed dispersal in their ecosystems. Bears feed on bulbs, plant roots and also forage for squirrels in the soil. In the process, they do stir the soil. This improves the quality of the soil, and promotes luxuriant growth of the species in the ecosystem (Ouderkirk and Preston 206). There is usually a high degree of species diversity in grizzly bear inhabited areas.
The grizzly bear together with the wolves also plays a hugely crucial role in checking the populations of other animal species in the population. They control overgrazing in alpine forests by regulating the population of herbivorous species in the ecosystem. In an investigation once conducted by Teton National Park, in the USA, it was proved that eliminating grizzly bears and wolves from an ecosystem will result in an increase, in the level of the herbivores, in the ecosystem. This will eventually lead to overgrazing. Owing to their importance, they should be saved from extinction at all costs (Sanford 13).
Materials and methods
To come up with the suggestive measures to protect the bear population, various methods were employed. Interviews were conducted to investigate the factors responsible for extinction of the bears. Identifying the causes of death of grizzlies would help in formulating conservatory strategies. Park managers at Bariff and Theodore Roosevelt National parks were interviewed on the causes of deaths in grizzlies. They were also interviewed on the possible measures that can be taken to protect the bears. The interview was also aimed at obtaining the estimate populations of grizzly bears over the last few years.
Other than the interviews, questionnaires were also designed and mailed to different groups of people. Most of the questionnaires were sent to leading environmentalists and scientists in the country. The questionnaire questions primarily focused on the problems facing the grizzly bears and possible measures that can be taken to ensure proper protection of the grizzly bears.
Results
From the interviews, it was obvious that the number of grizzlies was on the decline. In particular, the park managers approximated the current grizzly population to be about 4000. The park managers also listed hunting, road accidents and loss of habitat as some of the main causes of the decline in grizzly numbers. Most respondents reasoned that outlawing hunting could considerably save the bears. They also called for the establishment of more grizzly bear sanctuaries. It was also realized that, within the parks, some grizzlies perished as a result of road accidents. Regulating driving speeds within the parks would, therefore, help reduce the loss of grizzlies through accidents..
Discussion
From the above results, different methods could be used to protect the grizzly bears from extinction. One suitable method of protecting the bears from extinction could be through the establishment of grizzly bear sanctuaries. Once established, the sanctuaries should be guarded effectively. Conservation of several endangered species has been possible through the establishment of sanctuaries. The national parks established so far to preserve the bears are small and inadequate (Barker 32). This calls for the establishment of more sanctuaries. The establishment of grizzly sanctuaries has succeeded in protecting the grizzlies in British Columbia. The governments in the grizzly-inhabited areas should also impose strict regulations against grizzly hunting. Regulating the driving speeds of motorists within the parks would also help in reducing the number of grizzly bears lost to road accidents annually.
Minimizing the public contact with the bears would also be helpful in conserving them (Benson 89). Some grizzlies have been killed by humans because of their aggressive nature. Such deaths can be corrected effectively by either abolishing or reducing camping and hiking in the parks and uplands. The number of grizzlies has tremendously reduced as a result of the destruction of their habitats. This is evidenced by the fact that the grizzlies are not found in areas they originally inhabited. Various human activities have led to destruction of alpine habitats thereby making them hostile to the grizzlies. For example, the drilling of oil in Alaska has profoundly destroyed the habitat of the bears. Saving the habitats from destruction will help save the bears.
Conducting research would also be pivotal in saving the grizzlies (Smith and Hudson 76). The research findings will provide valuable information on the bears which will be exemplary in saving them.
References
Barker, Rocky. Saving all the parts: reconciling economics and the endangered species act. Washington, D.C: Island Press, 1993.
Benson, Etienne. Wired Wilderness: Technologies of Tracking and Making of Modern Wildlife Animals, History, Culture Wiredness. Baltimore: JHU Press, 2010.
Noss, Reed and Cooperrider, Allen. Saving nature’s legacy: protecting and restoring biodiversity. Washington, D.C.: Island Press, 1994.
Potts, Steve and Bishop, Norm. The Grizzly Bear Wildlife of North America. Mankato: Capstone Press, 1999.
Preston, Christopher and Ouderkik, Wayne. Nature, value, duty: Life on earth with Holmes Roston, III Volume 8 of international library of environmental, agricultural and food ethics. Tokyo: Springer, 2007.
Sanford, John. A walk in the fire Volume. New Hampshire: David R. Godine, 1989
Smith, Karlene and Bush, Anne. Investigating Science through bears. Santa Barbara: Libraries Unlimited, 1994.