We, as human beings, should be charged for the massacre of animals through out history.
Recently, animals that were once believed to be extinct for decades have begun reappearing. It is believed that at least a third of mammals that are thought possibly extinct are indeed alive. Add to that the Mexican Salamander, which has not been seen since 1941, has also recently re-emerged. One explanation it seems is that some animals that have disappeared due to habitat loss have actually turned up in a different habitat, because they were more flexible than was realised.
Animals that have re-emerged
A number of species in Australia were once believed to have gone extinct. The Bridled Nailtail Wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata), once believed to have perished from this planet for good, was rediscovered by a fencing contractor in 1973 at Queensland. If that was not astonishing enough, the Gilbert’s Potoroo (Potorous gilbertii) and Leadbeater’s Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) have also been spotted after disappearing for more than half a century.
So why have these animals resurfaced again? It is speculated that they have simply adapted to current situations that threaten their very existence. This sheds light on the degree of ruthlessness that we humans exhibit, but this could also be seen as a way to learn from our mistakes and ensure we do not drive those endangered species to extinction yet again.
In the Eastern Congo Park back in 2006, an Okapi (Okapia johnstoni), a rare giraffe, has been rediscovered after it was pronounced extinct back in 1959. Even though the rediscovery of the Okapi is great news, we should not disregard the potential of it going into extinction, as they are still victims to poaching and continue to have their natural habitat threatened.
The Mount Nimba Reed Frog (Hyperolius nimbae), from the Ivory Coast, and the Omaniundu Reed Frog (Hyperolius sankuruensis) from the Democratic Republic of Congo, are also among the rediscovered species that were once believed to be extinct. The Mount Nimba Reed Frog has not been seen since 1969 and the Omaniundu Reed Frog was last seen in 1979. We should not rejoice over this great news just yet, Robin Moore, organizer of Search for Lost Frogs campaign, says those are just the lucky ones who managed to survive; there are many other species that were not so lucky. The road to redemption for humans will not be an easy one and we need to start now. After more than a century worth of murdering these defenceless animals, surely the least we can do is to start making an effort to ensure their survival?
Are there any more species that could be rediscovered?
The only honest and safe answer to that question is: Possibly, but not likely - and don’t hold your breath waiting. The animals that have been discovered are the rare fortunate ones. Instead of trying to find species that have been recorded as extinct, we should be shifting our efforts to trying to preserve the existence of the animals that are endangered and on the brink of extinction.
One of the best ways to start this journey in averting endangered species from going extinct is to start by contacting your local officials and urge them to take action. Remember, officials have the resources to make a change and you have the voice to show your sincerity over the issue and charge them to do something about it. The benefits of having officials on board in preserving the life of endangered species are that they are able to spread their influence further than the average person can, including possibly influencing other countries. Another benefit is the amount of impact they can have in conveying the message. So your voice will be heard and will be taken seriously with the help of an official figure.
Another step you can take is to join an organisation such Zero Extinction or one that is dedicated in preserving wild life. There are too many to name from the global, well-known associations such as World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and less known but country specific ones such as Wildlife Protection Association of Australia, and then there are many local ones too. For more, visit the Flora & Fauna Associations and Wildlife Services sections of the Green Times Business Directory.
There is no denying that this will be a long and hard battle to face, but would you be willing to let these species disappear without a fight?
Links to the groups working to save the Australian animals mentioned:
Written by Sultan Al-Mutawa
Image: Gilbert's Potoroo - John Gould's Lithograph
