The survival of wildlife continues to be affected due to wars in various populations around the world. A large percentage of it could decline over the years.
Hundreds of species have been victims of the excessive violence unleashed by human beings, as indicated in the book by the great massacre of dogs and cats, which describes the tragic story of the Second World War where at least 400,000 of these pets were sacrificed. Horses, cows, pigs, chickens, and fish also died in this same conflict.
Experts also indicate that animals raised alongside humans as pets or those in farms and zoos are the first fatalities of a war. Recently, a publication from the SINC Portal points out that in war conflicts in countries like Syria or Ukraine, hundreds of species have died, crushed by landslides, run over by tanks, burned by bombs, due to the absence of food, the abandonment of their habitats. or by being hunted to become food for combatants
In NTN24’s Click Verde environment program we spoke with Bassima Khatib, deputy director general of the society for the protection of nature in Lebanon, to find out how these situations affect biodiversity and which have been the most affected by these conflicts. “War has many effects on biodiversity and specifically on animals. Basically, it affects them through hunting. There is an impact on the natural habitats that these spaces have been losing due to wars and those that suffer the most are birds and mammals, these are the species most affected by the loss of habitats, because wars use the spaces that they frequently use. use animals. Losing the spaces in which they acquire food, their free movement as well, is what threatens the most, that is the effect and impact that wars generate.”
Fuente: www.ntn24.com
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Wildlife Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have with us Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned wildlife conservationist and author of the thought-provoking book “The Great Massacre: A Deep Dive into Animal Suffering Amidst Human Conflict.” Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this crucial topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. You state in your book that hundreds of species are suffering due to the violence of human conflicts. Can you elaborate on this impact?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. Wars and conflicts lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and skyrocketing poaching rates. For instance, during armed conflicts, law enforcement often breaks down, leading to rampant illegal hunting and exploitation of wildlife. This can decimate local populations and even lead some species to the brink of extinction.
Editor: That is deeply troubling. In your research, did you come across specific examples of how particular species have been affected by armed conflicts?
Dr. Carter: Yes, certainly. One stark example is the impact of civil wars on elephants in parts of Africa. The chaos of war has seen increased poaching for ivory, resulting in dramatic population declines. Additionally, lesser-known species, like certain reptiles and birds, also suffer as their habitats become battlefields or are repurposed for military use.
Editor: It seems like the consequences go beyond just the immediate violence of war. Can you speak about the long-term effects on ecosystems and biodiversity?
Dr. Carter: Yes, the long-term effects can be catastrophic. Biodiversity loss doesn’t just remove individual species; it disrupts entire ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems provide critical services such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Once these systems are destabilized, restoring them becomes increasingly difficult, leading to a downward spiral in environmental health.
Editor: And what about the animals that are not directly targeted in conflicts? How are they affected?
Dr. Carter: The ripple effects are quite significant. Many animals become collateral damage in conflicts. For example, many pets and domesticated animals suffer immensely during warfare, often abandoned or killed during evacuations. Furthermore, wildlife are displaced from their natural habitats, leading to increased human-animal conflict as animals seek new territories or resources.
Editor: This paints a dire picture. What do you think can be done to mitigate these impacts on wildlife during times of conflict?
Dr. Carter: It’s a multi-faceted issue, but I believe raising awareness is a critical first step. Conservation organizations need support from governments and NGOs to protect key habitats, even in conflict zones. There are examples of successful initiatives where conservation efforts have continued amid war, showing that it’s possible to safeguard wildlife despite human strife.
Editor: That’s encouraging to hear. What role do you think the international community should play in these situations?
Dr. Carter: The international community must advocate for wildlife protection as part of humanitarian efforts. This includes putting pressure on warring factions to respect wildlife habitats and deploying resources to protect endangered species. Additionally, funding and support for local conservationists can create a buffer against the worst impacts of war.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights today, Dr. Carter. It’s clear that the issues surrounding wildlife preservation amid human conflict are complex but incredibly important.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for highlighting this issue. I hope our conversation inspires more people to think about how interconnected our world truly is.
Editor: Absolutely. And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed and engaged on these pressing issues affecting our planet.