An Analytical Report by

Cassandra Wagoner
T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Te x a s a t E l P a s o

Abstract: The worlds wildlife has been and continues to be in battle with humans and their existence is at stake.
Early on, since the late 1800s there has been an awareness of the need to protect wildlife species. North America
has long been one of the worlds leaders in striving to enact and change laws in order to protect many of its
wildlife. Although there are many hardworking people working daily to help protect animals, much more could be
accomplished if more people, agencies, and companies were involved in direct hands-on projects, providing
funds, and helping spread the word. There continues to be the lack of urgency as a country to do more for these
animals. For example, conservationists and scientists have consistently been educating the public and government
as to the dangers that extinction of wildlife will eventually have on our human race. It is important to spread the
word that ecosystems work because of food webs and food chains and disruptions of one link in a chain affects the
entire food web, and humans are part of that food web. Therefore, it is dangerous to become complacent and think
that the conservationists of today can do all the work necessary to stop the threat to our wildlife. Even though a lot
has been accomplished by conservation groups, much more needs to be done before catastrophic events begin to
surface in this fragile world. Jim Fowler once quoted, The quicker we humans learn that saving open space and
wildlife is critical to our welfare and quality of life, maybe we'll start thinking of doing something about it.

Letter of Transmittal
To: The American Public
From: Cassandra Wagoner
Subject: To address the role that us humans
have in polluting our planet while depleting
our water sources
This Letter of Transmittal was created to
address what is happening to Wildlife and
what actions are being taken to protect and
conserve these animals.
Due to the lack of concern and conservation
behaviors there is a need to address the
impact humans have on wildlife species, to
include animals habitats, food sources and
health which are leading to extinctions of
those animals. Although a few conservation
agencies have been furiously trying to
intervene in this global problem, there have
been able to only do so much for these
animals.

some animals skin or are ingested with their

food and water which causes illness,
mutations and birth defects. Air pollution
leads to chronic respiratory disease, lung
cancer and other diseases. Many ecosystems
contain multiple forms of contamination, for
example, streams and rivers contain toxic
chemicals from industry and farmland, trash
blowing into habitats, and city skies covered
in smog. Wildlife conservationists have tried
for many years to bring about legislation and
acquire funding adequate to meet the needs
of these animals by helping conserve their
habitat and keep pollution under control but
have not been able to meet their goals to the
extent that they would like to.

Humans continue to move out of cities and

develop land that is now inhabited by
wildlife, we encroach on their habitats and
they are then forced out and are unable to
flourish and thrive as they did before. Many
species that remain are in danger of being
killed, die of starvation or any number of
other ill effects. As their habitats are being
overtaken their food chain is disrupted due
to smaller food sources quickly diminishing
from the area. They are misunderstood and
feared and are therefore in danger of being
killed by humans. Wildlife is also affected
by the environment that humans produce,
including land, water and air pollution. In
particular, water pollution which can contain
toxic chemicals and metals are absorbed into

Cassandra Wagoner

What protections are afforded

to Wildlife habitats? Many
pieces of legislation in many
states have been enacted with
penalties for breaking wildlife
conservation laws. Many areas
have reserved as Wildlife
Preservation Parks and numerous
zoos are found all around the
country.

What are the repercussions

against wildlife after they are
forced out of their habitats?
Wildlife end up being pushed
into urban communities where
they are harmed or killed. They
cannot find their usual food
sources so they starve or become
ill when they eat inappropriate
food sources.

What negative and positive

effects to humans have on the
environment that wildlife
animals live in? Negative impact
can be due to industrial waste

Analytical Report - November 2014 - Page 2

and destruction of wildlife

habitats. Positive impact are the
formation of zoos and wildlife
preservation parks to help save
many species.

What are some of the

conservationists attempts at
solving wildlife dilemmas?
Conservationists lobby
government agencies to help
protect habitats against industry
and those harming wildlife.
Conservationists help educate
and spread information to the
public to make them aware of
the importance of wildlife
preservation.

As the People who are inhibiting this planet

we must remain educated about our
environment and water systems before they
completely deplete. This means taking
action and playing an active role in
environmental awareness, starting with you.

Figure 1
Source:http://blog.wcs.org/photo/?
__utma=1.1556362921.1414380980.1416078253.1416595907.3&__utmb=1.2.10.141659
5907&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1416595907.3.3.utmcsr=google|
utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=(not%20provided)&__utmv=&__utmk=15374390

and carelessness can no longer be excuses

for how we interact with wildlife. We need
to take a hard look at what we have done
wrong and what we have done right and
continue to strive towards healthier
interactions with wildlife and a more
symbiotic relationship.

Purpose
To address the negative impact humans have
placed on wildlife habitat, their health and
extinction of certain species.

Executive Summary
Introduction
Wildlife are a part of our worlds inhabitants
and we as humans, are therefore inevitably
connected to them. They live amongst us
and we depend on them for our ecosystems
to flourish. We are all part of worldwide
food webs and food chains and disruptions
to these can be catastrophic for our survival
on Earth. History has taught us that humans
have not always been kind of all living
creatures. In our constant need towards
making our lives more comfortable we have
damaged and many times disregarded
wildlifes habitats and way of life. Ignorance

Scope
The goal of this research is to help make
people aware of what has been done to help
wildlife and what we as humans still need to
accomplish to create healthier interactions
with all wildlife.

Methods
In researching to answer questions the
efforts of collaborative focus group,
government and non-government
conservation agencies data were an
invaluable resource, timelines depicting

Cassandra Wagoner Analytical Report- November 2014 - Page 3

legislation enacted throughout about the last

100 years, and reputable online articles
describing legislation on a state and federal
level.

Limitations

Study Focus Two....................6

Study Focus Three................................ 6
Study Focus Four................................... 7
Conclusions and Recommendations 8

All data from this report are only from

references stated and focus group. Ongoing
conservationists work and attained goals
have yet to be published.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Animals were on this earth far before we
were and they are just as deserving of a
healthy and safe environment to live in.
They are at the mercy of mankind and many
are unable to fend for themselves. It is
imperative that the human race understand
the functions of a healthy ecosystem and the
impact we are having on these systems that
we are a part of and will eventually be
affected by our own transgressions. The key
to making a change, not only in the United
States but globally, is to spread awareness so
that there can be positive change. It is
important to export information and facts for
the public to see. From the micro level to the
macro level, every effort that is done to
protect the homes of all wildlife will prevent
the extinction of many of these species.

Appendix A. Focus Study Questions... 8

Appendix B. References....................... 10
Glossary.................................................. 10
Table of Figures:
Figure 1. 3
Figure 2..... 4
Figure 3. 6
Figure 2

Table of Contents
Abstract . 1
Letter of Transmittal ... 2
Executive Summary . 3
Study Focus One............................... 5

http://magazine3.com/demo/newspapertimes/wp-content/
uploads/2011/07/Obama-Administration-And-WildlifeAdvocates-Strike-Deal-On-Endangered-Species-ActProtections.jpg

Cassandra Wagoner

Analytical Report - November 2014 - Page 4

Introduction
There are numerous protection coalitions
and conservation groups throughout the
country that are working to keep one or
more species of wildlife alive. Some of these
groups have been around for over 100 years.
Many volunteer their time, effort and money
to help finance various activities the
coalitions campaign to spread the word
about helping save those animals. They also
campaign for or against politicians who
either help or hinder the efforts of the group.
Many of these groups are in desperate need
of funds to further their efforts and make a
difference in helping save habitats and/or
stop excessive hunting of those precious
animals. These conservation organizations
report an average of 75-87% of their funds
going directly towards conservation
projects. It is imperative that more in depth
research is needed to find out what results
these conservation groups have
accomplished throughout the years.
Establish what can be done to enhance their
goals towards saving wildlife, their habitats
and way of life.

Study Focus One: Protections

afforded to wildlife habitats
The United States government has several
laws in place to help protect wildlife. They
are The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, The
Endangered Species Act, The Eagle
Protection Act, and The Wild Bird
Conservation Act. Only ten of the more than
2,100 plants and animals that are currently
protected by the Endangered Species Act
worldwide have been declared extinct,
which is an astonishing success rate1. The

Migratory bird Treaty Act was passed in

1918 and it helps protect migratory birds.
Therefore, it is against the law to remove a
migratory bird from its habitat for any
reason. Also one cannot take their nest, eggs,
feathers or any other parts of birds. Also,
one cannot hunt, capture or collect them.
The only exceptions are hunting during
certain seasons and then only certain birds
like ducks, geese, doves, rail, woodcock,
and some other ones. An individual can be
fined up to $5000 and an organization
$10,000 and may also be imprisoned. When
the act is considered a Felony the fines are
multiplied in the hundreds of thousands and
up to two years in prison. The Endangered
Species Act was passed in 1973 protects
many plants and animals that are considered
endangered or threatened to become
endangered. Importing or exporting into or
out of the United States, harming in any
way, selling, transporting or offering to sell
to a foreign country are all prohibited. Some
permits are given for scientific purposes or
difficult situations the endangered species
may be facing. The penalties for violators is
fines up to $100,000 and one year in prison
and organizations fined up to $200,000.
Those who help law enforcement capture or
convict this type of activity may receive a
cash reward. The Eagle Protection Act
began in 1940 and it makes it illegal to sell,
shoot, take, wound, capture, molest or
disturb eagles in any manner. Only scientific
and exhibition purposes or for traditional
and cultural use by Native Americans is
there an exception. The Wild Bird
Conservation Act passed in 1992 prohibits
import of about 1,000 species except the
ones on an approved list. Also, some

Endangered Species Act. (n.d.) Retrieved November 20, 2014, From http://www.defenders.org/legislation/
endagered-species-act

Cassandra Wagoner Analytical Report- November 2014 - Page 5

exemptions are game birds and bird species

indigenous to the United States and the
District of Columbia. This Act has an Exotic
Bird Conservation Fund with monies from
penalties or donations. It is used to help
conservation groups. The penalties are fine
and/or imprisonment for up to two years.
Other states where nesting colonies have
been spotted since 1970s in Maryland, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama,
Mississippi, Louisiana, California and
Texas.

Study Focus Two: Repercussions

against wildlife after they are forced
out of their habitat.
Some species in their efforts to survive find
an unusual place to live because they have
been pushed out of their habitat by land
developers and people in general. It was
discovered in 1999 at The Glynn Place Mall
roof in Brunswick Georgia there were about
200 terns had been nesting there. They came
during the spring each year because their
natural habitats on the beaches in Georgia
had been taken over by people and
developers. It was later discovered that 73%
of breeding nests were on gravel rooftops
around the state according to a study by
Schweitzer and Michael G. Krogh. Several
species of wildlife have been found in city
or neighborhood streets. The animals have
been trying to relocate and adapt to living
around humans. Mountain lions have been
found in suburban home backyards because
they are trying to find something to eat due
to the lack of prey surrounding the area. The
Florida Black Bear will wander around
neighborhoods looking for food in trash cans

and then climb a tree in the neighborhood

and hang around for a while. Houston, Texas
has one of the most numerous wildlife in
and around neighborhoods, streets and
sporting events that include raccoons, bats,
skunks, coyotes, foxes snakes, turtles,
alligators, deer, armadillos, squirrels, rats,
mice, hawks, and owls to name a few. In
Texas, animal or plant species of
conservation concern may be listed as
threatened or endangered under the authority
of state law. Species may be listed as state
threatened or endangered and not federally
listed. The state list deals only with the
status for the species within Texas. 2

Figure 3

Source: http://thurstonhouse.com/2010/05/become-a-certifiedwildlife-habitat-like-thurston-house/

Study Focus Three: Negative and

positive effects humans have on the
environment that animals reside in
There is no secret that animals have a
positive effect on people, especially people
who are ill. They serve as comfort to them,
help handicapped people be able to move
about, and alert other people when their
owner is in danger. But the question is, do
humans have a positive effect on animals?

Nongame and Rare Species Program: Federal and State Listed Species. (n.d.). Retrieved November 20, 2014, from
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/wildllife_diversity/nongame/listed-species/

Cassandra Wagoner

Analytical Report - November 2014 - Page 6

The answer is, yes. Through wildlife

tourism, preservation of wildlife is the goal
so animals are protected, fed and placed in a
man-made habitat that suits their needs.
Being in a zoo or wildlife tourism habitat
ensures their survival. Another benefit for
these animals are the people that come visit
and learn about them many times become
more aware of the importance of saving
wildlife habitat, therefore, the public
becomes more sensitive to wildlife, their
needs and dangers they face out in the wild.
Humans have increased the extinction rate
of the worlds plants and animals by 10,000
percent. As awareness of this impact has
increased, however, so have the positive
influences that humans have had on
ecosystems that support wildlife.3 There are
many Natural Resources conservation
groups which indirectly positively affects
wildlife. In an attempt to keep our oceans,
rivers and lakes clean from pollution;
wildlife is inadvertently helped by keeping
their habitats safe for them to drink. There is
a lengthy list of negative activities humans
participate in that affects wildlife. Some of
the negative effects humans have on
environments are deforestation, pollution,
illegal hunting and killing, and many more.
These negative activities continue to plague
these animals habitats even after countless
efforts have been made to stop these
activities. It is difficult to monitor every
corner of the country so many animals
continue to be harmed in some way.

Study Focus Four:

Conservationists attempts at
solving the wildlife dilemmas
The Wildlife Conservation Society has been
working hard to help save wildlife and
wildlife habitats since 1897. Their first goal
was met with success when they were able
to pass laws regulating hunting. Because of
this law the society helped save bison from
becoming extinct by helping breed them at
the Bronx Zoo then reintroducing them into
the Western Plains. In the 1950s the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge was established to
help save wildlife in a place where climate is
changing fast and energy is being
developed. The Societys goals are to help
developers not affect breeding areas of
migratory birds, monitoring sea ice as it
melts and endangers polar bears and other
animals. Another area the Society works in
is the Yellowstone Rockies, also known as
the Crown of the Continent. The Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge is one of the
largest intact ecosystems in the world. With
its unique wildlife, unspoiled wilderness
where natural processes reign, cultural
heritage that bespeaks its importance to
Alaska Natives, and diverse habitats for
hundreds of species. It is one of the most
important protected areas on planet Earth.4
In this area there are wolves, grizzly bears,
lynx, bull trout, cutthroat trout, pika,
mountain goats, bighorn sheet and
wolverines. There have been many positive
changes in this area, for example, the
worlds first national park was labeled here
in 1872. Then in 2008 the federal

Positive Effects of Humans on the Ecosystem. (2010, January 13). Retrieved November 24, 2014, from http://
www.ehow.com/facts_5869462_positive-effects-humans-ecosystems.html
4

Protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (n.d.). Retrieved November 24, 2014, from http://
refugeassociation.org/advocacy/refuge-issues/arctic/

Cassandra Wagoner Analytical Report- November 2014 - Page 7

government came in to protect the

pronghorn migration. The coastal chain,
which the Northern Boreal Maintains start
from the western United States up through
Canada. These mountains contain various
ecosystems like continental boreal, taiga,
subalpine forest, and wetlands. Because of
all the different ecosystems, many different
kinds of wildlife. In 2009 a Strategic
Conservation Assessment was completed
and one of their goals was to create maps to
protect wildlife species and point out what
needs these animals have and to help
redirect human development in these areas.
Today, The Wildlife Conservation Society
its work has been seen worldwide.
In conclusion, even though human impact
on wildlife remains a difficult issue and
much more needs to be done to protect our
wildlife in all parts of the world, there is
much that has already been done to strive
towards a goal of protection all wildlifes
habitat, health and extinction rate.
Conversationalists around the globe have

Conclusion and Recommendations

This analytical report researched both the
positive and negative impact that humans
have had on this Earths wildlife. This topic
is a critical aspect of our world. As humans
we have understood many aspects of our
activities throughout history that have
negatively impacted wildlife and we have
seen the repercussions that our activities
have led us to. Having said that, it is
important that we learn from our mistakes
and continue to move forward in our
endeavors to help protect all living creatures
on Earth. As we have learned how food
webs and food chains work and how wildlife
interacts with its ecosystem, we understand

that when one species is affected or becomes

extinct it affects the entire ecosystems food
webs. These food webs are important for
human survival as well. In the long run if we
want to continue our way of life here on
Earth we must therefore continue to protect
wildlife all over the world.
They say that the future belongs to the
children, and to a great extent, it is true. It
begins in grade school, children need to
learn the importance of saving our
ecosystems for wildlife and therefore by the
time they are adults they will have a greater
appreciation for all creatures and help make
positive changes. As a society we need to
incorporate wildlife preservation as one of
the core subjects that all children should
learn about in grade school and through high
school. Also, Universities need to expand
their curriculum to various degree plans to
include wildlife study as a pre-requisite to
the graduation plan.
Although much has been done to establish
various Wildlife saving Societies and
legislation, there needs to be a greater
urgency to allocate more funds towards
these kinds of changes. It needs to be a push
for a larger government agency that is solely
working towards making more changes to
protect more wildlife. Incentives need to be
put in place to encourage protection and
cleaning of our ecosystems to provide a
healthy environment for the animals.

Appendix A. Focus Study Questions

Cassandra Wagoner

What protections are afforded to

wildlife habitats? Many pieces of
legislation in many states have been
enacted with penalties for breaking
wildlife conservation laws. Many
Analytical Report - November 2014 - Page 8

areas have reserved as Wildlife

Preservation Parks and numerous
zoos are found all around the
country.

What are the repercussions against

wildlife after they are forced out of
their habitats? Wildlife end up
being pushed into urban
communities where they are harmed
or killed.They cannot find their usual
food sources so they starve or
become ill when they eat
inappropriate food sources.
What negative and positive affects
do humans have on the
environments that wildlife live
in? Negative impact can be due to
industrial waste and destruction of
wildlife habitats. Positive impact are
the formation of zoos and wildlife
preservation parks to help save many
species.
What are some of the
conservationists attempts at
solving the wildlife dilemmas?
Conservationists lobby government
agencies to help protect habitats
against industry and those harming
wildlife. Conservationists help
educate and spread information to
the public to make them aware of the
importance of wildlife preservation.
Describe one of the reasons that
humans can become affected when
wildlife species become extinct.
One way humans become affected is
by disrupting food chains and food
webs which in turn disrupt our food
supply.

Name, describe and tell why a

piece of legislation that has been
enacted in the United States has
made a big impact towards
protecting wildlife.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973
regulates many activities that affect
plants and animals designated as
endangered or threatened.

In what ways does tourism and

zoos help preserve wildlife?
Tourism brings awareness to many
people as to what wildlife need in
order to survive and helps to bring a
new appreciation to these animals.
Zoos also help preserve wildlife
because the animals are provided
with safe habitats and nourishment
that is most like their natural habitat.

Describe one way that wildlife can

help handicapped or ill people.
Many animals have a keen sense of
other living things needs and
illnesses and can provide help and
companionship to those in need.

Which animals does Arctic

National Wildlife Refuge protect in
the Crown of the Continent
area?
Wolves, grizzly bears, lynx, bull
trout, cutthroat trout, pika mountains
goats, bighorn sheep and wolverines.

Describe some of the highest fines

and penalties that are imposed on

Cassandra Wagoner Analytical Report- November 2014 - Page 9

people or organizations that break

the laws that protect wildlife.
Some of the highest fines and
penalties for individuals can be up to
$100,000 and one year in prison and
organizations can be fined up to
$200,000.

www.nwf.org/Home/News-andMagazines/National-Wildlife.aspx
Natural and Human Impacts on Wildlife.
(n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2014,
from http://www.nhptv.org/
natureworks/nwep16b.htm

Evans, M. (2011, May 10). Habitat Loss and

Degradation. Retrieved September


29, 2014

Smejek, T. (n.d.). Wild Animals Displaced

by Logging in Cities and Towns.
Retrieved October 27, 2014, from
http://www.brighthub.com/
environment/science-environmental/
articles/73693.aspx

Heindl, D. (n.d.). Quotes-Animals/

Wildlife/Conservation/
Environment. Retrieved October 27,
2014

Storch, I. (2013). Human disturbance of

grouse - why and when?. Wildlife
Biology, 19(4), 390-403. doi:
10.2981/13-006

Janine Paul , 2007, Positive and negative

impacts associated with nonconsumptive wildlife tourism,
Munich, GRIN Publishing GmbH,
http://www.grin.com/en/e-book/
92283/positive-and-negativeimpacts-associated-with-nonconsumptive-wildlife

Wild Animals in Houston. (n.d.). Retrieved

from http://www.houstontx.gov/barc/
hwai_houston_wild_animals.php

Appendix B. References

Klappenbach, L. (n.d.). A Tour of

Top- Knotch Wildlife
Conservation Groups. Retrieved
September 29, 2014,
Laws About Wildlife. (1995, January 1).
Retrieved October 27, 2014, from
http://wildliferehabinfo.org/
LawsAbtWL_MnPg.htm
National Wildlife Magazine - National
Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). Retrieved
October 27, 2014, from http://

Cassandra Wagoner

Wildlife - Just One Piece of the Picture.

(n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2014,
from http://urbanext.illinois.edu/
ecosystems/teacherguide2.cfm

Glossary
A
Agriculture: is described as the cultivation
of animals, plants, fungi, and other life
forms for food, fiber, biofuel, medicinals and
other products used to sustain and enhance
human life.

Analytical Report - November 2014 - Page 10

Deforestation: otherwise known as clearance

or clearing; the removal of a forest or stand
of trees where the land is thereafter
converted to a non-forest use.

Monitoring: ecological monitoring studies

almost always focus on quantifying changes
in characteristics of resources over time.

Ecosystem: a community of living

organisms (plants, animals and microbes) in
junction with the nonliving components of
their environment, interacting as a system.

Recreationalists: a person who frequently

enjoys outdoor recreation like camping and
hiking.

Exhaust: toxic chemicals that get released

from engines and can fall on plants, on the
ground, and into the water.

F
Forestry: the science of creating, managing,
using, conserving, and repairing forest and
associated resources to meet goals and needs
for human benefit.

G
Grouse: a group of birds that are assigned to
the subfamily Tetraoniae, which is a
classification supported by mitochondrial
DNA sequence studies.

H
Human-Caused Stressors: human stressors
including invasive species, development,
and over-harvest that affect climate change.

M
Marine debris: known as marine litter; it is
human-created waste that has been released
in a lake, sea, ocean, or waterway.

Cassandra Wagoner Analytical Report- November 2014 - Page 11