8090

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8090
• Author: Colorado Division of Wildlife.
• Title: Wildlife in Danger.
• USFW Year: 1986.
• USFW - Doc Type: Denver
• Copyright Material: NO

Sharing The Earth
When you consider that there are currently thousands of plant and animal species
inhabiting the planet Earth, it's somewhat difficult to accept the fact that these
living species comprise only a small percentage of the total number of species that
have been here since the dawn of time. But it's true.
Throughout the ages, unknown numbers of species have appeared on our planet,
remained for a time, and then simply vanished. It's thought that at least 90 percent
of all species that have existed on earth have since disappeared, and scientists say
we'll likely have one less species on our planet tomorrow than we did today.
Even more alarming is the fact that the number of species that has become
extinct has been growing. Take the case of mammals. In the 17th century, seven
species became extinct. That number grew to 11 in the 18th century, 27 in the
19th century, and more than 70 in the first eight decades-plus of the 20th century.
While there was a time when the disappearance could be written off as part of
the natural process, that's no longer the case. The threat to species nowadays stems
from mankind and the fact that we - as a single species with the power to dominate
all others - must face up to the responsibility that goes along with that power.
As we all know, our resourcefulness has enabled us to construct massive industrial
and educational centers, explore the depths of Earth's oceans and the mysteries
of outer space, and manufacture weapons powerful enough to make all species
including ourselves on the planet extinct. Unfortunately, we have been so busy
with our own interests, we have lost sight of the fact that we might consider sharing
some of Earth's resources with other species.