3000 Species on Verge of Extinction in New Zealand

A new research document has highlighted the extent to which wildlife in New Zealand is under threat.
 
April 13, 2010 - PRLog -- New research undertaken by Mark Seabrook-Davison from Massey University has revealed the extent of the problem facing many species in New Zealand.

The research highlights how the current conservation management and government legislation is failing to provide adequate protection to many animals, failings which could result in the loss of up to 3,000 species.

Some of the animals under threat are the white heron, Maud Island frog, and New Zealand falcon.

In New Zealand the government has set up endangered species recovery programmes, with these programmes managed regionally by 13 Department of Conservation (DOC) bodies. However, it’s the DOC’s implementation of recovery programmes where the problem appears to lie, according to Mr Seabrook-Davison:

“There is good understanding of the threats to New Zealand's biota but no legislative criteria to guide DOC on when and how to produce recovery plans. An effective environmental legal system is important for properly protecting the environment for the survival and quality of humans and all life on earth.”

It is expected that WWF may look to take on a bigger role in helping to conserve New Zealand’s wildlife – http://www.animaladoptions.org.uk/wwf

New Zealand has a Wildlife Act but it’s been roundly criticised for having two primary failings – failing to guide the DOCs in how to conserve wildlife, and failing to provide a measure to identify the benefits of conserving wildlife.

In fact, only 168 of the species are currently being actively managed and protected, leaving almost 3,000 species to fend for themselves amongst the rapidly changing environment.

The budget for protecting endangered species is $30 million a year, estimated to only be one-tenth of what is needed to protect the wildlife in New Zealand.

You can visit http://www.animaladoptions.org.uk/blog for the latest information about wildlife news, endangered animals, and the work of animal charities.

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Animal Adoptions is a site highlighting the plight of many of the world's most endangered animals, including polar bears, orangutans, tigers and leopards.
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