Taiga+Conservation

Emily D. Helena B.

Humans have been affecting the taiga a number of ways, some better than others. On the "glass is half empty" side, increasing populations are building their houses on, and with many creature's homes. Birds, such as the Siberian crane are becoming endangered because houses are being built where they used to nest. Another threat to the taiga is pollution. Tourisim and new oil industries are polluting the soil and water, harming plants and the creatures that eat them. The lumber industry is another negative, human impact thats affects the animals in the taiga. The many animals such as birds make their homes in the trees that people cut down. Other animals use the forests as shelter. As the humans are doing negative things in the taiga they are also doing some good things. Conservation programs and fund raisers are being run to help support some animals that may otherwise naturaly be extinct.

On problem that can be adressed by humans is pollution. Acid rain, caused when chemicals nirogen oxide and sulfur dioxide are released in the air. The rain is harming many plants and animals. Because many small plants are being killed off by it, there isn't much left to anchor the soil down, and is also causing erosion. Another problem in the taiga is illegal hunting, animals such as the Siberian tiger are being hunted for their furs while they are already endangered.

Humans are the cause of both these problems, but we can also fix them. Take the bus to school instead of a car, or better yet, ride your bike. Use the curly lightbulbs instead of the other ones, and turn them off when you leave the room. Use alternative energy instead of burming fossil fuels. As for hunting, it wouldn't be a problem if no one did it. But, since some people don't do things just because they know its wrong, more laws should be passed. There are already many conservation programs protecting taiga wildlife, but keeping them funded is important. If you get a chance, do what you can to help.

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