Literature Review - Kierra Leonard
Literature Review - Kierra Leonard
Literature Review - Kierra Leonard
Professor Stalbird
Eng.1201.505
Literature Review
My research topic asks the question of what the most plausible methods for endangered
species conservation are. I chose this topic because I believe that every living species is vital for
maintaining the longevity of their habitat. There are animal species all over the world on the
endangered species list. Some species are endangered due to poaching, others due to habitat
destruction, and many more causes. Several organizations have been working for years to find
the best methods of conserving these species. In recent years, several scientists have been
dedicating their research to finding a solution. In my paper I plan to discuss the organizations
working to save endangered species as well as presented methods. I would also like to discuss
Species endangerment has been an issue for years, but recent history involves the passage
of the Endangered Species Act, which allows organizations to work in preventing the extinction
of many plant and animal species. Statistics have shown that the program is an overall success,
but recently the Trump administration has created some weaknesses within the system (“The
Endangered Species Act: A Wild Success”). Under the current presidential administration,
certain species will not be protected, and businesses are even permitted to drill in crucial
habitats. Many are working to fight the changes made by the Trump administration, and
meanwhile scientists have been working to find several new methods of wildlife conservation
Multiple sources contain issues with current wildlife conservation systems. Hannam and
Foley claim that forty percent cuts to Australia’s wildlife conservation system have left them
unable to properly handle these circumstances, especially with the recent wildfires rampaging the
landscape (“Environmental funding cuts to hinder fire recovery plans”). In another source,
O’Grady claims that only twelve percent of wildlife on the endangered species list are receiving
the proper funds for recovery, while others are receiving a fraction of what’s necessary for
recovery (“We’re overpaying to save some endangered species—and barely funding others”).
Each source continues to discuss these topics throughout the remainder of the article.
Other sources seem to disagree with others. This mostly occurs when one source agrees
with a method of wildlife conservation and another source does not. Connor claims that while
animal cloning is not the most effective right now, scientific advancements will make cloning a
key part of preserving the genetic information of endangered species (“Animal Cloning Can
Save Endangered Species”). Connor continues to support his case with examples of past cloning
scenarios and what was done correctly and incorrectly. In an opposing article, Shanks claims that
endangered species cloning is not a good method of conservation because it does not help their
habitat if it was destroyed, adds no genetic diversity, and requires the difficult process of finding
a suitable surrogate and egg (“Pet Cloning and Endangered Species Cloning Are Terrible
Ideas”). Shanks disproves the opposing sides points with statistics and scientific evidence.
There has always been controversy surrounding the existence of zoos and the role they
play in wildlife conservation. Some believe that zoos are inhumane because a wild animal should
only exist in its natural habitat, while others believe that zoos are educational and work to
prevent future conservation issues. According to Chauvenet, zoos benefit conservation by both
education the public about the species at risk and aiding species recovery in the wild (“Zoos
Each source provided appears to be credible and uses scientific research to support their
case. “Zoos aren’t Victorian-era throwbacks: they’re important in saving species" by Alienor
Chauvenet disproves the notion that zoos are only harming wildlife by containing them within
enclosures. Chauvenet supports this case by providing information regarding past conservation
efforts and successes within zoos. "Animal Cloning Can Save Endangered Species” by Steve
Connor suggests that animal cloning is a possible method of recovering endangered species. He
supports his case by acknowledging what has gone wrong with animal cloning in the past and
offers solutions. "Pet Cloning and Endangered Species Cloning Are Terrible Ideas" by Pete
Shanks disproves Connor’s thought that cloning is a plausible method of conservation. Shanks
looks at the cloning method as a whole and past cloning scenarios to explain how cloning is
more likely to go wrong than correctly. "Environmental funding cuts to hinder fire recovery
plans" discusses how funding cuts in Australia have made it difficult to recovery the species who
are at risk of extinction after recent forest fires. This source uses statistics and numbers to prove
its case. “The Endangered Species Act: A Wild Success” by Noah Greenwald gives the history
of the Endangered Species Act pertaining to wildlife conservation. "We’re overpaying to save
some endangered species—and barely funding others” by Cathleen O’Grady discusses how the
government has disproportionately rationed money to save endangered species and proves her
When asking what the most plausible methods for endangered species conservation are, I
believe there are many answers. From what I have researched, some answers include the
continuous use of zoos for education and species recovery, funding wildlife conservation
organizations properly, and reinstating the Endangered Species Act so it can be used to its full
potential once again. There are obviously more solutions that what is stated here. I would like to
research more about the impacts of climate change and habitat destruction and what can be done
to stop this phenomena and business practice. At the end of my paper, I would like to have
somewhat of an idea as to which of these methods have done the most for the environment.
Works Cited
Chauvenet, Alienor. "Zoos aren’t Victorian-era throwbacks: they’re important in saving species."
Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2020. Gale In Context: Opposing
Viewpoints, https://link-gale-
com.sinclair.ohionet.org/apps/doc/MYYUFL067035346/OVIC?
Connor, Steve. "Animal Cloning Can Save Endangered Species." Cloning, edited by Jacqueline
Viewpoints, https://link-gale-com.sinclair.ohionet.org/apps/doc/EJ3010383246/OVIC?
as "The Big Question: Could Cloning Be the Answer to Saving Endangered Species from
"Environmental funding cuts to hinder fire recovery plans." Sydney Morning Herald [Sydney,
com.sinclair.ohionet.org/apps/doc/A611822329/OVIC?
Greenwald, Noah. “The Endangered Species Act: A Wild Success.” Center for Biological
2020
O’Grady, Cathleen. "We’re overpaying to save some endangered species—and barely funding
others." Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2020. Gale In Context:
com.sinclair.ohionet.org/apps/doc/EOKATQ013126103/OVIC?
Shanks, Pete. "Pet Cloning and Endangered Species Cloning Are Terrible Ideas." Cloning, edited
com.sinclair.ohionet.org/apps/doc/EJ3010383247/OVIC?