ABSTRACT
This chapter assesses the differing ways in which humans have impacted the survival of other species. The first part of the chapter considers how human actions have disrupted the balance of nature through deforestation, pollution, overharvesting animals and plants and facilitating the introduction of invasive species to new continents. The second part of the chapter explores human efforts to conserve certain animal species, whether by creating wildlife sanctuaries, creating close seasons for hunting, banning the export of animal products or, more recently, reintroducing captive-bred animals into the wild. It assesses the priorities and limitations of animal conservation measures and asks whether all humans have been equally responsible for the destruction of animal life. Case studies of the vicuña (Peru) and the kakapo (New Zealand) illustrate the different ways in which humans have threatened – and attempted to preserve – two very different species.
