They’re Back. Are We Ready For Them?

With the return of several previously listed endangered species, many people are finding reason to celebrate.  Others, however, are concerned.  According to a study conducted by four US marine biologists and published in Trends in Ecology and Evolution, many marine and avian species have been experiencing success under to the protection of conservation policies and are repopulating their native habitats.  Such species include the bald eagle, elephant seal, green sea turtle, humpback whale, and several others.  However, many of these animals’ native habitats have over time become human communities that have grown accustomed to the previously smaller populations. As a result of shifting baselines, the current generation of people living in these environments is not habituated with such a large population of these species, posing a challenge to the locals and policymakers. Many of the species are large predators like the North Atlantic gray seal, which has been blamed for smaller yields in fisheries.  One beach in California was temporarily closed for harbor seal pupping. 

Cleary, species conservation can work.  However it comes armed with necessary challenges that may bring out our more territorial nature and must be overcome.  These habitats belong to the returning species as much as they belong to us, and it was often a result of our negligence that brought them down to begin with.  Joe Roman, a professor at UVM's Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, points out that “wildlife managers need to do a better job of planning for the return of these species to avoid future conflicts.”  If we can prepare for the return of these species, it will be easier to welcome them back.