Why Endangered Animals are Important to the Ecosystem

_Elsa_

‘Should it matter to humans that other life forms are disappearing? 

Many think so. Human populations depend on plants and animals for much of their food, medicines, clothing and shelter. Perhaps even more important, is the fact that intact ecosystems perform many vital functions, like: Purifying the air; Filtering harmful substances out of water; Turning decayed matter into nutrients; Preventing erosions; Averting floods; and Moderating Climate. 

There is no available data regarding how many species can be eliminated from an ecosystem

 before the very functioning of that ecosystem starts to deteriorate. However, the converse applies in that an ecosystem with more species will be more stable, than one which has lost some of its participants. For example, research has shown that grassland plots with a greater number of plant species are better able to withstand drought, than one with fewer species diversity. This stability may well be important in the future, as changes in precipitation brought about by global warming, causes stress to the ecosystem. 

Some species are particularly important to the health of an ecosystem. These components are known as 'keystone species', and they act in the same way as a centre stone in an arch, they bind all the component parts, and their removal causes the demise of the whole structure. 

A classic example of the consequences of removing a keystone species occurred when, fur hunters eliminated sea otters from some Pacific kelp beds. The connection was that otters eat sea urchins, which in turn eat kelp. The net effect of the disappearance of its major predator, sea urchin populations exploded and consumed most of the kelp. Fish and other animals associated with the kelp gradually disappeared. 

Many cultures around the globe value animals for reasons other than maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Animals play a prominent role in religions and belief systems of many cultures. Many people simply value animal species for the enjoyment and intrigue they offer. Others believe that humans have a moral obligation to live in harmony with other life forms on the planet.  

Whatever the reasons, most people agree that it is vital to prevent various animal species from extinction. Whilst there is no clear consensus as to how to do this, especially when the needs of humanity conflicts with those of another species, it is generally of rising concern.’ (Source) 

Let’s continue - If These 8 Species Go Extinct, Entire Ecosystems Will Disappear

Start at the beginning - The ecosystem and how it relates to endangered species