The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

One of the downsides to growth and industrialization of our world is that many birds and animals lose their homes and food sources to deforestation. Numerous species are now endangered due to the tearing down of their natural habitats to make way for industry and housing. Our public outcry has caused some developers to try to pacify well-meaning conservationists by replanting a few trees on areas they are developing. But even though they replant a few trees or try to replace some of the foliage, they do not grow back fast enough to save and re-inhabit the displaced animals that live there. One of these threatened species is the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. If something is not done soon, this animal will not just be threatened, he could become extinct.

The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is a cute little ball of fluff in need of help. The trees it inhabits are being torn down to make way for buildings and housing developments, all in the name of "growth of the economy". Its tree of choice is the pine tree. These trees are being torn down in copious amounts for agricultural timber harvest, to be used in building supplies and other wood products. The only problem is that they are being torn down faster than they can be replaced and as a result, this small bird is being left homeless. With no place to live or raise its young, this bird cannot survive and is in danger of being destroyed.

Although you cannot stop deforestation or growth of industries all together, there has to be a solution to rein in this excessive destruction of our earth and its creatures. New laws need to be made that make industries more responsible for helping to conserve our natural resources and find solutions for saving our environment. If these corporations were made to create protected sanctuaries to undo some of the damage they have created with their disregard for our wildlife, at least then there would be places they could go and not be threatened. Enact laws to make them have to leave so many trees, etc. if a protected or threatened species is known to live in that area. Have states reserve certain areas where no building would be allowed, areas that must be left in their natural state.

The continuation of unchecked development can only lead to disaster. This is just one of many different ways we can try to help make our planet a better place in the eyes of the world’s people and its animals that we share it with. It isn’t fair to overthrow a helpless animal all in the name of money and greed because they have just as much right to be here as we do. It’s time we step up to the plate and take responsibility not only for our own actions, but for our economy’s too. If we all did our part, we could make the world a better place one step at a time. As for me, this is my beginning.

Danielle
School: Deltona Middle School