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Museum
scientists study the habitats of endangered species to learn what makes
them suitable. The most immediate concern in saving an endangered
species
is the protection of its habitat.
Without the proper habitat, a species cannot meet its most basic needs for
survival-food, shelter, and a place to reproduce and live.
Scientists also study the species' life cycle to determine how the environment affects an animal at each stage of its growth. Zoologists hope that their studies will tell them why a species thrives in certain places. Genetic Variability In some cases, scientists may attempt to determine the genetic variability in the population of a species at the different locations where it is found. If the genetic variability is very low in an area, then the population may not be able to adapt to changes and may be in danger of disappearing. They also conduct surveys to find and describe additional populations. All of this information gives us an idea of how we can sustain populations and help them to increase through habitat management. Once we know more about a species' population and habitat, we can make intelligent decisions about how to begin protecting or restoring habitats. For animals such as the Hine's emerald dragonfly, this means protecting headwaters of streams and managing vegetation. Protection of aquatic environments is essential to the survival of the larvae of this dragonfly. Survival of the larvae is critical to the survival of the dragonfly. The Hine's emerald dragonfly was put on the state endangered species list in Illinois in 1991 and the federal endangered species list in 1995. This protected the Hine's dragonfly by prohibiting its collection from the wild except by special permit.
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Copyright© 2000 Illinois State Museum Society |
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