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From hunters to protectors: How has the relationship between humans and wildlife evolved?
Over time, humans’ relationship with wildlife has changed dramatically, from hunters to protectors. This process not only includes the needs of survival, but also incorporates cultural, economic and moral considerations. This article will explore how humans have transformed from being predators focused on survival to defending nature and biodiversity.
Wild animals are undomesticated plant and animal species that survive in their natural habitats. However, many scientists believe that much of the wildlife is impacted by human activities.
During the Stone Age, hunters and gatherers relied on wild animals for food, which put some species at risk of extinction due to overhunting. Today, while hunting and fishing are still practiced primarily as a source of food in many places, in other areas these activities have become sports or recreation.
According to the 2020 WWF Biodiversity Report, global wildlife populations have declined by a remarkable 68% since 1970.
Human demand is having a devastating impact on wildlife, particularly in East Asia, where demand is surging for species such as sharks, great apes and pangolins, whose populations are declining rapidly. In addition, illegal hunting and trade issues pose a challenge to Malaysia's natural biodiversity.
The media plays a major role in shaping human perceptions of wildlife. Animal documentaries not only allow the public to understand the living habits of wild animals, but also raise awareness of protecting the natural environment. As this market grows, more and more international production companies have begun to produce professional wildlife documentaries, forming a multi-million dollar industry.
Many animal species have spiritual significance in cultures around the world; for Native Americans, for example, eagles and eagle feathers have deep meaning in religious ceremonies.
As global attention to wildlife conservation continues to grow, humans’ relationship with nature is gradually shifting toward the role of protector. Today, many countries have established wildlife conservation programs to protect endangered species and their habitats in order to restore damaged ecosystems.
However, growing awareness of conservation is accompanied by a rapid loss of global biodiversity. According to the United Nations, about one million species of plants and animals are at risk of extinction within a few decades.
This horrifying reality forces us to reflect: How does human behavior affect the future of other life on Earth? With over-exploitation, habitat loss and the introduction of alien species, the living space for wild animals is getting smaller and smaller, and the survival pressure is increasing greatly.
It has been reported that overhunting can lead to sudden population declines even when some species have relatively strong reproductive capacity due to rapid hunting.
In many cases, habitat destruction and fragmentation is one of the important causes of biological extinction. As agricultural activities expand, biodiversity is threatened and the habitats of different species are cut into isolated patches, intensifying competition among organisms and further weakening the stability of the ecosystem.
These issues are not only technical or ecological, but also about ethics and social responsibility. Humans need to be aware of the role each species plays in the ecosystem and how they are connected to other life. The loss of one species could set off a chain reaction leading to the extinction of even more species.
Today, many people view animals as companions or friends, and this shift in perspective has led to a greater sense of responsibility in how we treat wildlife. There is also a growing number of animal protection organizations that promote conservation efforts through education, funding, and support. However, gaining consensus and breaking down cultural barriers is a long and arduous task.
Whether from an economic, educational or emotional perspective, the value of wildlife to humans cannot be underestimated. In this profound era of change, we might as well ponder: How will future humans redefine their relationship with wildlife to ensure a future of coexistence?
