Last fall the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed 23 species from the endangered list – not because they were no longer endangered, but because they were declared to be extinct. Victims of climate change and habitat destruction, they died out before anyone could save them. In the half century since the Endangered Species Act was passed, only 11 species have been declared to be extinct.
We focus a great deal on climate change but habitat destruction is just as, if not more, important. Think about it. When was the last time you saw a frog or a turtle? The ferocious building along wetlands and swamps in spite of their status, which should be protected, has done a lot to destroy the small critters at the bottom of the food chain.
In a rare bipartisan move, Congress has before it the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act which would include not just the species we usually think of as important, like bald eagles, but freshwater mussels, salamanders, and several species of small fish. So, one may ask, what does a freshwater mussel do? It filers the water.
Prayer for the Day
Peering into a small stream, we are astounded, O God,
For we see the variety and wonder of your creation;
Gazing at the sky above, we are overwhelmed, Holy One,
By the beauty of the forest canopy above us.
Create in us, O Creator, the sight to see small creatures
And to tread lightly on the earth you created.
In the name of the One who is with us always,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The real wealth of the Nation lies in the resources of the earth – soil, water, forests, minerals, and wildlife.
Rachel Carson, naturalist (1907-1964)
Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius.
E.O. Wilson, biologist
O Lord, how manifold are our works!
In wisdom you have made them all;
The earth is full of your creatures
Psalm 104: 24