Declining animals and plants: IELTS Task 2 essay #41, band 8.0

Today, many countries are facing the biodiversity crisis, with thousands, if not millions, of animal and plant species being threatened with extinction. While this phenomenon can be attributed to loss of habitats and poaching, taking strict legal action and establishing conservation areas can help alleviate this issue.

One of the most cited reasons behind the decline of animal and plant species is shrinking habitats. With the world's population rising at an unprecedented rate, the demand for construction materials like wood is also skyrocketing. This, unfortunately, requires millions of trees being cleared, squeezing the wildlife into unfamiliar and unprotected areas, where they fail to adapt to their new environment and die. In Madagascar, for instance, there has been a rapid decline in the population of lemur species, the major cause of which is logging activities.

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   RevisedShrinking habitats is one of the most cited reasons behind the decline of animal and plant species.

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Illegal hunting is another contributing factor. Considered a hobby or a job by some, poaching has been threatening the lives of many endangered animals across the globe. Asian elephants are hunted not just for their ivory but also for their meat, and are now categorized as critically endangered species. Tigers are another victim, with poachers illegally hunting them for their fur and other body parts, pushing them closer to extinction. Despite international bans, this practice has been inflicting damage on countless species, and if not prevented urgently, the mass extinction is inevitable.

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   RevisedAnother contributing factor is illegal hunting.

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There are several measures to be taken to combat this issue, one of which is to introduce strict regulations. This can be done in forms of severe punishments, such as prison sentences or increased penalties. Once those who engage in illegal hunting are aware of the consequences of their actions, they may be less inclined to violate the rules. One might argue that penalties are already in action and have proved impractical; however, those fines are not out of the offenders' reach, meaning they are able to pay the set amount and get away with killing rare animals. By implementing penalties that are virtually impossible to pay and lengthened prison sentences, the problem could be better tackled.

Apart from this, creating wildlife sanctuaries could help preserve the part of fauna we have left. Such places would function as a protection from hazards - both natural and man-made - by creating a safe space for them to roam around like they would in their original habitats. This would also enable threatened species to reproduce and reverse the decline in their population with the help of breeding programs. Yellowstone National Park in the US has played a vital role in preserving grizzly bears, allowing their population to grow steadily, and this is a testament to how successful wildlife protection areas can be.

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   RevisedIn addition to this, the creation of wildlife sanctuaries could help preserve the remaining fauna.

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   RevisedSuch places would protect wildlife from both natural and man-made hazards, providing a safe space for them to roam in their natural habitats.

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In conclusion, the number of animals and plants is diminishing largely due to human activities, including shrinking habitats and illegal hunting. However, this problem can be effectively addressed once the existing laws are strengthened, and designated zones for endangered species are properly set up.