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CHAPTER ONE
Science to
the Rescue
“
Science is at the core of wildlife conservation. It allows us
to understand how to conserve wildlife and wild places and
measure the impact of our work to save them.
”
—Cristian Samper, president of the Wildlife Conservation Society
Quoted in Wildlife Conservation Society, “Science Is Core to Saving Wildlife,” April 19, 2017. https://
newsroom.wcs.org.
Habitat loss poses the single greatest threat to wildlife through-
out the world. This widespread loss has already pushed numerous
species to the brink of extinction. As the world’s human population
continues to increase, threats to habitats will likely grow. A larg-
er population means more land is needed for agriculture, roads,
housing, energy, and other types of development—meaning that
ample space for wildlife to live and thrive will shrink even further.
“Without a strong plan to create terrestrial and marine protected ar-
eas,” says the WWF, “ecological habitats will continue to be lost.”
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That “strong plan” is where science comes into play.
The reason so much is known about habitat loss is because
of technology. Scientists use a variety of techniques to survey
and track wildlife, from sophisticated computer programs to high-
tech photo equipment that can record and photograph animals
in their natural habitats. Scientists use these innovative tools to
learn more about wildlife, as well as learn how to better protect
and preserve habitat. Scientific research, for instance, has led to
more sustainable methods of farming, which saves land and pre-
