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RARE & ENDANGERED SPECIES ... 
IS HUNTING TO BLAME? 
by DR. JOHN L. SCHMIDT 
Reprinted by permission from Colorado Outdoors 
The concern for wildlife, especially rare and endangered species, is prob- 
ably greater now than at any time in history. Yet how many people 
really understand the cause for the decimation of certain species? 
The prevailing opinion held by many people is that hunters alone 
are to blame. They remember reading in their history book how hunters 
wiped out the passenger pigeon and the heath hen and nearly did the 
same for the bison and pronghorn. So the natural tendency is to again 
blame hunting when we hear that this species or that is nearly extinct. 
Let’s take a look at the 104 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and 
amphibians that are classified as rare or endangered in the United States 
today to see what the real problems are. But first, perhaps we should 
define these terms. A “rare” species is not presently threatened with 
extinction, but is present in such small numbers throughout its range 
that it may become endangered, if its environment worsens. An “en- 
dangered” species’ prospect of survival and reproduction 1s in immediate 
jeopardy. An endangered species must have help or extinction will 
probably follow. 
Data are summarized in the accompanying chart to show the 
reasons for the various rare and endangered species being classified as 
such. This information was compiled from Rare and Endangered Fish 
and Wildlife of the United States (Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wild- 
life). For several species there was more than one reason involved. In 
such cases only the most important reason was cited. 
ILLEGAL KILLING 
“Tlegal Killing” refers to those animals which, although no legal 
hunting is permitted, have suffered declines because of illegal killing or 
poaching by man. One of the best examples of the three species in_this 
category is the American alligator. Although not legally harvested for 
many years, the alligator is classified as endangered because of poaching 
by market hunters who want only their valuable hide. 
PESTICIDES 
Only three species have become rare or endangered primarily because 
of pesticides. However, pesticides were listed as possible reasons for 
_ declines or several other species. This group consists of species that were 
