The extinction of native animals is a persistent problem that has not received the attention it deserves. Biologists are studying the pattern of mass extinction with growing concern. Global species are declining at a rate 10,000 times faster than normal, according to a census of global species (Dugan). The cause of such rapid increases in extinctions is unknown, but one thing is indisputable: human intervention plays a direct role. Poaching is the illegal hunting, killing or capturing of animals. Poachers sell the animals as pets, food and fur. In the 1960s, jaguars, leopards and tigers were poached for their fur and meat. The animals' organs and meat were then sold as aphrodisiac medicines and the skin was used to make accessories. In the 1960s and 1970s, around 18,000 jaguars were killed each year because of their beautiful coats. Formerly prized furs, such as those of the leopard, cheetah, or jaguar, can no longer be hunted in countries where they are native, and many other countries ban their importation (Miller). Another example of an animal being hunted to extinction is the whaling industry of the 19th century. Southern right whales were hunted because they float when dead, can produce many barrels of oil, have long baleen, and come closer to shore. Whale oil was used to make candles, light fuel, soap, heat and lubricant. Baleen or “whale bones” were used in corsetry, bookbinding, whips and umbrellas (Environment). Between 1835 and 1844, whales were hunted to extinction in New Zealand and Australia. As a result, whale hunting was no longer profitable and by 1935, whales were protected internationally through the League of Nations and b...... middle of paper ...... that the Earth faces increasing species loss that equals or exceeds any mass extinction in the geological record. Sources http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/an-epidemic-of-extinctions-decimation-of -life-on-earth-829325.htmlhttp://www.edu.pe.ca/southernkings/jaguar.htmhttp://www.environment.sa.gov.au/coasts/whales/hist.htmlhttp://www .actionbioscience.org/biodiversity/simberloff.htmlhttp://www.birdlife.org/action/science/sowb/pression/30.htmlhttp://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/ThinkGloballyActLocally/LossOfHabitat/default.cfmhttp:/ /www.redorbit.com/news/science/ 380463/urban_expansion_straining_wildlife_with_growth_altering_their_habitat_animals/index.html (Henderson) http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2008/10/21/Study-World-is-undergoing-mass-extinction /UPI-86681224612180/DeWeerdt