3 - Human Activities Directly Killing Wildlife

Summary

Humans have a long history of destroying wildlife in a variety of ways. Initially, this was mostly manifest as hunting for food and removal of competing predators. Some species were exterminated by these activities. Later came collection, especially of rare species, for museums and private collections. Plants and bird eggs were especially vulnerable, as were attractive invertebrates such as butterflies. Despite protective legislation, collection continues around the world, and the wildlife trade is thriving. Persecution of ‘pest’ species also continues apace, where the definition of pest is highly contentious. Badgers are killed regularly, as are animals likely to predate game on shooting estates. Predation of wildlife for human consumption is in most cases now only carried out on a small scale, but marine fish are an exception. They continue to be harvested around UK shores, and elsewhere, in unsustainable numbers. Pressure on fish stocks is exacerbated by increasing numbers of human consumers.