Introduction
- Due to the low number of Chinese Alligators they have little to no impact on the ecosystem
- Chinese Alligators are rare in the wild
- One of the smallest crocodilians
Reasons why to conserve:
- Important predators
- Alleged to have medical properties
- Classified as CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
Counterclaim
NOT BEGIN SAVED
Flamingos
- Flamingos are stable
- Population of 1.5 to 2.5 million individuals around the world
- They maintain themselves by filtering out dirty water
Orangutans
- More Orangutans in the wild than Chinese Alligators
- Cost more to conserve
Ecological functions
The Chinese Alligator is one of just two alligator species in the world and they are helpful and important to the other species.
1. Aquatic predator that stops other species from overpopulating the area
- They live in ponds, lakes, and freshwater, etc.
- Eats fish, snails, muskrats, and birds
- They keep balance
2. Provides shelter for other animals with their abandoned gator holes
- Dig gator holes to live in for 6-7 months to avoid climate extremes
- Abandon gator holes act as a habitat for many small animals that live within the area
Chinese alligators are important organisms that keep balance and benefit others and by helping save them will not only help them but others as well.
Additional appeals
The organs of Chinese Alligators can be sold in local Chinese markets due to alleged medical properties
1. According to traditional Chinese beliefs eating alligator meat will cure colds
- Chinese Alligator meat is valuable in China
- Chinese cultures believe that the meat is a cure for the common cold
2. Prevents cancer
- Another Chinese believe that it prevents cancer
- The meat source is high with protein and low fat composition
Humans use parts of the Chinese Alligators for alternative medicine and suffer from other human consumptions
Cost to conservation/resource Required by the species
Millions of US dollars are being allocated to the creation of new habitats.
1. Chinese Alligator suffers from habitat loss
- It cost 1.3 million dollars to save a single endangered specie
- The US avoids losing any kind of species from extinction
- Groups ensure habitat protection and management
2. Diet consist of them eating fish, muskrats, and birds
- San Diego Zoo provides a small enclosure but good enough for them to live
- These Alligators don't need many resources compared to Orangutans
Chinese Alligators are in need of help. They don't cost a lot to conserve compared to other animals and by donating to the Wildlife Conservation program that San Diego Zoo owns will help benefit endangered species such as the Chinese Alligator.
Conclusion
- Chinese Alligators are without a doubt one of the world's most endangered crocodilians
- Others benefit from them
- Believed to help medically
- Cost less to conserve
If we have the opportunity to help them then we should take it because they are critically endangered and may vanish from the wild soon.
REFERENCES AND CREDITS
Bibliography
- "Animals." San Diego Zoo Global Animals and Plants. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2017.
- "Animals." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2017.
- Animals, A-Z. "A-Z Animals - Animal Facts, Pictures and Resources." Welcome to A-Z Animals. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2017.
- "Crocodilian Species - Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis)." N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.
Photo/Video Credits
- April Martinez
- Luz Morales
- Rosario Rodriguez