Why Save Species?



	Humans have increased the extinction rate of native species to almost 100 times the natural rate. The loss of species diminishes the quality of our lives and basic economic security. Over the planet's history, plants and animals have become extinct at the rate of about one per year. Today, a species vanishes daily. This amounts to an epidemic of species extinction. What is causing this decline? The equation is simple: loss of habitat equals loss of species.	Scrub blazing star (Liatrus ohlingerae) is a member of a genus that is economically important as a source of garden perennials and cut flowers.
	NATURE'S MEDICINE CABINET AND PANTRY A compelling reason to save species is the medicinal and agricultural value of plants and animals. Most species have not been tested for their possible benefit to mankind. Forty percent of all prescriptions dispensed in the United States are derived from plants, animals and microorganisms. Medications originating from wild species include aspirin for pain relief, penicillin for antibiotics and digitoxin for cardiac treatment. A mere 20 species currently provide 90 percent of the world's food. All major food crops, including corn, wheat and soybeans, depend on the introduction of new strains from the wild to resist disease and pests. Scientists have just begun to discover some of the potential medicinal and agricultural applications of Ridge plants and animals. Intrigued by the pungent aroma of scrub mint, Dicerandra frutescens, scientists noticed that the plant is almost free of insect infestation; suggesting that the mint's oil may be a natural insecticide. Upon investigation, researchers discovered the plant contains a previously unknown chemical that repels roaches and ants. Continued research may lead the way to applying the mint's insect-repellent properties to crop plants to create a natural insect defense. Many other Ridge plants have relatives that are being or have been used medicinally. The drought resistant qualities of the scrub plum, Prunus geniculata, are being studied by scientists for potential applications in the fruit industry.
	"There is a shrinking natural environment that is diminishing at an alarming rate. One of the big tasks is to harmonize the competing interest that are trying to take advantage of the pristine environment." Don Morey Retired Pastor