Endangered Species: Elephants vs Cows

Why are elephants considered endangered while cows are not?

a) Elephants are a common resource, while cows are private goods.

b) There is more meat on an elephant than on a cow and therefore it is more valuable.

Answer:

Elephants are considered endangered while cows are not due to various reasons such as poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. Let's discuss each reason in detail:

1. Poaching: Elephants are poached for their tusks, which are highly valuable in the illegal ivory trade. This results in a decline in elephant populations as they are killed for their tusks.

2. Habitat Loss: Human encroachment and deforestation have led to the loss of natural habitats for elephants. This fragmentation of their habitat limits their movement and access to resources, ultimately endangering their survival.

3. Human-Wildlife Conflict: As human populations expand, conflicts between elephants and humans increase. Elephants may raid crops, leading to retaliatory killings by farmers. This conflict further threatens elephant populations.

On the other hand, cows are not endangered because they are domesticated animals raised for various purposes such as meat, milk, and leather. Cows are bred and managed by humans, ensuring their survival and preventing them from becoming endangered like elephants.