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Theater goers have been dazzled by Spike Jonze's fantastic interpretations of the monsters from Maurice Sendak's book Where the Wild Things Are for over a week now. In the film Max makes an exciting journey to a world of his own imagination, populated by creatures that are, truly, wild.
For us, the ability to encounter wild things is rapidly diminishing. Biodiversity around the world is contracting as species near extinction and habits vanish. Famed biologist, Edward O. Wilson, estimates that 27,000 species become extinct each year. The World Wildlife Foundation explains that habitat loss "is identified as a main threat to 85% of all species described in the IUCN's Red List." Deforestation has not slowed and habitats are continually eroded by expanding cities, suburbs, and agricultural development.
Where the Wild Things Are
There are, of course, places where animals still thrive, albeit tenuously, in the wild. Biodiversity hotspots are regions that have a high concentration of plant and animal species. The 25 areas that have been identified as hotspots are estimated to support 60% of the world's plant and animal species.
Unfortunately, these regions are also among the world's most threatened. By definition, a biological hotspot has lost at least 70% of its original habitat. Though these areas are the targets of focused conservation efforts, they may not last long enough to preserve their biological cornucopias for the future.
There are, of course, the national parks of the world. These are excellent places to encounter wild animals and are protected so that these species can take refuge there without worry.
And you can always head to the zoo to see animals but the residents are everything but wild.
Keeping Animals Wild
Keeping animals wild is about more than captive breeding and confined reserves. It's about fighting habitat loss.
Conservation International tells us that:
Every choice you make contributes to the health of the planet, for better or worse. Even a small reduction in your consumption of natural products can make the difference between what's lost and what's saved.
It's true: Your toilet paper is threatening species and leveling habitats.
If we don't make the effort to change, our wild things, just like Max's, may be mere figments of our imaginations.
Read more about animals:
10 National Parks Boasting Exotic Wildlife
In a Vegetarian World, What Happens to the Cows?
Why Grizzly Bears Need Our Help Now
An Ocean of Plastic...In Birds' Guts (Slideshow)
