The Importance of Wild Animals in Human Life

Every year, an estimated 1 million species face extinction, largely due to human activities, marking what scientists call the “sixth mass extinction”—the fastest loss of species since the age of dinosaurs.

But here is the problem: wild animals play a vital role in sustaining human life and the planet’s overall health. In recent times, scientists and authors have begun to realize that wild animals are equally, if not more important than domesticated animals. People have always had an awareness of the consumptive economic importance of hunting or trapping wild animals, but in recent times other non-consumptive values have become popular.

Nature is, and has always been, valued for its aesthetic values. In an increasingly commercialized world which can often feel cold and empty, it is important that we have something inspiring and thought provoking to turn to when we need a break. Wild animals can fill this void, whether we simply visit a park and watch the pigeons for a while, go to the zoo, or are lucky enough to experience animals in their wild habitat.

Besides, wildlife contributes to essential processes such as pollination, seed dispersal, and controlling pest populations, which are all necessary for our food security. In fact, studies show that nearly 75% of global food crops depend on pollination by wild animals. And there is much more…

The Role of Wild Animals in Ecosystems

Here is the twist: wild animals are the ecosystem. We write this because animals form the living threads that weave the natural world together. Every animal, from apex predators to microscopic organisms, plays a specific role that keeps ecosystems functional and resilient. 

Without wild animals, ecosystems lose their balance and begin to unravel. For example, coral reefs, often called the “rainforests of the sea,” rely on herbivorous fish to graze on algae. Remove the fish, and the entire reef ecosystem collapses. And this would affect thousands of species—including us, humans, who rely on reefs for food and coastal protection.

What’s more, wild animal migration, distribution, and behavioral patterns can be a vital indicator into the health of an ecosystem and the deeper impacts of climate change.

Scientists can use models of animal distribution to define the best methods for the preservation of the natural environment. Animal behavior can also be an important indicator of unprecedented events, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, or large storms.

Historical information shows that wildlife can behave differently when they sense an imminent threat. If this knowledge could be harnessed effectively, it could save countless lives through early warning systems, allowing people to adequately prepare. 

Wild Animals and Environmental Balance: Examples

Wild animals are not “just living around” because that’s what they do. They are nature’s architects. Pretty impressive, isn’t it? Every animal species plays a unique role in shaping its environment. Without wild animals, delicate ecosystems would collapse and trigger a domino effect that would destabilize the natural world.

Consider the sea otter, a small marine mammal that has an outsized impact on its ecosystem. Sea otters feed on sea urchins, which, if left unchecked, can decimate kelp forests by overgrazing. But kelp forests are vital carbon sinks. 

They absorb vast amounts of CO₂, according to scientists, they are estimated to sequester almost 5 megatons of carbon from the atmosphere each year. Kelp forests also generate around $500 billion per year by supporting the production of fisheries and healthy nutrient levels in their habitat. 

These numbers are huge and even as small an animal as sea otters plays such an important role in keeping these forests healthy. When sea otter populations decline, kelp forests shrink. 

Another striking example is the African elephant, often referred to as the “mega-gardener” of the forest. Elephants consume large quantities of vegetation and shape the landscape as they move. They knock down trees and create open spaces for other plant species to thrive. And their dung serves as a natural fertilizer that even disperses seeds over vast distances. 

Research indicates that forests with healthy elephant populations store significantly more carbon than those without. Specifically, the presence of forest elephants can increase above ground carbon storage by approximately 6.4%, equating to an additional 8.5 megagrams of carbon per hectare.

However, the decline of elephants due to poaching and habitat loss has already started to disrupt these ecosystems. It is estimated that the extinction of forest elephants could lead up to a 9% decrease in the African rainforest’s capacity to absorb atmospheric carbon.

Even the seemingly insignificant role of scavengers like vultures highlights the critical contributions of wild animals. Vultures clean up carcasses that could otherwise become breeding grounds for serious diseases such as anthrax and rabies. 

In India, the near-extinction of vultures due to poisoning led to an explosion in feral dog populations feeding on untreated carcasses. This, in turn, caused a rise in rabies cases, resulting in 20,000 thousands of human deaths annually. This is a sad reminder of how interconnected human health and wildlife truly are.

How Wild Animals Benefit Humans?

The one undeniable role of wild animals in this world is to keep humanity in check. Does that sound shocking? It may, but it is not what you think. 

Wild animals have always been integral to human life by providing both tangible and intangible benefits that are essential for our survival. From food and resources to cultural significance and recreational values.

For generations, humans have relied on wild animals as a source of sustenance and essential resources. Fish provide a vital source of protein for billions of people. Honey, gathered by observing wild bees, has long been treasured for its nutritional and medicinal properties. 

Similarly, medicinal plants, many of which are pollinated or dispersed by wild animals, serve as the foundation for numerous modern medicines or effective herbal remedies. 

Many times in many scenarios, wild animals were the main factor of human survival. Too many large carnivores? Not a safe place to live. Too few elk to hunt for meat before winter arrives? Not possible to stay. People had to leave and track animals on their migration routes. 

Yet the importance of wild animals goes far beyond practical needs. 

Human fascination with the beauty of wild animals drives tourism worldwide. This has the effect of boosting the economy and creating jobs where there otherwise may be none. Managed in the right way, tourism raises awareness of the need to conserve delicate ecosystems containing endangered animals. It gives people a driving force to want to help in conservation efforts, which will unquestionably lead to a better future for planet earth.

Historically, wildlife has played a huge part in the day to day life of many cultures. As a part of religious ceremonies, community events, and community bonding, wild animals still have a huge role in many third world countries.

Wild animals also contribute to human health in less obvious ways. Spending time in nature surrounded by wildlife, even if you don’t meet them directly, boosts your mood. Nature makes our body and brain happy, even when meeting her just for a short time.  

Beyond that, animals’ survival mechanisms have even inspired medical advancements. For example, compounds found in snake venom have been used to develop drugs that treat high blood pressure and prevent blood clots. 

Similarly, certain amphibians produce skin secretions with powerful antimicrobial properties, which have served as blueprints for creating antibiotics. They are especially effective against drug-resistant bacteria. There is so much undiscovered potential still. 

Wildlife Conservation: Why It Matters

Over 1 million species are currently at risk of extinction, with many facing irreversible decline within the next few decades due to human activities. This rate of loss is up to 1,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate. 

This gives off a signal of a great biodiversity crisis. Where do we even start to understand this problem? Well, let’s see…

Current Threats to Wild Animals

Habitat loss is driving a catastrophic decline in biodiversity, with an estimated 83% of wild mammals and half of all plant species already lost due to human activities. Shockingly, nearly 90% of global wetlands have disappeared since 1700, and tropical forests, home to more than half of all terrestrial species, are being cleared at a rate of 10 million hectares annually—equivalent to losing an area the size of South Korea every year.

Climate change further exacerbates these challenges, forcing animals to adapt to new conditions or face extinction. Melting Arctic ice threatens polar bears by destroying their hunting grounds, while rising temperatures disrupt migration patterns and breeding cycles for countless bird species. 

Sadly, even poaching remains another significant threat. The illegal wildlife trade generates billions of dollars annually and targets iconic species like elephants, rhinos, and pangolins. For instance, African elephants have experienced a drastic population decline, with forest elephants decreasing by up to 96% since 1964, primarily due to poaching for ivory. 

These alarming figures highlight the urgent need for intensified conservation efforts and stricter enforcement against illegal wildlife trade to protect these vulnerable species.

The Ripple Effects of Losing Species

The loss of species doesn’t just affect other wildlife—it has far-reaching consequences for us and the planet. As we discussed previously, every species plays a role in maintaining the health of ecosystems that provide vital ecosystem services for us all. 

Here is another example: losing giant pandas wouldn’t just erase an iconic species—it would disrupt entire ecosystems within China’s bamboo forests. How?

Pandas consume and help propagate vast amounts of bamboo. They maintain the health and diversity of these forests. Without pandas to control and spread bamboo growth, these ecosystems could become overgrown, less diverse, and eventually decline. 

The loss of forest health then leads to soil erosion and affects water regulation. These changes then impact millions of people downstream who rely on bamboo forests for clean water, agriculture, and flood prevention. 

The disappearance of pandas could actually trigger ecological collapse in these regions. These cascading effects demonstrate how deeply interconnected human-wildlife coexistence is and why preserving wildlife is essential for our survival.

Sustainable Practices for Wildlife Conservation

Here is a shocking fact: the illegal wildlife trade is valued at an estimated $7 to $23 billion every single year. It is the fourth largest illicit global business that further pushes countless species toward extinction.

However, creating and expanding protected areas has proven to be one of the most effective strategies. For example, India has increased its number of national parks from just five before 1972 to over 100 today, alongside 500 wildlife sanctuaries and 48 tiger reserves. Together, these areas protect more than 5% of India’s land area and serve as crucial habitats for endangered species, while also promoting human-wildlife coexistence through ecotourism.

Community-led initiatives have shown remarkable success in wildlife conservation. In Africa, the Amboseli Trust for Elephants works closely with local communities to reduce human-elephant conflicts. The project cuts crop damage incidents by over 70% in some regions.

Similarly, the Wildlife Conservation Society in India has helped educate rural communities about conservation. The society has reduced illegal hunting by recruiting local people for conservation projects and providing alternative livelihoods instead.

Sustainable agriculture and reforestation programs are also making a difference. Agroforestry, for example, has been implemented in parts of Kenya, where farmers who plant trees alongside crops report up to 40% higher yields while improving soil quality and creating habitats for wildlife.

Programs like the Bonn Challenge aim to restore 350 million hectares of deforested land by 2030, which would sequester up to 1.7 gigatons of carbon annually and provide countless habitats for wildlife.

Finally, stricter enforcement against the illegal wildlife trade is crucial. For instance, China’s ban on ivory trading in 2017 led to a 65% drop in ivory prices within a year! This step has successfully reduced poaching pressures on African elephants. Wonderful. 

The Connection Between Wildlife and Human Culture

Yes, we previously tapped into this topic by mentioning that some traditions have led to endangering some unique animal species. But there is also a positive side of our connection with wild animals throughout our co-existence. 

Wild animals have always held a special place in human culture. And it’s quite natural. Just look at the eyes of a baby touching an animal for the first time. They are fascinated. The impact of wildlife on human culture can be seen in everything from ancient rituals to modern storytelling.

Historically, wild animals have been central to the spiritual beliefs and practices of many societies. In ancient Egypt, animals like the falcon and the cat were considered sacred, symbolizing gods and protection. Similarly, Indigenous communities around the world, such as the Native American tribes, often revere animals like the wolf and the eagle as spiritual guides or symbols of strength and wisdom. 

These connections underscore the value of wildlife in daily life, not only as a source of sustenance but also as a vital part of cultural identity.

Wild animals have also been a powerful source of inspiration for art, literature, and traditions throughout history. From the intricate cave paintings of Lascaux, depicting wild horses and bison, to modern-day novels like Life of Pi, wild animals have fueled our creativity. 

Traditional dances and ceremonies in countries like India, where tigers and elephants take center stage, further highlight how animals inspire cultural expression. Even everyday proverbs, such as “wise as an owl” or “strong as a lion,” reflect how deeply wildlife is woven into human language and thought.

But the impact of wildlife on human culture goes beyond art and spirituality; it also influences traditions tied to the rhythms of nature. For example, in Japan, is celebrated the annual arrival of cranes as a sign of good fortune and longevity. 

Steps Toward Better Human-Wildlife Coexistence

According to the report “A Future for All: The Need for Human-Wildlife Coexistence,” conflict-related killing affects more than 75% of the world’s wild cat species, as well as many other terrestrial and marine carnivores and large herbivores.

These conflicts endanger wild animals but also impact the income of farmers, herders, artisanal fishers, and Indigenous peoples. Achieving human-wildlife coexistence is not just a choice—it is a necessity for our survival. We can start by making thoughtful changes to daily habits and supporting broader conservation initiatives because people can live alongside wild animals in harmony, it is only about our approach.

Reducing waste is one of the simplest yet most impactful actions we can take to protect wildlife. Every year, over 100,000 marine mammals and 1 million seabirds die from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic waste. By cutting down on single-use plastics and recycling our waste responsibly, we can save countless animals from preventable harm.

Similarly, reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides in gardens and farms helps protect pollinators and other wildlife that are critical for healthy ecosystems.

Supporting conservation programs is another vital step. For example, community-led initiatives such as Africa’s Lion Guardians program have successfully reduced human-lion conflicts by training local Maasai warriors to track and protect lions instead of hunting them. What’s great is that this approach has also fostered coexistence by turning potential conflicts into opportunities for conservation and income generation.

Creating wildlife-friendly spaces, even in urban areas, can also promote coexistence. Planting native vegetation in backyards and parks provides food and shelter for species such as birds, butterflies, and small mammals. In Singapore, the construction of green corridors and wildlife bridges has allowed species to safely navigate the city.

The journey to human-wildlife coexistence begins with education and awareness. When communities understand why wild animals matter to humans, they become empowered to protect them. Schools and local groups can play a role by organizing clean-ups, habitat restoration projects, or workshops on living harmoniously with wildlife.

Successful examples, such as India’s Project Tiger, which increased tiger populations from 1,411 in 2006 to over 3,000 today, demonstrate how coordinated efforts can bring amazing results. 

Many of the world’s environmental problems stem from a lack of knowledge. Consumers are able to purchase certain products or engage in activities without realizing the damage they are causing to the earth.

When shown in a positive light, wild animals can inspire people to lead a sustainable lifestyle. They can invoke feelings of sympathy and compassion, causing people to be conscious of the damaging effects of their lifestyles.

Wild animals provide a range of services to human existence. They can be valuable subjects for modern scientific research and play a huge role in cultures across the world. People can turn to nature for a release when the drags of the modern world become too great.

With respect to the conservation and future of our planet, animals can inspire people to change their lifestyle and rally for a brighter future. If a larger portion of the human population were to realize the importance of wild animals to their existence, they would be able to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.