Human Activity is Causing Cancer in Wild Animals
Several studies have confirmed that many nonhuman animal species can develop cancer, and that tumor incidences in wild populations link to the populations’ exposure to pollution — just like with humans.
LUKAS JASIUNAS: ‘Just like humans, many wild animals are experiencing anthropogenic changes in their environments. Several studies have already confirmed that many nonhuman animal species can develop cancer, and that tumor incidences in wild populations link to the populations’ exposure to pollution — just like with humans. But, even though we might expect increased cancer rates in wild animals due to anthropogenic modifications to their environments, wildlife cancer research is still a new field of study.
In this literature review, a group of scientists propose that human activities might increase cancer rates in wild populations through several processes. And as experts predict human impacts on wildlife to increase in the future, acknowledging such a possible link is crucial, especially if researchers want to develop and conduct more research in this direction…
Animal advocates will appreciate the ongoing research in the field of anthropogenic effects on wildlife. The link that the researchers proposed — between us changing natural environments and an increased cancer risk in wild animals — is an especially welcome metric as it enables us to quantify our impact in a scientifically sound manner. Plus, the addition of less discussed factors such as light pollution and wildlife feeding enables new advocacy frontiers’. SOURCE…
RELATED VIDEO: