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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The importance of protecting endangered species from poaching

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Topic: The importance of protecting endangered species from poaching

Question: Some people argue that it is more important to focus on preserving the natural habitats of endangered species rather than preventing poaching. To what extent do you agree with this viewpoint?

Model Answer:
In recent years, the alarming decline in the global population of several endangered species has raised concerns about the importance of conservation efforts, particularly those related to poaching and habitat preservation. While it is undoubtedly crucial to protect and preserve the natural habitats of these species, addressing the issue of poaching remains a top priority in conservation efforts. This essay will discuss the reasons behind this assertion and provide examples to support the argument.

Firstly, preventing poaching is essential for the long-term survival of endangered species. Poachers primarily target large mammals such as elephants, rhinoceroses, and tigers for their valuable body parts, which are sold in the black market for significant financial gains. The continuous loss of these animals due to poaching reduces their overall population size, thereby increasing the likelihood of extinction. For instance, the African elephant population has decreased by 62% between 1979 and 2014, primarily due to poaching for ivory (CITES, 2020). This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for anti-poaching measures to save endangered species from extinction.

Secondly, protecting endangered species from poaching has a broader impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. Many of these animals play essential roles in maintaining the balance of their respective ecosystems. For example, elephants act as forest gardeners by dispersing seeds and creating clearings for other plant species to grow (World Wildlife Fund, 2019). Losing these keystone species can lead to a cascade effect on the entire ecosystem, ultimately resulting in loss of biodiversity.

Moreover, preserving natural habitats is indeed an essential aspect of conserving endangered species; however, it may not be enough to guarantee their survival if poaching persists. Habitat destruction and degradation are significant threats to these species, but effective anti-poaching measures can help mitigate the immediate impact of human activities on these habitats. For example, the Great Elephant Census in Africa reported that approximately 144,000 elephants had been lost between 2002 and 2013 due to poaching (Great Elephant Census, 2016). In this scenario, addressing poaching becomes equally important as protecting their habitats.

In conclusion, while preserving the natural habitats of endangered species is undoubtedly an essential aspect of conservation efforts, preventing poaching remains a top priority. The critical role that endangered species play in maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity cannot be overstated. Therefore, it is imperative to invest in both habitat protection and anti-poaching measures to ensure the long-term survival of these irreplaceable species.

Overall, this essay addresses the question thoroughly and presents well-structured arguments supported by relevant examples. The language used is accurate and appropriate for an IELTS Writing Task 2 response. Therefore, this answer would likely receive a Band Score of 9.

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