Large Predator Deaths and Ecosystem Destruction.

“Three-quarters of the world’s big carnivores—including lions, wolves and bears—are in decline, says a new study. A majority now occupy less than half their former ranges according to data published in the journal, Science… The researchers say the loss of these species could be extremely damaging for ecosystems the world over” (BBC, January 9, 2014).

“When they looked at wolves and cougars in Yellowstone National Park in the US, they found that having fewer of these big predators resulted in an increase in animals that browse such as elk and deer. While this might seem like good news, the researchers found that the rise of these browsers is bad for vegetation and disrupts the lives of birds and small mammals, leading to a cascade of damaging impacts. Similar effects were seen all over the world” (ibid.).

God’s creation is resilient but also hangs in a delicate balance. Christ warned through the Apostle John about the destruction of 1/3 of the sea creatures through the second Trumpet Plague (Revelation 8:8-9). Hundreds of species have also become extinct in the last 500 years alone (Biologicaldiversity.org). Mankind has exercised poor stewardship of the planet, including plants and animals, and ecological disasters have abounded. The earth and even creatures “groan,” yearning to be delivered from the bondage of man’s corrupt world (Romans 8:19-22). That deliverance will come with Christ’s soon return!

For more on this topic, be sure to read our article entitled, “How Will the Earth Be Restored?”