ap lang essay
thesis
arbitrary political borders in the southwest make the lives of ocelots and other species in the southwest much harder.
border wall
private/ public land
urban development
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not all border are purposeful
Roads divide an ecosystem
legislation affects one state but not the other
roads are danerous for animals
The procedure for reporting endangered animals is a burden to ranchers. Ranchers find it easier to ignore the animal or kill it to avoid the trouble
Small animals can get through but larger ones cant
animals make a long trek to the border and have to walk back
animals dont conform to political borders between nations or states
over 95% of land in texas is private owned
Only about 18% of the land in Arizona is privately held, with the rest belonging to federal, state, local, and tribal governments. Arizona has 18 national parks and monuments, including the famous 1.2 million-acre Grand Canyon National Park.
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faliure of border wall stopping human migration
In 2022, the border wall was breached 4,101 times- more than 11 times per day. ii
Biodiversity in Sky Island and southwest US
Ocelots specifically
More than 7,000 species of plants and animals
over half of the birds in north america can be found here
the Sky Island territory trancends the border
July 21, 1982, Listed as engandered under the endangered species actThe agency did not designate critical habitat, claiming that it might operate to the disadvantage of the species, citing poaching as a threat. It also relied on the fact that 20,000 of the 50,000 identified acres of ocelot habitat was already protected by the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
The Fish and Wildlife Service issued a permit to the Arizona Game and Fish Department allowing the state agency to “take” ocelots and jaguars, which can include killing, injuring or otherwise harming the rare felines.
shipping container wall
Last month the Center filed a legal notice of its intent to sue Ducey’s administration if it proceeded with plans to install the shipping containers. The notice said the containers would obstruct a critical migration path for jaguars and ocelots and prevent their recovery in the United States, violating the Endangered Species Act.
“Ducey’s lawlessness is matched only by his contempt for the natural world and other humans, especially people of color,” Silver said. “This is a pathetic way for the Arizona governor to spend his final weeks in office.”