Document Type

Article

Abstract

Our society has developed with a distinct homocentric view toward the natural world and all of its inhabitants. Wildlife has mostly been regarded as the exclusive chattel of man to dispense with at his discretion. This attitude has led to the extinction of some species and near extinction of many others. Through legislation, lawmakers have attempted to regulate management and exploitation of different species, with varying success. The goal of good environmental regulations is to break from traditional views; regulations in recognizing man’s superiority and control over the natural world will impose a responsibility on man to protect and preserve wildlife for future generations. The paper will briefly examine the legal framework for endangered species, as well as the laws of New York. It continues with a review on the status of the Indiana Bat and wolves in the Adirondacks, and a discussion of biological issues of these two species. The paper will conclude with analysis of the two species within the context of the constitutional mandate of Article XIV of the New York State Constitution.

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