Elijahs lines

Yuridia- (Fake Laughs) Classic Edward. Let’s just hope your news reporting is better than your jokes

Elijah- I actually thought it was pretty good. Us guys gotta stick together huh Edward!

Luisa- This extinction marks a devastating loss for our planet's biodiversity. The white-tailed deer played a crucial role in forest ecosystems, helping to shape the landscape and maintain a balance among plant species. Their absence will undoubtedly have ripple effects throughout the environment.

Elijah- The white-tailed deer was not only a crucial part of our ecosystems but also a significant cultural symbol. It appeared in Native American legends, American literature, and various organizational emblems. It's deeply saddening to think that future generations will only experience these remarkable creatures through historical records.

Annabel- The loss of the white-tailed deer should be a wake-up call for all of us. It reminds us that our actions have significant consequences, and we must take responsibility for the future of our planet. Ignoring these issues is no longer an option.

Elijah- Absolutely, Annabel. It’s time for us to reassess our relationship with the natural world and make the necessary changes to ensure that no more species are lost on our watch.

Luisa- As we conclude tonight’s broadcast, we remember the white-tailed deer, a symbol of nature’s beauty and resilience. Let their story motivate us to act with urgency to protect the incredible diversity of life on Earth. Thank you. 

Eli- Good morning, i’m Elijah James.

Yuridia- They play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. Their feeding habits help shape the vegetation structure. 

Eli- By browsing on certain plants, they help maintain a balance that supports a variety of other wildlife, from insects and birds to even larger predators.

Luisa- Wait so white-tailed deer are more than just a beautiful sight in our natural landscapes?

Eli- That’s right Luisa not only do our deer help keep our ecosystems healthy, but they also hold a substantial economic importance.

Luisa- Clearly our white tailed deer are more than just beautiful animals in our ecosystems. Considering everything they do for us, what can we do for them?

Eli- Unfortunately our deer are under many threats which is becoming a major concern to our deer herds.

Yuridia- So what’s hurting our deer you may ask?

Eli- Habitat loss, climate change, illegal poaching among many others.

Luisa- CWD? What exactly is that?

Eli- Thank you for asking Luisa! Unlike bacterial or viral infections, CWD is caused by prions which are misfolded proteins that trigger a cascade of abnormal folding in healthy proteins

Edward- As we’ve seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, diseases can spread rapidly and have devastating impacts on populations.

Eli-  Great point Edward. As of January 2024, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported approximately 200 confirmed cases of Chronic Wasting Disease in Texas. While this may not seem like a lot, when there is no cure for this disease it should be a huge red flag. 

Annabel- That's right. With CWD being so close to our community, it's more important than ever to take action. We recently had the chance to visit Jody Phillips, the owner of PBar Whitetails and president of the Texas Deer Association.

Elijah- Ms. Phillips has been doing some incredible work at her deer breeding facility. She’s been focusing on breeding deer that carry specific codons that improve resistance to CWD. This could be a game-changer in our fight against this deadly disease.

Luisa- We Luisa

Eli- Elijah

Yuridia- Also monitoring and research are vital components of any conservation effort!

Eli- Absolutely! Investing in research and developing new management techniques will help us stay ahead of emerging threats.

Yuridia- So let's remember…

Eli- Our actions today shape the landscapes of tomorrow.