How to protect animals

How to Help Endangered Animals

This article was co-authored by Kris Jensen. Kris Jensen is the Principal of Regenerative Communities Collective, a design consultancy focusing on regenerative design, and the Founder and Executive Director of Gardensmiths, a community centered initiative focused on the connection between regenerative gardens and resilient people, Previously, he was the Executive Director of the San Bruno Mountain Watch in California. He has working in the environmental activism field for over 12 years.

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Scientists count five known animal extinction waves in Earth’s history, including the extinction of the dinosaurs, and many now believe we have entered a sixth wave. [1] X Research source This time, however, humans are the primary cause, through habitat reduction and destruction, over-hunting, pollution, food chain disruptions, and introduction of non-native species, to name a few factors. Beyond the loss of animal species forever, extinction threatens potential scientific and medical advances to be gleaned from animal life, and even possibly our food supply (through disruption of the pollination chain). It may seem like a problem that is too big for any one person to make a difference, but there are many changes we can all make to help prevent endangered species from becoming extinct species.

10 Easy Things You Can Do to Save Endangered Species

1. Learn about endangered species in your area. Teach your friends and family about the wonderful wildlife, birds, fish and plants that live near you. The first step to protecting endangered species is learning about how interesting and important they are. Our natural world provides us with many indispensable services including clean air and water, food and medicinal sources, commercial, aesthetic and recreational benefits. For more information about endangered species, visit endangered.fws.gov and join our activist network to receive updates and action alerts.

3. Make your home wildlife friendly. Secure garbage in shelters or cans with locking lids, feed pets indoors and lock pet doors at night to avoid attracting wild animals into your home. Reduce your use of water in your home and garden so that animals that live in or near water can have a better chance of survival. Disinfect bird baths often to avoid disease transmission. Place decals on windows to deter bird collisions. Millions of birds die every year because of collisions with windows. You can help reduce the number of collisions simply by placing decals on the windows in your home and office. For more information on what you can do, check out these tips from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

4. Native plants provide food and shelter for native wildlife. Attracting native insects like bees and butterflies can help pollinate your plants. The spread of non-native species has greatly impacted native populations around the world. Invasive species compete with native species for resources and habitat. They can even prey on native species directly, forcing native species towards extinction. For more information about native plants, visit https://www.plantsocieties.org.

5. Herbicides and pesticides may keep yards looking nice but they are in fact hazardous pollutants that affect wildlife at many levels. Many herbicides and pesticides take a long time to degrade and build up in the soils or throughout the food chain. Predators such as hawks, owls and coyotes can be harmed if they eat poisoned animals. Some groups of animals such as amphibians are particularly vulnerable to these chemical pollutants and suffer greatly as a result of the high levels of herbicides and pesticides in their habitat. For alternatives to pesticides, visit https://www.beyondpesticides.org.

6. Slow down when driving. Many animals live in developed areas and this means they must navigate a landscape full of human hazards. One of the biggest obstacles to wildlife living in developed areas is roads. Roads divide habitat and present a constant hazard to any animal attempting to cross from one side to the other. So when you’re out and about, slow down and keep an eye out for wildlife.

7. Recycle and buy sustainable products. Buy recycled paper, sustainable products like bamboo and Forest Stewardship Council wood products to protect forest species. Never buy furniture made from wood from rainforests. Recycle your cell phones, because a mineral used in cell phones and other electronics is mined in gorilla habitat. Minimize your use of palm oil because forests where tigers live are being cut down to plant palm plantations.

8. Never purchase products made from threatened or endangered species. Overseas trips can be exciting and fun, and everyone wants a souvenir. But sometimes the souvenirs are made from species nearing extinction. Avoid supporting the market in illegal wildlife including: tortoise-shell, ivory, coral. Also, be careful of products including fur from tigers, polar bears, sea otters and other endangered wildlife, crocodile skin, live monkeys or apes, most live birds including parrots, macaws, cockatoos and finches, some live snakes, turtles and lizards, some orchids, cacti and cycads, medicinal products made from rhinos, tiger or Asiatic black bear.

9. Harassing wildlife is cruel and illegal. Shooting, trapping, or forcing a threatened or endangered animal into captivity is also illegal and can lead to their extinction. Don’t participate in this activity, and report it as soon as you see it to your local state or federal wildlife enforcement office. You can find a list of state wildlife departments at https://www.fws.gov/offices/statelinks.html.

10. Protect wildlife habitat. Perhaps the greatest threat that faces many species is the widespread destruction of habitat. Scientists tell us the best way to protect endangered species is to protect the special places where they live. Wildlife must have places to find food, shelter and raise their young. Logging, oil and gas drilling, over-grazing and development all result habitat destruction. Endangered species habitat should be protected and these impacts minimized.

By protecting habitat, entire communities of animals and plants can be protected together. Parks, wildlife refuges, and other open space should be protected near your community. Open space also provides us with great places to visit and enjoy. Support wildlife habitat and open space protection in your community. When you are buying a house, consider your impact on wildlife habitat.

10 Ways To Save Wildlife And Why We Should

Without animals and plants, our lives would not be possible. I wanted to share ten ideas on how we can save wildlife.

The term wildlife doesn’t only address wild animals but all undomesticated animals, including birds and insects. To ensure the ecosystem is balanced correctly, all living animals should be protected and saved.

How to Save Wildlife

Here are ten of the best ways to save wildlife and ensure they stay part of us now and for future generations.

Volunteering

There are many ways to save wildlife, but one of the most satisfying is to volunteer. There are many organizations with volunteer programs.

There are many ways to volunteer, and not all of them need to be through an organization. You can help to clean beaches, hedgerows, and woodland.

You can also volunteer to teach visitors about wildlife at your local animal sanctuary or provide help rescuing wild animals.

Volunteering gives you an option to stay close to wild animals while at the same time interacting with them. This gives you and others a better understanding of them, helping us to live harmoniously with them.

Adopting

Many organizations have an adoption program, with money going towards a specific animal or species.

If you are in school, you can ask classmates to help, adopting an animal as a class animal. If you are working, speak to colleagues about adopting an animal or even family members.

There are many wildlife conservation groups where you’re money will help protect species for the future.

Visit Wildlife Conservations

The other way you can save wildlife is by visiting zoos, national parks, wildlife refuge and aquariums.

Wildlife can be protected greatly using the money raised through tourism, although tourism can also have adverse effects on wildlife. Always ensure that any trip is to a place that puts their animals first.

People have a love/hate relationship with zoos, but they play an essential part in ensuring that animal species survive. Just do some research before visiting them to ensure the money they make goes to the right places.

Preserve Wildlife Habitat

Another way you can save wildlife is by making sure you spare their habitat any time you come across them. For this reason, take care of rivers, wetlands, forests, prairies and everywhere else that gives animals a home.

A habitat is a place where wildlife and other living things find favorable conditions to reproduce, thrive and survive away from predators and adverse weather conditions.

The best way to save their habitat is by not polluting waters, the environment and not cutting down trees in forests.

In most cases, when the situation is threatened or their habitat destroyed, most of these animals will die, and others will be left to go extinct.

Provide Water

In many cases, wild animals don’t have a reliable source of water. These animals can find food by themselves without any problems when their environment is preserved.

However, there are many circumstances where these animals travel long distances to find food or mates.

You can help them find clean water to drink by simply providing a source of water and monitoring it closely.

The water sources can be as little as a birdbath or a larger water source to feed bigger animals. If you live in a cold part of North America, you can use a heating device to ensure the water does not freeze.

Use Eco-friendly Products

If you need to use some agricultural products such as pesticides and fertilizers, it is always advisable to use eco-friendly products.

Wildlife can be significantly affected by pesticides, especially when they eat sprayed plants or polluted water. Most of these pesticides pose a secondary poisoning threat and, in some instances, can run into underground water or rivers and streams.

It is also very possible that some wild animals are sprayed directly, which can be deadly.

To save wildlife, you have to make sure you are using eco-friendly products. The other thing to note is that some chemicals can get introduced into the food cycle, eventually harming you.

Feed Birds and Wild Animals

During some seasons of the year, food and water supply can be scarce, which puts some birds and wild animals at risk. In this case, you can feed them and offer water in your yard. There are some animals that you should never feed.

Avoid dangerous animals such as coyotes and some mammals such as deer and raccoons. These animals can become dependent on humans for food and can also bring in more deadly predators to your yard.

Make Your Home Friendly to Wildlife

In most cases, garbage contains dangerous wastes that can harm wild animals. For this reason, make sure to secure trash in shelters or cans with lock lids.

I use these to secure my trash can lids. They come in a two-pack and are inexpensive. Pet food should be stored indoors, with pets fed indoors. This will make sure your home doesn’t attract wild animals at night.

Ensure that animals that depend on water for survival have what they need. Make sure to disinfect bird water baths to avoid transmission of disease,

Put decals on windows to make sure there are no animal collisions. I use these, which you can buy on Amazon here. They are ultraviolet and reflect the sun, keeping the birds away, and you can hardly see them yourself.

You might think this is unnecessary, but statistics show that millions of birds die each year because of collisions with the window.

The Smithsonian recently reported that collisions kill between 365 million and 1 billion birds annually. This figure is just in the United States, with a median estimate of 599 million birds dying every year.

To save these birds, it is always advisable to place decals on your office and home windows.

If you do not like the idea of applying decals to your windows, then you can also buy these bird repellent rods. Both the decals and the rods are inexpensive and can save birds’ lives.

Grow Plants and Save Trees

Growing plants and saving trees can go a long way to saving wild animals. Plants provide food and shelter to most wildlife.

If you grow flowering plants, you will attract wild animals and insects, which can also help pollinate. Additionally, some native plants attract specific wild animals that prefer them for food and shelter.

Restoring Habitat

Habitat destruction is the leading cause of death for many animals. Habitat destruction is a threat to almost all wild animals, including endangered species.

You can help by planting native trees, cleaning beaches, and restoring wetlands.

Wild animals largely depend on us for shelter, food, and existence. It is upon us to ensure wild animals have what they need for their survival.

It is also essential to make sure we take care of the environment by cleaning beaches, planting trees, and avoiding harmful agricultural chemicals. It is a beautiful thing to recycle plastics and other non-biodegradable products.

Why We Should Protect Wildlife

There are many wonders globally, but wildlife species are essential for our survival, and we should live harmoniously with them.

Most people today think that there are many wild animals globally, but information shows that a lot of these wild animals are becoming extinct day by day. For this reason, there are many reasons why we should save wildlife, as discussed below.

Wild animals are beneficial to humans

There is a lot we can learn from wild animals. These animals produce chemicals that can be used as a source of medicine for humanity. The drugs are used to cure various health conditions, including heart disorders, diseases, and several other illnesses.

A recent report by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service claims that more than 25% of medicinal prescriptions are made up of chemicals processed from chemicals, especially those from marine environments.

There is an article from the National Wildlife Federation about the urgency of saving endangered species. You can read this here.

Saving Wildlife Helps The Environment

Saving wildlife translates to protecting the environment. The more wild animals exist, the more we enrich our planet.

For this reason, animals need to be kept in their natural habitats and environments. We need to preserve their natural habitats because this will prove to be beneficial to humans.

Promote Biodiversity

Earth is a healthy and functional ecosystem. If wildlife is extinct, there will be no delicate balance in our ecosystem.

A loss of one animal can mean an abundance of another mammal or a loss of another mammal. By preserving the wildlife we have, we ensure that other species survive as well.

Wildlife is Beneficial for Agriculture and Farming

The human population depends on plants, not just for food but for the gases that they produce. Plants depend on some animals for pollination.

Plants need bees, insects, animals, and birds for pollination. If wild animals are not preserved, there may be no more effective pollination. This would result in future translate to a reduced source of food and medicine for humanity

These wild animals are a gift to us by Mother Nature. They should be cared for and protected from adverse environmental changes.

20 Ways to Help Protect Endangered Species

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Endangered species are found throughout the world. Endangered species are those species that are at a high risk of becoming extinct if actions aren’t taken to preserve their population, as well as their habitats.

Humans can be considered as the biggest reason for species endangerment. These include poaching/hunting, illegal trafficking, and habitat destruction.

We certainly have to play our part to protect these species from becoming extinct in the ecosystems. It is our responsibility as inhabitants of the planet to protect the species on this earth.

We can do a number of things that will bring a positive impact on wildlife and prevent endangerment.

20 Solutions to Wildlife Endangerment

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We have made a list of 20 solutions that you or your friends and family can do to help endangered species.

1. Become a Volunteer

Wildlife parts, refugees, and other places are often the hub of saving countless species. You can help by becoming a volunteer at one of these places to help protect these animals.

Every single person becoming a volunteer can make a difference.

Various organizations such as WWF, ENDANGERED, and NRDC are working to protect these creatures and preserve their habitats to protect them from extinction.

Their mission is to find ways and create awareness to save these marvelous species from being wiped off the planet.

I use volunteermatch.org to find volunteering programs wherever I am. All you have to do is put in your location.

2. Know Species facing endangerment

Before you choose to become a volunteer, you need to be aware of species endangered in your area and must inform others about it as well.

If you have proper knowledge about endangered species by carrying out proper research, you can let everyone know about those animals and why they’re endangered.

3. Animal-Proof Your Home

It’s like baby-proofing, but for our beloved animals.

Ensure your home isn’t causing damage to animals or their habitats.

Try to secure all the trash so that animals can’t get to it. Use lids that lock on your trash bins to keep your trash from becoming a source of hazard for these animals.

2 years ago, a bird landed on my open trash can in the garden. While scavenging for food, the crow got a piece of plastic on it’s neck. Before I could get near to it, the bird got scared and flew away (with the plastic).

Oh, the agony! I still feel guilty.

Place decals on windows to prevent birds from colliding with the windows. As many as 988 Million birds die flying into windows. Decals will help to protect these birds from collisions.

You should also try reducing the amount of water you use, so there is more available for wildlife living around your house.

4. Stop using toxic chemicals

Most people try to go the extra mile to make their gardens and lawns look as esthetically pleasing as they can.

However, you should know that most herbicides, pesticides and agricultural chemicals are horrible pollutants.

They can end up causing serious damage to the environment.

Gardeners and lawn enthusiasts need to make use of alternative farming methods to make their garden more beautiful without harming local wildlife.

5. Grow Native plants

Animals that live in a specific area, only consume plants that are native to the region. Try to plant flora that is native to your area. Here’s a native plant finder that will help you out.

This will help provide a source of food to these animals.

Alternatively, you could also go out on a walk and plant some trees. Trees are a terrific source of food and shelter to wildlife.

6. Drive carefully

If you live or commute in rural areas, and even highways; roads can be the biggest hazards faced by animals.

If driving on road, allow the animals to cross and drive at a certain speed limit with constant attention being paid to the front of the road.

Every year more than 253,000 animals are hit by cars! These are only the ones counted as a result of

Mobile phones must be avoided as they tend to be a source of distraction while driving.

7. Start recycling and buy recycled products

By adopting an approach which involves recycling and purchasing eco-friendly products can help go a long way to help our animals.

Try not to purchase anything forest products made from unsustainable practices. They may be promoting deforestation of various rain-forests around the world. That’s a major cause of habitat loss.

You should be aware of the products you buy. Sometimes they may be causing great harm to habitats of endangered species. Try to know about the environmental impact of company before buying that product.

8. Don’t buy plastic

Limiting the use of plastic and trying to recycle it can go a long way to protect animals.

Animals mistakenly consume plastic as food, or it may get tangled or wrapped around their face making it difficult for them to breathe.

This may lead to death of these animals if the plastic is not properly disposed of.

You are also advised to use biodegradable or compostable plastic bags as opposed to conventional plastic bags commonly used.

9. Don’t purchase products sourced from endangered animals

In most countries, such as the United States, you don’t need to worry about this due to excellent regulations by EPA.

But if you travel abroad, you might come across various illegal products in the market that come from poaching endangered species.

Try your best not to participate in this trade. Beware of products being made from endangered species to identify them in markets abroad.

10. Boycott companies that Pollute

Many industries around the world are known to pollute natural resources of our planet.

They usually cover it with vague ‘false’ phrases like ‘green’ or ’sustainable’ when the truth Is completely different. This is known as ‘green-washing‘.

Show them you’re not fooled by ignoring these companies and their products and condemning their actions.

Even better, shoot them an email to tell them how they can make it better. Everyone deserves a chance.

Do business with those companies that are truly Eco-friendly and recognize importance of the environment we live in.

11. Visit wildlife parks and zoos

Zoos and wildlife parks are a way of teaching humans about various animals and how to protect them and their environment.

By learning about these, people get to know how valuable these species are to our planet.

Next time you plan a trip, take your kids to the nearest National park you find! Then they can go to Disneyland if they really want to.

I always use this book a week before my trip to know more about the National Park i’m going to visit.

12. Get active

Activate the Environmentalist in you!

Join various groups and spread the message of protecting endangered species to various people in your community.

You can easily do this through the power of social media.

First step: Share this post!

P.S: Protest and boycott companies that profit off ecosystems and animals at risk of endangerment.

13. Donate

Be a part of various organizations working effortlessly to preserve endangered animals by donating to these organizations.

These donations don’t need to be massive. Donate only as much as your wallet allows you to.

One of the best ones you can find out there is WWF.

14. Reduce pollution

Pollution is a major cause of widespread habitat destruction and mass migration of animals.

Pollution can be of many types. It could be in any form; air, water or land pollution.

You can learn about all of these types by surfing through out blog. Stay limited to 1 post-per-day, we’ve been know to be too attractive.

Do your part by finding sources of pollution in your area and finding solutions on Environmentbuddy. You should also promote awareness about pollution.

15. Reduce Water Consumption

Many countries are experience droughts, due to their climate, whereas many countries are consuming way too much water without the knowledge of consequences it may have on animals.

Limit the usage of water where it seems possible to allow more water to be available for animals.

16. Be a part of Wildlife Conservation Organization

Currently, many different organizations around the world are working to protect and conserve endangered species as well as their habitats.

You may choose to join one that suits your interests and be a part of their efforts to change the world.

Furthermore, you can also become a conservationist!

17. Read on the subject

There are many books dedicated to the topic of endangered species and how we can protect these endangered species.

You should definitely read this book to learn more about those species. This will help you know more about what species are endangered today and how you can help protect them.

18. Consume less

The more you go on to consume, the more energy you are using. This results in further deforestation, carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses.

By choosing to consume less, you will be saving time, money and energy.

Moreover, you will also be reducing the amount of pollution in the environment, eventually doing more to protect wildlife.

19. Reduce Electricity Consumption

Limit your electricity consumption. Higher electricity consumption means more trees cut down to provide energy for power plants.

translates to more pollutants being deposited into the environment by power plants.

20. Spread the word

This is probably one of the thousands of articles available on the internet that is concerned with the protection of endangered species.

Try to share this, as well as various other articles concerned with this amongst your friends, family, relatives, and co-workers to create awareness.

So again I ask you; share it! You’ll find social icons here somewhere.

Conclusion

It doesn’t help that most of the species are very picky when it comes to their diet, habitat selection, and mating partners making conservation programs for these species very difficult.

The Panda is a common example. Most of their diet is based on bamboo and they don’t tend to eat much of anything else. They are also very picky in breeding partners as well, making selective breeding very difficult to carry out for them.

Maybe that’s just nature. Or is it humans only who ensured the endangerment of these animals with their unsustainable hunting practices?

For this reason, new innovations are being employed wherever possible. However, human cooperation is absolutely necessary to make these conservation practices successful.

How to Save Endangered Species | Causes and Preventions

While animals are admired for their unique disposition and significant ecological role, there are many who are endangered of becoming extinct. Some animals just naturally die off as their environment changes, but humans are the cause of so many changes taking place in the natural world.

Let’s find out what are the real causes of endangerment of species and how to save endangered species. We have highlighted the primary reasons and what can be done to keep more of these beautiful and necessary animals living on Earth.

How to Save Endangered Species

Causes of Endangerment – Top Five Reasons

A. Loss of habitat

One of the greatest causes of animal endangerment is the loss of habitat. There just isn’t any place for them to live where they are safe, can find food or can raise their young. Some of the causes of loss habitat are human activities that destroys the natural landscape.

Activities like logging destroys habitat by removing trees that are food and shelter for many species. Mining is another cause of habitat destruction as some mountains and valleys are totally de-vegetated.

Agriculture is another major cause of lost habitat. Not only is more land being used to grow crops all the time, but the pesticides uses to grow these crops run off the land polluting streams and lakes.

B. Over-hunting

Over-hunting or over-harvesting, as it is also called, is having a devastating impact on animals and fish all over the planet. As the human population grows, so does the demand for more food.

Hunting some species in certain areas can be beneficial because when the ratio of predator and prey animals is out of balance; if there are many prey animals they can starve. But many animal species are hunted or harvested in such large numbers that their species will not survive.

C. Pollution

Pollution if found in many forms: air pollution, water pollution and waste pollution which is mostly plastic. Air pollution is caused by city traffic, coal burning power plants and various chemical industries. Particles are lifted into the air causing health problems to animals and humans.

Another very serious affect of air-born pollution is when the particles attach to rain droplets or snow and fall back to earth. This is called acid rain, and the impacts have been experienced all over the world.

Acid rain changes the pH balance of the water and soil making it difficult for plants and animals to survive. Fish have experienced total die-offs over industrial regions where acid rain is the worst.

Water pollution is also responsible for killing plants, animals and fish all over the world. There are many causes of water pollution including runoff from farms that contain fertilizers, herbicides and large amounts of animal feces.

Industries all over the world contaminate the water with chemicals and petroleum products. Municipal water drained from cities also has many compounds and pollutants in it even though it is filtered through large water treatment plants.

There are many substances that cannot be filtered out of the water such as certain chemicals, prescription medicines and caffeine that human consume and then pass through their systems into the water. All of these things cause problems for fish and wildlife o the planet.

Garbage is another major problem for animals, birds and fish. Among all the trash humans throw away very day, plastic is the worst. It can take hundreds of years for some types of plastic to finally break down completely.

Plastic is mistaken for food by animals, birds and fish. They eat the plastic not realizing what it is and it fills their stomachs. These creatures die from the chemicals in the plastic or they die of starvation when their stomachs are so full of plastic they cannot longer digest any food.

D. Introduction of predators or competitors

Predators are the natural enemy of all prey animals. In a healthy environment there is a correct balance between the amount of predators and their prey. For example, there may be a pack of Wolves (10-15) that continually follow migrating Caribou herds that can number in the hundreds.

These few wolves are able to select and hunt only the old or sick Caribou that have trouble keeping up with the others. It is a healthy relationship where the Wolves eat the Caribou that are near the end of their lives. The healthy Caribou continues

to travel to new grazing areas all the time without the weak animals slowing them down.

Problems arise when predators are introduced by humans, or wander into areas where there are too few prey animals to support them. Using the same example, if a pack of Wolves only has a few Caribou to follow and hunt, the Caribou will be completely hunted out in a short period of time: the predator/ prey relationship is out of balance.

E. Establishing refuges

There has been a trend to put endangered animals in refuges or within an animal sanctuary where they will be protected from hunting and poaching. This has helped some species, but others have continued to suffer and face being endangered. One of the problems with a refuge is overcrowding.

There are too many animals confined to a small area. Another problem is overgrazing. Overgrazing occurs when there are too many animals eating the same grass or trees. In a natural setting, herds of grazing animals move across the landscape, eating and moving all the time.

When grazers are kept in an area they are forced to eat from the same plant over and over again. This frequent eating puts so much stress on the plant or tree that it dies. Every time a plant dies, there is less for the captive animals to eat.

The pattern repeats over and over and animals eat and kill more and more plants until their habitat is gone. That creates a dilemma: should the endangered animals be released back into the wild where they will be hunted by humans and prey or should they be kept in the sanctuary, but allow hunter to harvest some to reduce overgrazing?

III. How to Save Endangered Animals

There are debates happening all over the world as people try to figure out ways to save the endangered animals by increasing their numbers. There are different methods being use for different species but all the animals and fish can benefits from humans reducing pollution and controlling how many are harvested.

A. Cleaning up pollution

Reducing pollution is a major step in improving the health of animals, fish and birds all over the world. Each of us can do our share by being careful about what we buy and understanding that there is no “away” to throw trash. Everything stays right here on the plant.

B. Help with breeding

There are many examples of breeding programs that have saved endangered animals from extinction. These programs take special, dedicated people and a lot of money. But there has been success stories, like the Bald Eagle and the Gray Wolf.

C. Reintroducing to the wild

Many species are being reintroduced into the wild once their numbers has increased in captivity or in refuges. Not all species have done well, but there are many successful reintroductions, including the Osprey and the Musk Ox.

D. Controlling hunting

Controlling hunting and poaching has also reduced the pressures on many species. Most countries have developed management systems that allow a certain number of animal, birds or fish to be harvested, but no more. Any hunter that fails to follow the rules will be charged with poaching, which carries very heavy fines and penalties.

IV. Definition of Endangered Species

An endangered species are any animals, fish or bird that is endanger of becoming extinct. Currently, almost 3100 species are considered to be endangered. Species are arranged on a scale the lowest level of concern; to vulnerable, to endangered; extinct in the wild; to totally extinct.

V. Success stories – How to Save Endangered Species

There are hundreds success stories, where animals that were considered to be endangered are now being considered only vulnerable or of no concern.

A. Tigers

One success is the South China Tiger. They are considered to be critically endangered in 1996. Today, there are plans to reintroduce the tigers into the wild from zoos as a team of scientists work with the Chinese government to create a fenced refuges for the tigers with the re-introduction of prey for them to hunt.

B. Alligators

The American Alligator is another species that has been thriving in recent years due to conservation and protection efforts. In 1967 they were on the endangered list due to over-hunting and habitat loss. By 1987 there numbers had grown to the point that they were removed from the endangered list. Today, their populations are still growing and although controlled hunting is allowed, they are safe.

C. River otters are lovable creatures

In 1900, the lovable River Otters had been reduced in most of their habitats in North America. Their populations have been managed because they were over-hunted for their furs. They also suffered in dirty, polluted water. With better water quality in the habitat and monitoring of hunting, their numbers are increasing all the time.