How to protect endangered species
How to protect endangered species
15 Ways to Help Protect Endangered Species
There are various steps you can take to protect endangered species and their precious habitats. For example:
15 Actions to Protect 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. For more information about endangered species, visit endangered.fws.gov
2) Create a backyard wildlife habitat. Put bird feeders and other wildlife attractants, such as bird houses and baths.
3) Establish a pollinator garden with native vegetation in your yard. Native plants provide food and shelter for native wildlife. Attracting native insects like bees and butterflies can help pollinate your plants. Avoid planting invasive species. Non-native plants can overtake and destroy native species on which animals depend.
4) Minimize use of herbicides and pesticides. Herbicides and pesticides are hazardous pollutants that can affect wildlife at many levels. Reduce use of fertilizer. Excess fertilizer will likely wash into streams and rivers and may lead to amphibian deformities and deaths.
5) 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. Don’t dump paint, oil or antifreeze or other chemicals, which pollute the water and can harm people and wildlife. Keep litter and pet waste out of the street drain, which often washes into rivers, lakes or the ocean.
6) 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.
7) Slow down when driving. Many animals live in developed areas and this means they must navigate a landscape full of human hazards. So when you’re out and about, slow down and keep an eye out for animals. Don’t litter because trash can attract wildlife to the roadside.
8) Recycle and buy sustainable products. Buy recycled paper and sustainable products like Forest Stewardship Council wood products and shade-grown coffee to save rainforests.
9) Don’t litter/otherwise destroy sensitive habitats, which may be home to native/visiting species that are endangered or threatened.
10) Organize or participate in a “clean up” campaign of an important habitat in your area. (Be sure to work with appropriate city officials/environmental organizations.)
11) Never purchase products made from endangered species like ivory, coral and tortoise shell. Buy exotic plants and animals only from reputable stores.
12) Report any harassment of threatened and endangered species. You can find a list of state wildlife departments at http://www.fws.gov/offices/statelinks.html
13) Visit a national wildlife refuge, park or other open space. These protected lands provide habitat to many native wildlife, birds, fish and plants. Get involved by volunteering at your local park or wildlife refuge. To find a wildlife refuge near you, visit http://www.fws.gov/refuges/ To find a park near you, visit http://www.nps.gov To learn more and get involved, contact the Endangered Species Coalition at
14) Be Vocal. Write a letter to your local newspaper urging support of important species protection measures. E-mail your Congressional representatives asking them to support the Endangered Species Act.
15) Join others (and organize) in the annual Stop Extinction Challenge. Organized by Endangered Species Coalition (usually in August).
How to Help Protect Endangered Species
Jan. 21 2021, Published 3:55 p.m. ET
Human beings seem to have a fascination with endangered species. Perhaps it has something to do with collective guilt or the realization that if something is not done, these unique plants and creatures will be gone forever. It might seem hopeless to some, especially because so many of the most recognizable endangered animals are half a world away, but there are ways that you can help. Understanding how to protect endangered species begins with recognizing what measures need to be taken in order to make the greatest impact.
Why do endangered species matter?
It’s a question that we’ve asked a hundred times before. Endangered species matter because, in a way, their fate is tied directly to our own. Polar bears are losing their habitat because of climate change, a problem that we have been exacerbating for more than a century.
Climate change causes extreme changes to weather, more destructive storms and wildfires, and increased global temperatures — all of which affect humanity in one way or another. Endangered species matter because if we cannot protect them, how can we ultimately protect ourselves?
How to protect endangered species:
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was first put into place in 1973. Its purpose was to improve upon the prior Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969, an act that held strong language about the plight of endangered species but did very little to facilitate any actual protection.
The newly-minted ESA, though an American invention, was designed to work in tandem with other global conservation efforts. The legislation laid out in the different acts allowed for charitable organizations and governments to work together. Funding was provided, breeding programs were initiated, species were given protections, and punitive measures were created for those who threatened to harm endangered species.
Many of these organizations and programs are still around today. Groups like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the International Rhino Fund (IRF), and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) are just a few examples. Unfortunately, modern legislation and government bodies defunding and stymying the programs that might allow those altruistic organizations to make an actual difference.
All hope is not lost. There are still many people in this world who are concerned enough with the plight of these endangered animals to continue to fight. And while the experts and scientists do their best to keep up the good work, you too can help.
17 Small Things You Can Do to Help Endangered Species
Educating yourself about endangered species and wildlife conservation can make a big impact.
According to the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), at least 10,000 species go extinct each year. Considering the huge issues driving the decline of these species—habitat loss, extreme weather, climate change, pollution, and more—it can be hard for the average person to imagine how they can help. But there are a number of things people can do to help reduce the damage being done to the world’s biodiversity. To get you started, here are 17 ways you can help endangered species.
There are probably more endangered and threatened animals in your area and you think! The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offers a map of endangered species by state. Finding out which animals near you are in trouble is a good first step to doing something about it.
Once you know which animals are at risk, let others in your area know about it. Share the information on social media and tell your friends and family about the species that are threatened. Emphasize that protecting endangered animals is not just about raising money for the Namibian black rhino or some other creature on the other side of the world—it’s about protecting the endangered species in their own backyard, too.
Saving the planet starts at home—literally. You should take steps to ensure that your home is friendly to surrounding wildlife. Start by ensuring your trash cans have secure lids, your dumpsters are covered and away from the fence (to avoid animals climbing in or getting trapped), and your bird feeders are out of reach of other animals. The closer you are to the wilderness, the more important these steps are. Regardless, basic protections of local wildlife should be taken even if you live in the heart of the suburbs or city.
Almost 1 billion birds die every year from crashing into windows while flying. Do your part to reduce this by placing decals on your windows during migratory season. Placing translucent contact paper or bird tape to the outside of your windows won’t reduce the light coming through or your views, but it will seriously cut down on the likelihood that birds will strike them.
Part of educating yourself about endangered species is seeing them for yourself. Make a day trip to a wildlife refuge—every state has a few (see the full list here)—or, if that’s too far of a trek, visit a nearby park. Seeing a refuge for yourself can help you gain an appreciation for the local wildlife and the people who help protect it.
Even better than visiting a wildlife refuge is helping protect one yourself, by serving as a volunteer for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which oversees the refuges nationwide. The organization currently has tens of thousands of volunteers, assisting with habitat restoration, education, and other responsibilities. But they always need more! Check out their volunteer portal to find out how you can assist in your area.
When you do pay a visit to an outdoor area, be sure to stay on the official trail. Taking shortcuts or untrodden paths may lead you to disrupt habitats, tromp across breeding grounds, or unintentionally expose the area to predators and parasites.
Domesticated animals can be a major threat to local wildlife. Keep your dogs on a leash whenever outside and keep your cats indoors. Also, be sure to feed your cats and dogs inside to avoid leftover food attracting wildlife and putting both your pets and visiting creatures in danger.
It might seem so much easier to toss your old phone in the trash or leave it on your dresser instead of recycling it, but that laziness might be inadvertently killing animals halfway across the world. It turns out, the mining of precious metals like gold and coltan lead to the decimation of gorilla habitats in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Increased phone recycling has been found to help reduce the incentives for mining. Put your phone in the right place and you might save an endangered gorilla.
This is just a generally responsible thing to do, but it can also affect local wildlife and endangered species, considering the many ways that litter can disrupt habitats and animals’ well-being. For example, certain types of litter can poison and injure birds. And discarded food can cause dietary issues for other animals. Be sure you’re throwing out trash where it belongs.
A direct way to help protect endangered species is to ensure you only plant species that are native to your local area. While they might look nice, exotic plants can unleash havoc on the local plant population, killing off vulnerable species who depend on plants for food. Check out the Native Plant Conservation Campaign to learn how to plant local.
They might kill pests and weeds, but these products can also cause other issues up and down the food chain. Find out if the products you are looking to use are safe for the wider ecosystem and consider ditching them altogether. Beyond Pesticides is a handy resource to learn about alternative options.
From single-use plastic bags to plastic bottles, we use a lot of unnecessary plastic that can end up in natural habitats, or around or inside of animals themselves. Use alternative biodegradable products like paper bags and straws or reusable water bottles to reduce your waste and the likelihood that your single-use plastic will create long-term problems.
You probably know to avoid fur and ivory products, but there are plenty of other goods that are created by destroying endangered creatures, including products using tortoiseshell, coral, and even cactus. Sure, they might look nice, but if you even slightly suspect that an item caused a creature harm, it’s best you buy something else.
The PAW and FIN Conservation Act of 2019 reverses efforts to weaken the Endangered Species Act, reinstating protections on wildlife recently designated as «threatened,» strengthening the listing process for imperiled species, and more. Call your local member of Congress and ask them to co-sponsor the act.
The production of palm oil causes the deforestation and destruction of the habitats of a number of endangered species throughout the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia. Instead, seek out palm oil that has been RSPO certified, approved by the World Wildlife Fund, and produced in a way that respects global wildlife populations.
If you can’t afford to volunteer your time to help endangered species, your money can go a long way, too. There are numerous groups that are working to help, with some focused on specific animals or regions, and others taking a global approach. This roundup offers a reputable selection of options to consider.
6 Ways We Can Better Protect Endangered Animals
Endangered animals are those with populations so small, that they’re at risk of going the way of the wooly mammoth. According to experts, the earth is on the brink of a crisis, with more than 1 million species on track for extinction in the coming decades.
Each time a species disappears, the consequences are profound, leading to losses in crop pollination, water purification, and more. Unfortunately, humans are to blame. This crisis is a result of more than a century of habitat destruction, over-harvesting, population growth, and other harmful practices.
If you want to make a change, discover what you can do to better protect endangered animals.
1. Encourage Volunteerism
If you want to take an active approach to save endangered animals, find a place where you can volunteer. Look for a wildlife conservation project where you can help species threatened by habitat loss and human influences, such as poaching.
Most roles take place at a rescue center where you can care for injured and abandoned animals. Unfortunately, many of these creatures cannot be released back into the wild. You may also get to work in the field, observing and collecting data on exotic species. The information you gather can inform research and anti-poaching efforts.
2. Patronize Sanctuaries
With the growing human population, the need for dedicated wildlife spaces is increasingly essential. Sanctuaries help conserve natural areas and the animals in them. These operations also take care of exotic creatures that have been injured in the wild or bought by consumers and subsequently abandoned.
When you visit a sanctuary, you fund the organizations that keep endangered species safe. While thousands exist across the U.S. and abroad, be sure only to patronize ones that treat animals with respect, not as props for entertainment. Sanctuaries should be a place for wildlife to retire, and visitors should not be able to walk around freely.
3. Adopt New Technology
With advances in technology, it’s easier than ever to support animals at risk of extinction. Donation software, for instance, gives donors the ability to pledge monetary support through text. Protecting endangered species can be as easy as making an online purchase.
Drones, in conjunction with cameras, sensors, and GPS, are also being used to monitor animals and track changes to habitats. This technology reduces the time and effort needed for scientists to study endangered species, bringing humans closer to solutions that could stop extinction.
4. Live Sustainably
Many animals become endangered due to the loss of habitat. To ensure you don’t contribute to this issue, it’s crucial to live and shop sustainably. Use recycled paper. Avoid buying furniture made from wood that originated from rainforests. As an alternative, look for bamboo or timber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Minimize your use of palm oil and always recycle your electronics. Never purchase products made from threatened or endangered species, such as tortoise-shell, ivory, coral, crocodile skin, or tiger fur. You should also avoid using herbicides and pesticides on your lawn and garden, as they’re hazardous to many native creatures.
5. Promote Activism
When you become an activist, you give a voice to the endangered animals who cannot speak for themselves. You have the power to spread the word about diminishing wildlife — to friends, families, schools, communities, and anyone else who will listen.
Many activists orchestrate events in their hometowns or school. For instance, you can ask others to sign a pledge to protect a specific species, such as amphibians, which have a higher rate of endangerment than any other group of animals. You can also plant milkweed and pollinator gardens that encourage local insect colonies.
6. Pressure Governmental Change
As a civilian, it can be hard to enact long-lasting change. However, you can pressure civil servants to be the voice of reason. Vote for representatives who hold similar values to your own, and donate to their campaigns. You can also write letters to current leaders in power.
If you see an issue that needs resolving, consider starting a petition. First, determine your mission, something a decision-maker can change. Write a compelling story about the problem and the solution you’re trying to achieve. Then, set a reasonable goal, such as 15,000 signatures. After, deliver the petition in person and invite the media to participate.
How to Better Protect Endangered Animals
In the coming decades, hundreds of species could go extinct. If we want to prevent this crisis, the time to take action is now. To do your part, follow the tips above. From volunteering to adopting new technology, we can take a stand and help endangered animals.
How To Protect Endangered Species
Filed Under: Essays Tagged With: plant
One of the most important ways to help threatened plants and animals survive is to protect their habitats permanently in national parks, nature reserves or wilderness areas. There they can live without too much interference from humans. It is also important to protect habitats outside reserves such as on farms and along roadsides. You can visit a nearby national park or nature reserve. Some national parks have special guided tours and walks for kids. Talk to the rangers to find out whether there are any threatened species and how they are being protected. You and your friends might be able to help the rangers in their conservation work.
When you visit a national park, make sure you obey the wildlife code: follow fire regulations; leave your pets at home; leave flowers, birds’ eggs, logs and bush rocks where you find them; put your rubbish in a bin or, better still, take it home. If you have friends who live on farms, encourage them to keep patches of bush as wildlife habitats and to leave old trees standing, especially those with hollows suitable for nesting animals. Some areas have groups which look after local lands and nature reserves. They do this by removing weeds and planting local native species in their place. You could join one of these groups, or even start a new one with your parents and friends. Ask your local parks authority or council for information. By removing rubbish and weeds and replanting with natives you will allow the native bush to gradually regenerate. This will also encourage native animals to return.
The Essay on National Government People Local Competition
Make Space For Our Wildlife
Build a birdfeeder and establish a birdbath for the neighborhood birds. Plant a tree and build a birdhouse in your backyard.
Start composting in your backyard garden or on your balcony. It eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers which are harmful to animals and humans, and it benefits your plants! Ask your parents not to use harmful chemicals in your garden or home.
Recycle, Reduce, And Reuse
Encourage your family to take public transportation. Walk or ride bicycles rather than using the car. Save energy by turning off lights, radios and the TV when you are not using them. Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth and use water-saving devices on your toilet, taps and showerhead. Ask your parents to buy products and food without packaging whenever possible. Take your own bag to the store. It will reduce the amount of garbage and waste your family produces. Recycle your toys, books and games by donating them to a hospital, daycare, nursery school or children’s charity. Encourage your family to shop for organic fruits and vegetables.
plant native Plants That Are Local To The Area
If you can, plant native plants instead of non-native or introduced ones in your garden. You don’t want seeds from introduced plants escaping into the bush. Native grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees are more likely to attract native birds, butterflies and other insects, and maybe even some threatened species.
Control Introduced Plants And Animals
Non-native plants and animals are ones that come from outside your local area. Some parks and reserves, beaches, bush-land and rivers are now infested with invasive plants, and native species often cannot compete with these plants. Many environmental weeds come from people’s gardens.
The Essay on Plant Cells Cell Life Animal
Sometimes, the seeds are taken into the bush by the wind or by birds. Controlling these foreign species is an important step in protecting wildlife
Join An Organization
There are many community groups working on conservation activities. Join an organization in your area and start helping today!
Make Your Voice Heard State and territory government conservation agencies are responsible for the management of national parks and the protection of wildlife. They are sometimes supported by public foundations. Tell your family, friends and work mates about threatened species and how they can help them. Start a group dedicated to protecting a threatened plant or animal in your area or perhaps to help care for a national park. Write articles or letters about threatened species to newspapers. Ring up talk-back radio programs to air your concerns, or arrange to talk on your community radio station.