Look we are all very aware that we can not continue to destroy not only our planet but the animals and plants that inhabit it. After all, our survival depends on us being able to share this amazing planet with all its inhabitants.
There are loads of simple ways that we can all help endangered species even in our everyday lives.
Most of us can’t welcome an endangered species into our homes, although who wouldn’t want to snuggle up with a furry lion? But there are still things that we can do!
We can all spread awareness of the wild animals that are in danger and help to protect endangered species.
Here’s the best part, most of this protection work can be done at home from your backyard, or via the internet. This means it won’t cost you a thing to make these simple changes that can help with the protection and survival of millions of animal species.
11 Ways To Help Endangered Species From Extinction
It’s hard to ignore the frightening endangered animal statistics that show just how many animals and plants are facing habitat destruction, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade. And the sad fact is that this comes down to the actions of one species – us humans!
But are there ways that we, the general public, can really help?
Check out the 11 ways we can all help save animals and plants. Such as making your local area wildlife-friendly and supporting organizations to ensure we preserve the natural world for future generations.
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
I know this one may seem far too obvious, but one of the first steps we can take to help protect native species is by making a difference in our local area.
Start by reducing our household waste by making a conscious decision to choose products that have recyclable or compostable packaging – this is so easy, and we can get the whole family involved.
Reducing the amount of plastic we all use by utilizing reusable bags when shopping and even choosing refillable household products like hand soap and shower gel. And we all use disposable bottled water, how about opting for a reusable one instead?
It might not seem like we are making groundbreaking changes, but even small ones mean that as a household we can all contribute towards the protection of some of the most amazing creatures. You could also help by using sustainable products like bamboo and recycled paper instead of plastic.
2. Learn About Endangered Species In Your Area
It’s important to work on saving native species in our local area, and also a great way to get other committed volunteers involved in conservation efforts.
Teach anyone who will listen about the ways they can help support the local native wildlife population by maintaining natural habitats and not interrupting native plant species growth.
Get the local schools involved, after all the younger we teach our children about what they can do to protect this planet and animals the more likely we all are to survive!
3. Limit Your Consumption of Factory
Our world has undergone a huge population increase and this in itself has brought about a crisis as the consumption and demand for food, especially meat and seafood, skyrockets. Sadly, this means there is an overwhelming amount of factory-farmed meat that will have come from poaching and illegal animal trafficking.
We live in a world where there are a thousand different options for everything we could ever buy. But this makes it difficult to identify the best products to purchase so that we can help to protect endangered species.
Certifications from organizations such as Animal Welfare Approved by AGW can help us all make informed choices. These organizations are independent and nonprofit, meaning their conservation efforts are committed to supporting animal welfare and have no hidden agenda.
4. Make Your Home Wildlife Friendly
Another one of the ways we can all help endangered species thrive in our community is through simply being responsible and thinking before we do things.
For example, instead of planting invasive species in your next garden makeover, use native plants. These will not only look fantastic but also attract wildlife and avoid damaging the food source of other animals.
In well-developed areas, it can be hard for local wildlife species to thrive, especially with the threat of cats, dogs, and other domesticated animals.
Making changes such as feeding pets indoors, locking our pet doors, and even securing our trash can lids can be a step towards protecting them.
If like me you’re a fan of feathered friends, then you need to regularly disinfect bird baths and feeders to prevent cross-contamination risks, and maybe consider using window stickers to deter the little guys from a collision and concussion combo.
All these small changes can help turn our gardens into a wildlife-safe haven. Helping our local wildlife to blossom and still be around for generations to come.
5. Reduce Your Impact on the Environment
This may seem like a really obvious point to make and one that every climate activist is shouting about – but reducing the impact on the environment is one of the most important things we can all do!
Start researching the ways you can help by buying sustainable products, recycling all your old technology such as phones and laptops, and even being aware of the energy that you consume can help.
Small changes like changing your lightbulbs to energy-saving ones and turning off devices when they aren’t being used can help our environment and in turn, the animals that are being displaced.
Two of the biggest causes of our ever-growing list of endangered species are deforestation and climate change, and the vast majority of this is caused by global warming and us infringing on animal habitats. We can all help even in small ways by putting our planet first!
6. Never Purchase Products Made With Ivory, Real Tortoise Shell, or Coral.
Even though the government has made this practice illegal, sadly an estimated 20,000 elephants were harmed or killed last year.
The ivory industry is worth a lot of money, so the important and necessary work of companies such as Coalition Wildlife Trafficking Online works to protect endangered species from being sold online and keep native wildlife where they belong – in their native lands!
Thank goodness you are less likely to find products made of these threatened species, thanks to the Endangered Species Act that restricts the importation and exportation of exotic plants and native wildlife species.
But unfortunately, there is still big money in ivory, coral, and turtle shells. And while there are people willing to pay big bucks for these things, our precious animals will always live in fear.
7. Help Endangered Species When You Travel
Whether you’re going on a road trip or traveling halfway across the world, there are ways to save endangered species whilst still having a great time.
Endangered animals can be found almost anywhere, so educate yourself about the best ways for protecting endangered species and maybe read up on protected lands and any national wildlife refuge that you can support.
If you’re buying gifts for yourself or people back at home, make sure they are made from sustainable products that will protect and help endangered species instead of driving them to the brink of extinction.
As we mentioned previously, purchasing products made from things such as tortoise shells and ivory is not only illegal, but it won’t help these animals to survive in the wild. Instead, all it does is cram the pockets of these poachers and increase the demand for such products.
8. Donate To Organizations Created To Help Zoo Animals And Wildlife
There are a huge number of organizations that specialize in Endangered species conservation such as the Wild Animal Health Fund. Their sole purpose is to ensure the protection of any species whether it be an animal or plant that is endangered.
They work tirelessly researching the causes of native landscape decline and help endangered animals to get back to living in their natural habitat. These types of organizations allow nature to survive its greatest threat- Us!
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature shows that as of March 2019, there were 7,510 endangered or critically endangered animal species globally. And this is just animals, it doesn’t include plants or insect species that are also nearing extinction levels.
This is why we need to be increasing our support for these organizations and educating our children.
9. Support Local Accredited Zoos And Aquariums
Some of the most at-risk wildlife are often in captivity. So make sure you research any zoos or aquariums you plan to visit beforehand so you can make sure they are accredited by the ZAA or AZA.
Breeding programs in an accredited zoo can make an unbelievable difference in conserving threatened species, and even prevent animals from reaching extinction levels. By breeding them in captivity, we can give them a fighting chance by removing the dangers that are found in their natural habitat.
10. Protect Wildlife Habitats
Scientists have been warning us for decades that widespread deforestation will lead to the destruction of our planet. Not only is it destroying the natural habitat of many native animals but it will also be key in the destruction of many native plants.
And without these forests, our air quality will reach a point where it is no longer breathable.
These habitats are crucial in order to help bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects to do what they were born to do in these threatened areas – and that’s to pollinate!
Wildlife, forests, and native plants need to be conserved there’s no question there. But in highly developed areas, it’s common to find housing projects either built or in the process of being built.
11. Harassing Wildlife Is Cruel and Illegal
Millions of animals have been disgustingly killed for souvenirs, and when people purchase these products this only further increases the cruel and destructive demand for them.
It’s a vicious circle that is found all across the world and that we are all a part of.
We are forcing animals to extinction for the sake of a cool pair of sunglasses made from turtle shell, or a unique ornament that is made from the tusk of an elephant – is it really worth it?
If we treat all animals with the love and respect they deserve, these issues would never have reared their ugly heads in the first place.
Next time you are near wetlands or in a forest, think about how you can enjoy these amazing places without leaving any sign that you were actually there.
Why Are Both Habitats and Animals Important?
You may be wondering why a habitat and animals are so important. Well, one can not survive without the other, and the truth is without animals, we can’t survive either.
Good habitats provide everything an animal, insect, or plant needs to not just survive but thrive. This includes things like clean air, shelter, a good food source, and the right environment.
But each animal’s habitat differs even if only slightly. Our planet is made up of a vast range of different habitats from forests, glaciers, oceans, and even microhabitats. These all play a crucial part in our survival and the survival of this planet.
Final Verdict
Look we all know that we have an enormous number of endangered wildlife or species with rapidly declining populations that need our help, not in 2 years or even 6 months’ time – they need it now!
By supporting conservation organizations, and doing your bit at home by recycling, we can all make a real difference in the fight to save our animals, our homes, and our world!
