Endangered species are animals at risk of soon becoming extinct. Animals can become endangered naturally, but they're usually endangered as a result of human interference. Since humans can negatively impact animal life, it means that we can also have a positive impact on animals' environments. There are a lot of things that people can do if they want to help endangered animals, from habitat conservation to spreading awareness to contributing to environmental organizations.
Habitat Conservation
Animals can't survive without food, shelter and water. Habitat loss occurs due to the construction of roads, shopping malls and housing in areas where animals used to live. Logging leaves a lot of animals without a home or feeding or hunting grounds. "Reduce, reuse, recycle" should be remembered here: If you reduce the amount of paper products you use each day, you'll reduce the need for trees to be cut down. So instead of using a paper bag every day to pack your lunch, use a washable, reusable lunchbox. Always recycle whenever you can. Reducing your amount of trash will help conserve animal habitats. Reuse things that could otherwise turn into waste, and you'll indirectly save the lives of animals.
Spread Awareness
Tell friends and family how you feel about helping endangered animals. The more stories you can spread, the more people will feel compelled to join in your cause. For example, when America was first being settled, red wolves used to inhabit a large portion of the East coast of the US, but the species became endangered as a result of settler activity. When settlers started farming along the East coast, they became frightened of the red wolf because they thought it would eat their livestock. Farmers started slaughtering the animal, and over the years brought the red wolf population down from thousands to only 17 wolves, in total. But in the 1980s, scientists rescued those 17 wolves and helped increase their population. The red wolves now have a chance to survive, because people worked together to protect it. Learn which animals are protected and educate your friends and family to educate them how we can save endangered animals.
Contribute to Organizations
"Adopt an Animal" programs contribute to organizations that help save endangered species. You can support an animal through your local aquarium, zoo, or the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). WWF offers supporters an animal adoption program, with over 90 species to choose from. Donated funds will directly support endangered animals and their habitats. Another example is the Sierra Club, which is an organization dedicated to habitat preservation (See Resource links below).
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