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Endangered Species
Endangered animals and plants are those that are at risk for extinction, or there are so few of them left that they face the danger of becoming extinct. Extinction can occur due to natural causes, but our actions have made a huge impact on the declining animal population in many areas. Wildlife preservation is learned management of the environment in order to protect and assist plants and animals.
Loss of Habitat
Loss of habitat is a major factor in endangerment and extinction. Earth is constantly changing and wildlife habitats change as a result. Natural changes usually cause minimal stress to individual species, but human-imposed changes occur at a much faster pace. This leaves animal and plant life with little time to adjust to their new situations. When forests are cleared for development, soil is depleted, water is degraded and many plants and animals lose homes that they can't find elsewhere.
Illegal Hunting/Poaching
Unrestricted hunting or harvesting is also a major cause of wildlife endangerment. Whaling is an example of how overexploitation has brought many marine species to the brink of extinction. In many regions, controlled hunting ensures that overpopulation is managed to avoid extinction of other species, but illegal hunting or poaching threatens many animals today. Demand for meat, elephant tusks, rhino horns, and other endangered animal parts has caused an increase in illegal hunting in some regions.
Exotic Species
Humans have introduced exotic or foreign species to native ecosystems, disrupting the harmony of that system. Many times this is unintentional, but new species may prey on native species, causing a disruption in food supply; they may compete for food and habitat with native species; or they may introduce diseases foreign to their new habitat. An animal species not genetically able to protect itself against a pathogen brought in by an exotic animal or human can be fatally affected by its introduction to that ecosystem.
Pollution
Forests perform the important task of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As more forests are cleared and not replaced, out atmosphere changes. Fossil fuels have increased the level of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, and without the forests to help remove it, natural patterns of drought, flooding and weather are disrupted. This endangers not only animal and plant life, but human life as well. Soil erosion has led to the endangerment of many beneficial plant species and it also makes farming less productive, meaning less food for animals and humans.
Wildlife Preservation Measures
Protect animal and plant habitats by preserving national parks, reserves and existing wilderness. Donations to organizations that do these things is helpful as well. Let part of your yard be natural, without exotic plants or pavement or pesticides, and with plenty of native trees and foliage, to aid in providing habitat to native animals. Placing a birdbath and feeders in your yard ensures there is food for local bird life. Composting in your garden eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers. Remember to reduce, reuse and recycle. Use public transportation, walk when you don't need to drive, turn off appliances and televisions when you aren't using them. Use paper bags, reuse plastic bags and don't waste water. These simple measures help preserve wildlife.