Hobbies And Interests
What Is an Endangered Species?
The criteria for adding or removing an animal or plant on the list of endangered species are debated. An endangered species is at risk of becoming extinct, and a species may become few in numbers or threatened by changing conditions in their environment. Unfortunately, adding a species to an endangered list involves problems such as the species becoming more valuable among collectors. As a result, illegal hunting and collecting of the endangered species may increase, which may harm the species even more. Ensure that you are not buying products or pets that are on the endangered or threatened species list.
Look Out for Animals
National parks, nature reserves or wilderness areas have been used as a way to protect the different species. A problem is that it is often not enough to protect a limited area; habitats outside reserves also need to be protected to ensure that animals that move outside the reserve are as safe as possible. Reduce your driving speed and look out for animals when you are driving. Often, endangered species live in developed areas, or in protected areas surrounded by developed areas. Animals often cross roads to mate or find food. Look out for road signs with warnings about animals that may cross the road. Make your house friendly by placing a decal on the window. Many birds die by flying into windows, and a decal on the window may save some birds from collision.
Wildlife in Your Garden
Find out what species are endangered in your local area. Planting native trees, flowers, grasses and shrubs helps to provide food and nesting materials for endangered species. A native garden or section of the garden may attract native birds, butterflies and insects. These may not be endangered species, but they may be part of an endangered species food chain. Using your own compost eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers that may be harmful for animals as well as for humans.
Join an Organization
Native plants may have difficulty competing with invasive plants, so join a local community group that helps to clear park, beaches or bush-lands. Start a local group with some friends if there is none in your area. Tell friends and family about endangered species and discuss ways that you can help protect animals and plants. When you visit a national park, ask the rangers about different ways that you can help in the conservation work. There a a number of national and global organizations that you can join. Adopting an endangered species and donating money helps to provide resources for organizations that work with animals and plants that may become extinct. Using a blog or social networks to promote awareness is another way of spreading knowledge about endangered species. Spread the message by giving gifts that help endangered species. The Wild Land Trust has several gift ideas that helps to protect threatened habitats by converting land into wildlife reserves.