According to scientists, Earth has seen five waves of animal extinction throughout history, including that of dinosaurs. Nowadays, many believe that a sixth one has begun. However, this time, the main cause is due to the work of human beings which is explained, just to name a few factors, through the reduction and annihilation of different natural habitats, excessive hunting, pollution, interruptions in the chain. food and the introduction of non-native species. In addition to the definitive loss of some species, their extinction also poses a threat to potential scientific and medical advances, which can only be achieved thanks to animal life. Furthermore, by breaking the pollination chain, their disappearance jeopardizes the available food supplies. It seems too much of a problem for one person to make a difference, but there are many changes we can all make to help prevent endangered species from disappearing forever.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Making Changes Near Home
Step 1. First pay attention to the species in your area that need help
Endangered animals may seem like a distant problem, but there are likely endangered species (from birds to bears to insects) around your own town.
- Plant species that invade the ecosystem of native plants and animals lacking their natural predators can unite and devastate entire local populations. Take into account the difference between invasive and alien species: the former are those that thrive at the expense of native species, while the others manage to live with the latter. In reality, most of the animals and plants we eat are not indigenous.
- When gardening, choose native plants and flowers. Native vegetation can attract birds, butterflies, other insects and local animals that may be in danger of extinction.
- Remove weeds and avoid sowing alien ones in favor of local varieties.
- Build bird feeders suitable for native poultry species.
Step 2. Give preference to natural gardening and farming techniques
In the garden, it eliminates the use of chemical pesticides in favor of natural deterrents. Give local threatened or endangered species a chance to thrive without being attacked by unnecessary toxins. Wastewater can spread the chemicals contained in pesticides even away from home, so with the right care, you have the ability to benefit a larger habitat than you imagine.
- The so-called "integrated pest management" is an option based on "natural" methods to combat unwanted pests and plants. For example, if you have a problem with aphids, try attracting ladybugs that feed on these insects. The principle shared by people who practice permaculture (and other similar methods) is based on the fact that if, for example, there is a large variety of snails or slugs in the garden, the problem is not represented by their excessive quantity, but by the lack of ducks that feed on these molluscs, keeping their presence under control.
- Also, start composting to create a natural fertilizer that's perfectly suited to your area. Don't rely on industrial products, full of chemicals and packaged in distant places.
Step 3. Consider your space needs
Many people dream of having a huge garden with a pristine green lawn, but the immense encroachment of humans into natural habitats is one of the main causes of the danger of extinction that is threatening some species.
- Consider turning your garden into an edible landscape. In drought-affected areas, it is possible to help animal species survive by growing some native and / or drought tolerant plants.
- If you need to move to a new home, think carefully about the space you really need. Also consider the benefits you might get from a smaller property (for example, less lawn maintenance) and the possibility of living in an already developed area rather than an isolated, newly built suburban area.
- If you are not planning to move, consider possibly reducing the ecological footprint of your home. Can you give the soil the opportunity to recover at least part of its natural characteristics, perhaps by replacing the turf of the lawn with native plants that grow freely?
Method 2 of 3: Combat Pollution and Climate Change
Step 1. Buy zero kilometer organic farming products
Support growers who do not use chemical pesticides and who are able to distribute products while avoiding huge fuel consumption (thus polluting as little as possible). Every small attempt to prevent pollution can help endangered species and encourage the spread of organic farming, stimulating producers to make a socially and economically sensible decision.
Step 2. Reduce, reuse and recycle
If there is a recycling program in your municipality, strictly follow it. If not, try to come up with one. Avoid as much as possible that your waste ends up in landfills.
- Landfills take up precious space and some waste (such as plastic bags and bottles) inevitably invades terrestrial or aquatic habitats, with disastrous consequences for the ecosystem.
- Whenever you can, buy loose products and foods. When shopping, take the bags with you from home. This will reduce the amount of garbage and waste you generate, not to mention the pollution caused by the production and distribution of packaging materials. The whales and tigers will thank you.
- Start an initiative to share special tools and items rarely used around the house with neighbors.
- Donate toys, books, games, clothes, and other used items to hospitals, shelters, day care centers, or charities.
- Before throwing something out, consider reusing it creatively. A vase of flowers made from an old cabinet may not fit the style of your home, but an old, battered kitchen table could turn into a nice workbench.
Step 3. Consider alternatives to driving
Walk or cycle to work or to the market. Physical movement is good for the body and does not produce emissions that have a negative impact on the delicate climate balance of our planet. When you get the chance, use public transportation.
When you get around in your car, drive slowly. Clashes between animals and vehicles are on the rise as human and wildlife habitats overlap more and more. It is a threat that closely affects particular endangered species
Step 4. Save energy by turning off lights and electrical appliances when you're not using them
Unplug televisions, computers, and other electrical appliances that consume electricity even when they are turned off. This way you will avoid unnecessary waste.
In addition to saving money, you will prevent pollution from damaging the ecosystem of endangered species. Not bad! Make it a daily habit and share it with other people. Tell anyone that you can save money and help polar bears
Step 5. Don't waste water
While brushing your teeth, turn off the tap. Use water-saving devices for the toilet, faucets, and showers. Immediately repair leaking pipes and taps: a slight dripping is enough to waste large quantities of water over time.
- In the garden, use a drip irrigation system or other water-saving devices. If it is allowed in the area where you live, consider installing a "gray water" system that allows you to use the water from the shower and sinks in the garden. If you are a fan of recycling, install a composting vanity.
- The growing demand for water by humans has caused changes in freshwater ecosystems, reducing the levels of water resources and causing various consequences: for example, the construction of dams to create reservoirs can prevent salmon from reaching the points. where they go to lay their eggs.
Method 3 of 3: Collaborate
Step 1. Support national parks, reserves and natural areas that protect the habitats of endangered animals
Visit them, pay money or volunteer.
- Teach children to protect endangered species. Many parks have programs and organize guided tours for the little ones.
- When traveling, consider ecotourism in areas that struggle to protect numerous types of species threatened by extinction. For example, in Madagascar, an island located east of the African continent characterized by a unique and fragile ecosystem, there are many people who would like to protect the flora and fauna at risk. Offer a financial contribution to help them.
Step 2. Leave the natural spaces as you found them
When you visit a national park or take a simple walk in the woods, follow the rules and ensure that the area is clean: collect the trash, respect the rules on lighting the fire, do not take flowers, eggs and even stones and logs. You can only take pictures and leave your footprints on the ground.
Step 3. Join a group founded on the protection of flora and fauna
There are numerous national and international associations that work to protect endangered species. You may also find some in your area. They may even engage in simple gestures, such as removing weeds and planting native plants in nature reserves. Join an association or create one.
Step 4. Encourage growers and large landowners to create natural habitats and not destroy woodlands of ancient trees
If you know people who do this work, tell them about the benefits they would get. If not, join an organization that aims to encourage farmers and others to make this choice.
Step 5. Join your voice with other people's voices to make yourself heard
It is no coincidence that there is a saying that says: "the more you scream the more you get". If you believe that endangered species deserve protection for everyone to benefit from, spread the message: raising awareness is the first step to making positive change.
- Get in touch with political representatives. Ask them to support not only rules that protect endangered species in your area or support the same goal abroad, but also measures to reduce pollution and combat climate change.
- Make your voice heard in the community. Help produce flyers. Talk about these topics in schools, libraries, or community centers. In a friendly but resolute way, he leads people to look at the picture in its entirety: small gestures (or the lack of them) have an impact on the whole ecosystem, including endangered species. Remind them that extinction creates a domino effect that somehow affects humans as well, not just the animals seen in the zoo.
