There are many animals in danger of extinction – some more critically than others. Organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund are trying desperately through their work and leadership to find a way to save the animals on their endangered species list and teach governments how to tackle threats imposed on their wildlife.
Recently, Hollywood has lent a hand in getting the message across. Leonardo DiCaprio has launched a campaign with the World Wildlife Fund against the poaching of elephants, tigers and rhinos. His Hands Off My Parts campaign is trying to change the law in many countries, particularly in Thailand, to make ivory trade illegal. Some governments are responding positively to the campaign, but other governments need more time to come around.
It is not enough to turn a blind eye to the dangers encountered by these rare animals in the rainforest or the jungle. Governments should invest more on research and development in conservation. Finding the causes and threats to these endangered species is key to creating a solution to help them survive.
Animals on the endangered list include rhinos, tigers, whales, and marine turtles. Some experts estimate that there are 25,000 endangered species today, although many scientists believe there are many more that haven’t been discovered.
The monarch butterfly is one of the species on that list. Their numbers have dwindled due to climate change and the use of herbicides on their feeding grounds. Conservationists are trying to help increase the monarch butterfly population by creating tree nurseries and mushroom production modules. These will hopefully help with their reproduction.
The majority of extinct animals were threatened by environmental change and its global impact. Environmentalists can play an important role in animal conservation by declaring early warning signs of environmental impact and damage.
It is important to educate communities that neighbor the habitats of wild animals around the world. These communities often involve an indigenous population that has tremendous knowledge of the wildlife that surrounds them. Governments should work with these communities to tap into their expertise and share best practices.
Often natural disaster plays a factor in the endangerment of animals. Creating a safe zone for these critically endangered animals would help their survival. Many countries in Africa have funded conservation parks. This is where influencing public policy is important.
For instance, many environmentalists have protested against the idea of arctic drilling not only because of its environmental impact, but because of the threat it will pose to the species existing within the area in question. Polar bears are marine mammals that live on the ice of the Arctic Ocean. Polar bears are listed as a threatened species in the US under the Endangered Species Act.
Knowledge and education about the extinction of animals and the threats posed on them is important. Spreading the word to outlets which wouldn’t normally learn or understand the importance of an animal planet is a key element to cooperation and finding a solution for survival.
There are many ways that governments are funding programs to help their wildlife. Countries with high tourism revenue have applied some of that revenue to preserving ecologically sensitive areas, such as the Galapagos Islands.
You can help save some of these endangered species by donating to reputable organizations. Make a donation to the Wildlife Conservation Society or the World Wildlife Fund to help their work and find out about their programs.
You could also go on a vacation with the purpose to help the environment and its vulnerable inhabitants. There are many hotels throughout the world that help with conservation projects. In Mexico and in Thailand, there are hotels that work with sea turtle conservation societies and have programs to clear their beaches of debris, so that the sea turtles have a place to lay their eggs. There are even vacations centered solely on the sea turtle conservation projects.
It is important to keep the future secure for these wild animals and steer them away from the edge of extinction.
