8 Ways to Help Endangered Animals

With the increasing awareness of the number of threatened and endangered animals in the world, there is also a greater concern as to what actions individuals can take to support endangered animals and (hopefully) ensure they survive for future generations.

Here are 8 ways you can support endangered animals:

1. Become more aware: There are a huge number of organisations throughout the world working with endangered animals. By learning more about the different species and what impacts them, the more you’ll be able to help. The World Wildlife Fund website is a great place to start.
2. Join an organisation that supports endangered animals: Many organisations are working to save endangered and threatened species. Some concentrate on a particular species or geographical area while others undertake work internationally for a whole range of flora and fauna.
3. Support national parks: Have you visited a national park this year? Do you where your closest national parks are? By visiting national parks and participating in their activities, you give government a reason to protect habitats.
4. Don’t buy anything made from threatened or endangered animals: A wide range of products can be made from parts of animals and it is not uncommon to find jewelery made from turtle shell or coral, whale bone carvings or traditional medicines containing bear or tiger parts. While many countries are signed up to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) making trade illegal, these products can still be found in a number of countries or on auction websites. If in doubt, don’t buy.
5. Reduce your carbon footprint: Sea level rises as a result of climate change are blamed for destroying habitats which is one of main threats to endangered animals. Reduce your carbon footprint by taking action to reduce the amount of energy you use.
6. Reduce and reuse: By not consuming new products, you reduce your energy consumption and the demand for raw materials – consider the world demand for wood and paper products and how many trees that consumes.
7. Volunteer your time: Conservation organisations around the world need help with a variety of tasks such as working in education centers, planting trees or cutting scrub.
8. Think about the presents you buy: Both the World Wildlife Fund and the Nature Conservancy have programs where you can buy a unique present and donate money to endangered animals at the same time. No idea what to get Aunt Mildred this year – how about a gift certificate to send a turtle to rehab or an acre of grassland in Africa.