Wildlife, the animals and plants that live in nature, provides a balance and stability to the natural systems of our planet. It also helps to connect people to their environment and teaches us about the importance of sustaining our planet.
Our World
Many people depend on wildlife for their food and recreation. Some wildlife species are threatened by the growing human population and hunting, fishing, and other activities that cause habitat destruction and decrease animal numbers.
A number of human threats to wildlife include pollution, temperature and climatic changes, land development, hunting, illegal hunting, poaching, deforestation and more. These pressures lead to the decline of wildlife populations around the world, and the extinction of some species.
Taking a Stand against Illegal Hunting
The number of wild animals killed in illegal or unregulated hunting is an important issue in the world today. Several studies have found that hunting, including killing for sport or for commercial purposes, increases the risk of extinction.
Removing Predators to Increase Abundance of Terrestrial Mammals
Removing predators can help improve the health and abundance of mammals, especially those that are native to the area or that are used by livestock. For example, removing coyotes and black bears from a caribou herd can increase the population size of calf-bearing moose and pronghorns and reduce the risk of calf mortality for mountain hares, mule deer and European rabbits.
Using Film to Promote Conservation:
There are many ways that filmmakers can help with wildlife preservation. For example, they can create documentaries and films about endangered animals that inspire others to protect them.
They can also use their skills to produce educational videos and presentations on the subject of wildlife conservation that help educate others about the threats facing these creatures.
Become an Adopter of a Wild Animal
By adopting a wild animal you can give it a permanent home and help it survive by donating money to conservation organizations that protect these animals from poaching, habitat destruction or exploitation for human use. The organization you choose will make sure that your donation is going toward improving the habitat for the animal, as well as providing research and monitoring to keep it from becoming endangered in the first place.
Take a Photo of the Wildlife You Spot
Another way to engage your readers is by incorporating photos into your stories. Whether you write about the wildlife you see on a field trip, at a national park, or on a vacation, you’ll want to include photos to help your audience understand the creature in more detail.
Consider a Punchy Ending
The ending of your article should be memorable, engaging and, if appropriate, provocative. Avoid cliche “time will tell” endings that are dull or boring, and make your conclusion as memorable as your beginning.