Wildlife refers to all animals that exist in natural environments without human intervention. This includes all types of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and plants.
Many of these animals are in danger of going extinct and need to be preserved so that they can live long enough to breed and reproduce. Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can help ensure the survival of our wild friends.
Creating habitat is one of the best things you can do to protect wildlife. This means planting native species of flowers, trees, and bushes in your yard to provide them with food, water, shelter, and a place to raise their families.
Another way that you can help protect wildlife is by reducing your impact on the environment. Reduce your consumption of meat, dairy products, and other animal products and eat more plant-based foods. This will help preserve the habitat that many wildlife species depend on for survival and help support local farmers who rely on their land as a source of income.
Buy food grown with fewer chemicals, such as herbicides and pesticides. You can also purchase products that use recycled paper and wood and avoid products with disposable plastic packaging.
Donate to organizations that focus on preserving our wildlife, such as the American Bird Conservancy or the National Wildlife Federation. Your donation will help preserve habitat and protect our planet’s most endangered species.
Volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary or zoo to learn more about the creatures that live in our world and help with a variety of conservation projects. This will not only give you a sense of responsibility, but it will also help you develop leadership skills and make a difference in the lives of wildlife.
Participate in community programs to clean beaches, rehabilitate wildlife, or teach others about nature. This will make a positive impact on the environment and give you opportunities to learn more about your favorite animals in the process.
Write to your federal and state elected officials to encourage them to support policies that promote wildlife protection. Visit AWI’s Action Center to sign up for action alerts and to read AWI’s publications about the latest animal protection issues.
Get educated about wildlife by watching television shows, reading books, and learning about the plants and animals that live in your region. These resources will help you gain an understanding of the different animals and plants that exist in your area, their history and their importance to maintaining the ecosystem.
If you have a backyard, consider installing a bird feeder or building a birdhouse. This will give the animals in your neighborhood a home and a safe place to nest, which can help them survive the winter.
Keep your domestic pets on a leash and respect local laws. This will help prevent dogs and cats from killing, harassing, or eating wildlife.
Watch television programs about wildlife and visit a zoo or park to see animals up close. This will teach you more about how to protect our planet’s precious natural resources and help you develop important communication skills.