Wildlife refers to the wide range of animal species that inhabit the planet, from lions and elephants in Africa to polar bears and kangaroos in Australia and diverse marine life throughout the world’s oceans. This thriving array of organisms plays an important role in the balance of ecosystems and contributes to the overall biodiversity of our planet.
As humans continue to expand their footprint, wildlife is at risk of losing ground in the battle for habitat. From a bird’s nest being destroyed for a new road to an invasive species taking over a natural environment, the impact of human activity on wildlife is significant. In some cases, wildlife can be saved from the brink of extinction but in other instances it is too late for many species to recover and survive.
Throughout history, humans have exploited the natural resources of wildlife to benefit our own lives. Wild species have provided food, clothing, shelter and medicine for billions of people in developed and developing nations alike. They also play critical roles in a healthy ecological balance, such as pollination and seed dispersal. But a global biodiversity crisis is leaving animals and plants at risk of extinction and harming our well-being.
To help maintain a vibrant ecosystem and ensure the survival of wildlife, the following steps must be taken. These include preserving habitat, setting up game sanctuaries, preventing poaching and illegal trade in wildlife, imposing strict laws and punishing the offenders. Additionally, awareness at both the local and international level must be created about wildlife protection in order to stop wildlife exploitation and its negative impact on mankind.
One of the best ways to see wildlife is by observing their natural habitats. Wildlife likes open, sunny areas with grass and shrubbery and is often found near water or other sources of food. Transitional areas such as river banks and shorelines offer good habitats for wildlife because they provide both shelter from predators and easy access to water, food and other resources.
When observing wildlife, it is important to remain silent and stay a reasonable distance away from the animals in order to prevent disturbing them. If wildlife is constantly disturbed, it may lose the ability to thrive and may even be subject to threats like disease and starvation. It is also important to avoid feeding wildlife, as it can lead to them becoming habituated to humans and will make them less likely to be protected.
There are several ways to help protect wildlife, including writing letters to your elected officials and signing up for action alerts from AWI. Additionally, planting native species of trees, bushes and flowers in your yard will give wildlife the food they need and help them to find the shelter and space that they need to raise families and grow. The best way to make a difference is to become an advocate and let your voice be heard on behalf of the species that you care about.