"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
It is often easy to feel overwhelmed in the face of species loss and habitat destruction. The problem is large and complex—it's common for individuals to feel powerless. Yet, everything we do is vitally important. We may only do a little bit in the grand scheme of things, but together our seemingly small actions add up to a lot.
1. Protect wildlife habitat.
Perhaps the greatest threat that faces many species is the widespread destruction of habitat. Deforestation, farming, over-grazing and development all result in irreversible changes such as soil compaction, erosion, desertification, or the alteration of local climatic conditions. Such land use practices vastly alter or even eliminate wildlife habitat. In areas where rare species are present, habitat destruction can quickly force a species to extinction.
By protecting habitat, entire communities of animals can be protected together and when communities are kept intact, less conservation intervention is required to ensure species survival. Parks, reserves, and other protected lands are now all too often the only habitats that are left untouched by habitat destruction.
Here's what you can do to protect wildlife habitat:
- Join the Nature Conservancy.
- Convert part of your backyard to native vegetation.
- Visit a National Park.
- Oppose poor land use policy.
2. Join a conservation organization.
There are a wide range of conservation organizations working every day to protect endangered animals and habitats. Different organizations have different objectives—some work to protect a small plot of land, others work to protect whales, others focus on establishing good environmental policies in local and national government. If you have a specific area of interest, you can often find an organization that is working to protect the species or habitats you're most concerned about.
By joining a conservation organization, you can support well-organized, ongoing efforts to protect species and habitats. And if you want to participate in conservation field work, you can often get involved in specific programs within many conservation organizations that rely to a great extent on help from volunteers.
Here's what you can do to join a conservation organization:
- Evaluate what's important to you.
- Research the conservation organizations that are out there.
- Join the organization that parallels your objectives and get involved.
3. Reduce the threat of invasive species.
The spread of non-native species has greatly impacted native populations around the world. Invasive species compete with native species for resources and habitat. They can even prey on native species directly, forcing native species towards extinction.
Here's what you can do to reduce the threat of invasive species:
- Plant native vegetation in your yard and encourage native wildlife to visit your yard.
- Remove non-native vegetation from your yard.
- Support conservation efforts and organizations aimed at removing invasive species from fragile habitats.
4. Incorporate native species into your garden.
Encourage native plants and animals by planting native plants in your garden.
5. Voice your concerns and get involved in local conservation efforts.
By letting local and national governments know that you're concerned about endangered species, you're increasing the likelihood that someone will do something about it.
