26,000 species are currently under the threat of going completely extinct. You don't have to be an animal lover to be concerned about this number. With the loss of key organisms comes the potential of significant impact on the earth, which can affect how humans live. Fortunately, there's still hope. As human beings, we have the power to turn things around. Want to know how to help endangered species? Here are 10 things you can do to help with conservation. 1. Learn About Local Endangered SpeciesBrowsing some websites is a great way to learn about local endangered species. While it may be hard to help with saving animals half a world over, you can still make a difference by making your area a better place. By reading up on the endangered species in your area, you'll have the knowledge to change your life to help these species thrive. You can also tell your family, friends, and others in the local area about what you've learned so you can put some plans into motion for a group effort on conservation. 2. Plant Some Native Flowers and TreesWhen you know more about the local endangered species, you can help them thrive by providing them with food and shelter that they prefer. Your effort can even be felt all around the world! For instance, bees are endangered on a global scale; their extinction would have a devastating effect on our food sources. By planting some flowers, you can attract bees to your home and help them thrive. 3. RecycleThe fewer things you throw away, the fewer items end up in landfills. There will also be less need to produce new items through processes that destroy the habitats of endangered species. If possible, you should buy sustainable items as well. Not only does this help the environment, but it also boycotts companies that actively harm the environment and destroys habitats and food sources for endangered species. 4. Stop Using Pesticides and HerbicidesWhile pesticides and herbicides might help your garden blossom, these things are highly damaging to endangered species. Just because they're applied on your property doesn't mean they can't spread far away. Organisms that eat your plants can be eaten by bigger organisms, and those harmful substances can travel through the food chain. They take a while to degrade, which means they have the potential to poison a number of animals. If you're having trouble with pests, try some natural alternatives, such as eucalyptus or citrus oil sprays. 5. Don't Buy Products Made from Endangered SpeciesWhen you go on vacation, it may be tempting to purchase a unique souvenir such as an elephant tusk. But by buying these sorts of things, you're supporting the illegal poaching of endangered species. Educate yourself before you go on vacation so you know which souvenirs to avoid purchasing so you don't inadvertently support the black market. 6. Donate to OrganizationsOrganizations dedicated to conservation are usually not-for-profit, which means they're probably struggling to get decent funding for the efforts they wish to carry out. Every bit counts, so when you donate regularly, you're helping further their efforts. Learn why it's so important to keep steady predator populations and how your donations can help. If you don't have the money to donate, then consider volunteering your time to them. Because they're usually underfunded, wildlife organizations will definitely appreciate getting an extra hand. 7. Reduce Your Use of PlasticPlastic may be a handy material to use, but when they're disposed of, they can cause damage to or even kill some species. For example, turtles can choke to death on plastic soda rings. It's hard to eliminate plastic completely from your life, so with the plastic items you do have, do your best to reuse them so they don't end up in the wrong places. If you must throw away plastic, make sure you do so properly. 8. Report Endangerment of AnimalsEndangered species need to be left alone so they can reproduce naturally and thrive. This isn't possible if people are harassing them; or even worse, hunting and trapping them. If you see anyone doing any of the above, don't stay silent. Make sure you report it to your local or federal wildlife enforcement agency. That way, they can take the appropriate steps to ensure that the particular area is better protected and monitored. 9. Drive CarefullyThis tip is especially important if you have local endangered species. No matter how long they've been there, animals still can be unused to crossing roads. If you're driving at fast speeds, it may be too late to brake and save an animal when you round a bend. When you're around any areas known to have frequent wildlife crossings, make sure you always drive slowly to prevent any accidents from happening. 10. Support Your Local ZooWhile some people may be morally opposed to keeping wild animals in captivity, the truth of the matter is that zoos play an important role in educating the public about endangered species and encouraging them to help the cause. When you take your family to the zoo, not only do you learn about what you can do on your part, but your money goes toward a worthy cause. Zoos like San Diego Zoo have research institutions that help save endangered species all over the world. They're a non-profit organization, which means money made from tickets, food, and merchandise go toward running the park and conservation. Teach Others How to Help Endangered SpeciesNow that you know how to help endangered species, spread the word and teach others too. The more people know about conservation, the more effective it'll be. By reaching others, you'll be helping to save many animals for generations to come. If you'd like to get started on a website that's dedicated to saving endangered animals, then sign up with us today!
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