Protecting Wildlife from Habitat Loss and Extinction - Living Green 101

As humanity has expanded across the planet and used its resources, wildlife across the globe has suffered from habitat loss and extinction. However, there are things that you can do to save the wild creatures that are still left.

Humanity has spread across the Earth, developing on the land, using the resources, and polluting the environment. As a result, the creatures of the planet have suffered. Some are endangered, some will be endangered soon, and others have become extinct at the hands of the human race. We have destroyed without care, but there's still time to save the animals that are left.

One of the biggest things that we can do to prevent habitat loss and extinction of indigenous species is to stop expanding and using the few natural habitats that animals have left. Many people think that this is impossible, and our increasing population needs more room to grow. Our numbers are already staggering. People should practice responsible breeding, limit their use of the land, and stop expanding, especially when that expansion is in the name of entertainment and not for actual living areas. Habitat loss is one of the major causes for animal extinction and animals entering human-populated areas.

Another step we can take is to be more responsible about our use of natural resources. Every mine we dig, every tree we cut and every forest we destroy reduces the amount of natural habitat these creatures have to live in. If we learned to reduce or consumption of natural resources, and made efforts to replant and recreate the habitats that we have destroyed, we would be able to help native animal species regain their numbers and return the natural balance. It is also worth noting that even if habitats are not destroyed in the search for resources, the mere presence of people and machinery can have negative effects on local wildlife.

It is also important for us to be responsible when it comes to our pollution of the environment. Every toxin that we spill into the air, land and water leads to the deaths of natural species. It seems to only get the public's attention when pollution affects human lives, but how many creatures have died because we have contaminated their habitats and food sources? Pollution can also do damage in the fact that it can cause mutations in animals as well as unusual and dangerous changes in behavior. Some examples are noted in the article "Pollution triggers bizarre behaviour in animals" by NewScientist.com. Pollution can also affect mating habits and sperm count, thus reducing a species' ability to regain its foothold in a habitat.

We can also aid the animals by supporting breed & release programs and other wildlife efforts. Some animals are in such grave danger of extinction that breeding them in captivity and releasing them into the wild is the only hope for making them a thriving part of our world again. Giving financial support to and volunteering with wildlife protection groups is a way to take an active role in preserving the natural balance and saving these creatures from extinction.

Some people think that it's an overreaction to say that there may soon come a time when the only way to see animals will be in a zoo. Unfortunately, if we keep up the way they're going, this will be true sooner than anyone thinks. People need to stop thinking about the bottom dollar and start thinking more about getting the planet back to its proper state. There should be a balance between humanity and nature. If we don't change our ways soon, the balance will be lost for good.