Hitchhiker's guide to extinction
Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 6:47PM
Liara Covert

If you dream of a resolution to situations of pending animal extinctions, it's wise to hitchhike around your local library, community and Internet and obtain information. You can organize your own guide to extinction, and decide how endangered species affect who and where you are.  If you feel disconnected from this scheme of things, track how you live and the nature of your choices. How do you travel? What products do you use? Where do you shop? Where do your things originate? Who makes them?

Environmental reports continue to be published and inform the world about dangers of global warming. Yet, few people realize that as well as negative effects of climate change, humans also kill off animal species at alarming rates, mostly for food and inappropriate landscape management. This reality reflects a blatant disregard for balance in ecosystems. Since most people desire to increase the likelihood of human survival long-term, it makes sense to understand what's going on with the animal populations. After all, their fate could be our fate. Is that what you desire?

As of 2005, according to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 794 animal species were on the brink of extinction. Now, nearly 51 percent (408 species) of the listed species are amphibians, showing serious threat of a group that includes frogs, toads, salamanders and caecilians. Since the late 1970s, amphibian populations have been declining and 129 species have been reported extinct since 1980. In 2005, a thorough survey of amphibians found nearly a third (32%) of the world's 5743 known amphibian species are threatened. While scientists can't say exactly what causes this decline, global climate change has been strongly linked to a deadly fungal disease, a possible reaction to undue stress.

Many people wonder what initiatives are being taken to reverse this destructive process, and what we can do as individuals to make a difference. As you think locally and also more globally, you may be pleasantly surprised to discover passions that help you shape and inspire new kinds of dreams.

1) Join an organization. Many groups organize initiatives in different countries to focus on saving particular species. You can choose a continent, country or animal to support and help you narrow choices. Support may include; volunteering, funding and contributions in-kind. You can participate on-line, in an office role, a wildlife park, zoo or somewhere in the field, working with penguins, sea turtles or other species.

2) Plant bushes and trees with berries or nuts. These serve as useful food sources for birds and other animals, while also providing much needed shelter. Why not do this with a child or friend? It’s a great activity to suggest for boys and girls clubs as well as school or neighborhood projects.

3) Join or found a bird watcher’s club. You can look into local species and learn more about creatures you have seen and promote their return next year. Regardless of age or background, its an opportunity to bring like-minded people together in an Audubon society. Invite local experts. Set up birdhouses and birdbaths as projects to assist creatures and invite more regular visits.

4) Help preserve your local habitat. Remove "invasive species" that could disrupt local animal food sources. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about what is natural vegetation and what is foreign. Which animals consume what plants? Chat with local nursery owner or vegetation expert. Read. Unwelcome species crowd out native plants critical to survival of area wildlife. You may discover people involved in or interested in initiating projects you would join too.

5) Adopt a foreign animal. Much like adopt foster child organizations, you can adopt a foreign animal through different kinds of sponsorship programs. This can be done through the post, the Internet and Rotary. Ideas may appeal to school children who would appreciate a class project.

6) Help rebuild threatened riverbanks. Replanting native trees on riverbanks will help keep soil from crumbling. Take time to collect garbage on waterfronts and beaches as well. Community fundraisers have been known to help create more sustainable habitat for birds, fish and animals.

7) Look into community wildlife restoration. The museum may be a good place to contact specialists in butterflies and insects as well as other local wildlife. Check out your local high school and university science departments, government environmental departments. You'll find different people versed in areas of possible interest. As you learn what exists, go choose.

8) Get active in Frog watch and Toad monitoring. Various countries aware of the growing decline of amphibians have initiated activities to help citizens keep track of these creatures. Consult http://www.nwf.org/frogwatchUSA/ or your local wildlife office for details.

Article originally appeared on Inspirational Quotes, books & articles to empower you (https://blog.dreambuilders.com.au/).
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