Roxy’s Research on Protecting Animal Habitats
This blog was researched, typed*, and emailed in its entirety by Roxana Kuzelova, Year 3.
Protecting Animal Habitats
The first step to protecting endangered species is learning about how interesting and important they are. Our natural world provides us with many services including clean air and water.
Attracting native insects like bees and butterflies can help pollinate your plants. 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. Many herbicides and pesticides take a long time to degrade and build up in the soils or throughout the food chain. Predators such as hawks, owls and coyotes can be harmed if they eat poisoned animals. Some groups of animals such as amphibians are particularly vulnerable to these chemical pollutants and suffer greatly as a result of the high levels of herbicides and pesticides in their habitat.
Many animals live in developed areas. This means they must navigate a landscape full of human hazards. Roads divide habitat and present a constant hazard to any animal attempting to cross from one side to the other. Slow down and keep an eye out for wildlife.
Participate in habitat restoration projects such as tree planting and beach cleanups.
Buy recycled paper, sustainable products like bamboo to protect forest species. Never buy furniture made from wood from rainforests.
Recycle your cell phones, because a mineral used in cell phones and other electronics is mined in gorilla habitat.
Minimize your use of palm oil because forests where tigers live are being cut down to plant palm plantations. These protected lands provide habitat to many native wildlife, birds, fish and plants.
Disinfect bird baths often to avoid disease.
Place decals on windows to deter bird collisions. Millions of birds die every year because of collisions with windows.
Get involved by volunteering at your local nature center or wildlife refuge.
Secure garbage in shelters or cans with locking lids, feed pets indoors and lock pet doors at night to avoid attracting wild animals into your home.
Reduce your use of water in your home and garden so that animals that live in or near water can have a better chance of survival.
* Copy and pasting was permitted, but dependent on understanding.
