There are various steps you can take to protect endangered species and their precious habitats. For example:
15 Actions to Protect Endangered Species
1) Learn about endangered species in your area. Teach your friends and family about the wonderful wildlife, birds, fish and plants that live near you. The first step to protecting endangered species is learning about how interesting and important they are. For more information about endangered species, visit endangered.fws.gov
2) Create a backyard wildlife habitat. Put bird feeders and other wildlife attractants, such as bird houses and baths.
3) Establish a pollinator garden with native vegetation in your yard. Native plants provide food and shelter for native wildlife. Attracting native insects like bees and butterflies can help pollinate your plants. Avoid planting invasive species. Non-native plants can overtake and destroy native species on which animals depend.
4) Minimize use of herbicides and pesticides. Herbicides and pesticides are hazardous pollutants that can affect wildlife at many levels. Reduce use of fertilizer. Excess fertilizer will likely wash into streams and rivers and may lead to amphibian deformities and deaths.
5) 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. Don’t dump paint, oil or antifreeze or other chemicals, which pollute the water and can harm people and wildlife. Keep litter and pet waste out of the street drain, which often washes into rivers, lakes or the ocean.
6) Place decals on windows to deter bird collisions. Millions of birds die every year because of collisions with windows. You can help reduce the number of collisions simply by placing decals on the windows in your home and office.
7) Slow down when driving. Many animals live in developed areas and this means they must navigate a landscape full of human hazards. So when you’re out and about, slow down and keep an eye out for animals. Don’t litter because trash can attract wildlife to the roadside.
8) Recycle and buy sustainable products. Buy recycled paper and sustainable products like Forest Stewardship Council wood products and shade-grown coffee to save rainforests.
9) Don’t litter/otherwise destroy sensitive habitats, which may be home to native/visiting species that are endangered or threatened.
10) Organize or participate in a “clean up” campaign of an important habitat in your area. (Be sure to work with appropriate city officials/environmental organizations.)
11) Never purchase products made from endangered species like ivory, coral and tortoise shell. Buy exotic plants and animals only from reputable stores.
12) Report any harassment of threatened and endangered species. You can find a list of state wildlife departments at http://www.fws.gov/offices/statelinks.html
13) Visit a national wildlife refuge, park or other open space. These protected lands provide habitat to many native wildlife, birds, fish and plants. Get involved by volunteering at your local park or wildlife refuge. To find a wildlife refuge near you, visit http://www.fws.gov/refuges/ To find a park near you, visit http://www.nps.gov To learn more and get involved, contact the Endangered Species Coalition at
14) Be Vocal. Write a letter to your local newspaper urging support of important species protection measures. E-mail your Congressional representatives asking them to support the Endangered Species Act.
15) Join others (and organize) in the annual Stop Extinction Challenge. Organized by Endangered Species Coalition (usually in August).
