Natural Resources and Animal Species
Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting plant and animal species and their habitats. As part of the world’s ecosystems, wildlife provides balance and stability to nature’s processes. The goal of wildlife conservation is to ensure the survival of these species, and to educate people on living sustainably with other species.
The human population has grown exponentially over the past 200 years, to more than seven billion people today, and it continues to rapidly grow. This means natural resources are being consumed faster than ever by the billions of people on the planet. This growth and development also endangers the habitats and existence of various types of wildlife around the world, particularly animals and plants that may be displaced for land development, or used for food or other human purposes. Other threats to wildlife include the introduction of invasive species from other parts of the world, climate change, pollution, hunting, fishing, and poaching
Our planet earth is a home to millions of living beings. From micro-organisms and bacteria, lichens to banyan trees, elephants, and blue whales, there is a vast multitude of living organisms found on the earth. Sadly, the human beings today have transformed the nature and wildlife into a resource.
Conservation and Preservation
Humans use natural resources to help meet their basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. As they do so, they consume natural resources. Each time a resource is used, its supply is reduced. If consumption goes unchecked, the availability of the natural resource may be threatened and even exhausted. Two practices that protect natural resources are conservation and preservation.
The wise use of our natural resources is called conservation. Conservation is necessary to continue to meet human needs and maintain a standard of living to which people are accustomed. Examples of conservation include reducing the amount of natural resources used, reusing products, and recycling products. A person who studies and promotes conservation and believes that natural resources should be used responsibly is called a conservationist
The choice not to use our natural resources is called preservation. An example of preservation would be preventing logging of an old-growth forest to promote biodiversity rather thalogging the trees for timber products. Someone who believes in and promotes preservation is called a preservationist.
One situation may call for conservation measures, whereas another might call for preservation. For example, it is unquestioned that the rich soils that support agricultural production should be conserved. Also, most people hold the opinion that unique ecosystems should be preserved.
Some reasons for conserving and preserving natural resources seem self-evident. A few reasons are:
➣ Most natural resources cannot be easily reproduced by humans. Therefore, conserving them wisely is important.
➣ Natural resources are essential for human life.
➣Natural resources are necessary to meet the needs of future generations.
➣Conservation of habitats helps preserve biodiversity
Ways to save wildlife
1. Adopt. From wild animals to wild places, there’s an option for everyone. Get together with classmates to adopt an animal from a wildlife conservation organization such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Symbolic adoptions help fund organizations.
2. Volunteer. If you don’t have money to give, donate your time. Many organizations and zoos have volunteer programs. You can help clean beaches, rescue wild animals or teach visitors.
3. Visit. Zoos, aquariums, national parks and wildlife refuges are all home to wild animals. Learn more about our planet’s species from experts. See Earth’s most amazing creatures up close.
4. Donate. When you visit your local accredited zoos and nature reserves, pay the recommended entry fee. Your donations help maintain these vital conservation areas.
5. Speak Up. Share your passion for wildlife conservation with your family. Tell your friends how they can help. Ask everyone you know to pledge to do what they can to stop wildlife trafficking.
6. Buy Responsibly. By not purchasing products made from endangered animals or their parts, you can stop wildlife trafficking from being a profitable enterprise.
7. Pitch In. Trash isn’t just ugly, it’s harmful. Birds and other animals can trap their heads in plastic rings. Fish can get stuck in nets. Plus, trash pollutes everyone’s natural resources. Do your part by putting trash its place
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