The International
Council for Bird Preservation (ICBP), works to save endangered
birds.
The best way you
can save a species if its living happily in the wild is to protect
its habitat. The habitat needs to be large enough to support
a reasonably large population. By keeping wild areas undeveloped,
environmentalists can protect many species at once.
An example of
an organisation that does this is the Nature Conservancy, who,
with the aid of contributions from members, buys land to keep
it from being developed. The Conservancy owns and manages more
than 1000 preserves.
Don't buy pets
taken illegally from the wild. When you go to your pet shop,
ask if the animals were bred in captivity or taken from the
wild. You'll be letting the owner know that you don't want wild-caught
animals.
Don't buy a product
if animals are killed to make it. Ivory comes from dead elephants.
Fur coats once kept an animal warm. Dolphins die for your tuna
sandwich.
Educate others
about the importance of habitat. Encourage your friends and
public officials to keep wild areas wild.
Remember, knowledge
is power. Find out what is happening. Find out who the key players
are in changing the negative practices. Can you change what
is taking place - even by the smallest amount? Every little
helps.
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