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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