World Wildlife Day: How you can play your part in protecting endangered species
Here are
practical things you can do to ensure that our beloved wildlife survives for generations to come.
March 3 is World Wildlife Day. The day is dedicated to raising awareness of wild animals and plants.
The theme for 2020 is 'Sustaining all life on Earth'.
In South Africa, some of the animals that are endangered include: Pickersgill's Reed Frog, Rhinos, Oribi, Riverine Rabbit, Cape Vultures, Golden Moles, Cheetah, African Wild Dog, Knysna Seahorse, Pangolins, and the Blue Crane.
READ: Rhino population under threat: Project Rhino
According to wildlifeday.org, nearly a quarter of all species are presently at risk of going extinct in the coming decades, and their demise would only speed up the disappearance of countless others, putting us in danger as well.
This is sad news and more needs to be done to ensure that we all protect all life on earth.
How can humans help to preserve wildlife and plants?
- Educate yourself
Knowledge is power. Get to know your animals and plants and how they are to be treated. Then do your part in ensuring that you and those around you treat animals and plants with respect.
- Visit your local zoo, botanical garden or nature reserve
Spending time with animals will make you appreciate them even more. So set aside time to go visit your local zoo or nature reserve. Also, visit a local botanical garden and enjoy your time surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants.
- Stop illegal hunting
Illegal hunting is a serious problem in South Africa. Rhinos are poached in great numbers every year, while pangolins suffer the same fate. Find out how you can support your local anti-poaching teams to do your bit.
- Donate towards conservation projects
There are many programmes aimed at helping and preserving animals and plants. Find one which you can relate to and donate whatever you can.
- Become a volunteer
Find out if your local zoo, nature reserve or botanical garden has volunteer programmes and participate in them.
- Go on holiday to a natural wonder
There are many natural getaways which make for the most relaxing holiday. Kruger National Park, Tshukudu Game Reserve, Mkuze Game Reserve, and Pilanesberg Game Reserve are just a few which you can visit.
- Stop buying products made from wildlife or their parts
There are many fabrics and materials that can be used to make clothes and shoes. You don't have to buy products that are made from wildlife or their parts. Although these products may look good, they destroy the natural world.
- Buy cruelty-free products
Some products are tested on animals before they are declared safe for human use. However, this testing harms the animals and puts them at risk. The best way to fight this cruelty is to stop buying such products. There are other methods that can be used to test products instead of using animals. End of.
READ: Trekking to remote villages to give every animal a shot at health