Wild animal conservation isn’t just for scientists and other wildlife- and land-oriented professionals. You, too, can help wildlife. Check out the things that are harming wildlife and decide which ones you can easily adjust in your own life to begin making a real difference.
Hazards to wildlife… and easy ways to help…
Habitat loss is something that we all contribute to, even if we live in the city. We all eat, wear clothing, buy furniture or other goods, and these things result in habitat loss, as land is converted into fields for food or fiber crops, forests are cut for paper and wood products, and wetlands and other habitat is transformed into shopping centers.
Solutions: You can contribute to wildlife conservation by creating habitat for wildlife in your own yard by planting native trees, bushes, grasses, and wildflowers that provide food and cover. Add a water feature or birdbath and a nest box or birdhouse if you have room. Make sure to watch out for nesting birds and bunnies when trimming trees or mowing grass. Turtles, frogs, and toads, too, can be spared if you take a walk through the area you’re about to mow before starting.
In addition to what you can do in your own yard to conserve wildlife, you can get involved in local land use planning. Find out what development plans are being considered and involve others in trying to make sure the needs of wildlife are included in the planning process. Contact developers to see what their plans for wildlife are, and, if possible, offer to help search for and relocate vulnerable species.
Write letters to the editor and articles for local papers so others in your community will know what’s happening and can become involved, too. Even if things don’t work out with your first efforts, stay informed and continue to make wildlife conservation needs known, because more development plans will come along.
Keep your eyes on the road edge for animals wanting to cross especially at dawn and dusk.
Roads are essential, but when they cut through wildlife corridors or fragment forests, they are especially harmful to wildlife. Millions of animals die on roads because drivers speed or fail to watch for wildlife crossing.
Solution: Drive to help wildlife survive. Keep wild animals in mind, whether you are in your neighborhood, commuting, or on a trip. Drive no more than the designated speed, watch the road edges for wildlife entering, and slow down at dawn and dusk, when wild animals are most likely to be crossing.
Pesticides and herbicides are overused—in agriculture, in public green spaces, on corporate landscapes, and on private lawns and gardens. In the process, pollinators, amphibians, birds, and other small creatures are poisoned, and the poisons make their way up the food chain.
Solution: Keep your yard safe for wildlife by not using pesticides and herbicides. Native plantings and non-toxic alternatives enable you to have a beautiful yard without harming butterflies, bees, birds, and other small creatures.
Cats and wildlife stay safe when your cats are kept indoors.
Cats—both pets and feral—who roam freely outdoors take a toll on songbirds, amphibians,
and other small creatures.
Solution: Help protect both your cat and wildlife by keeping your cat indoors. Your cat may miss the outdoors at first, but with love and playtime interaction, along with interesting toys and window-side perches, your cat will live a longer, healthier, happier life than the typical outdoor cat.
Wildlife conflicts with homeowners often result from a lack of understanding.
Solution: Learn more about local wildlife and steps you can take to prevent conflicts with wildlife in and around your home. Also take time to learn the signs to look for when assessing whether an animal is injured, sick, or orphaned, so you don’t inadvertently rescue an animal who would be best left alone.
Helping wildlife in your community and beyond…
Support local, regional, and national wildlife conservation and habitat protection initiatives. Be a voice for wildlife if you hear valuable wetlands or woods are being considered for rezoning.
Support local, regional, and national land trusts that protect habitat. See if you can volunteer to help these organizations monitor protected lands or donate time or money to your local nature center, native plant society, or bird club.
For more information…
Xerces Society
Bat Conservation International
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Land Trust Alliance
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center