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
What is the Need for Conservation of Natural Resources?
As the population of the world is increasing at an alarming
rate, the consumption of natural resources is also increasing. Hence, these
resources should be conserved to maintain ecological balance and save them for
future generations. The proper management of a resource to prevent its
destruction or exploitation is called conservation.
What is the Need For Wildlife Conservation?
Each species on the planet is important for the continuance
of the food chain. Wildlife and their habitat have numerous benefits for the
existence of humans as well as the flora and fauna. In India, for instance,
forests that house animals like tigers, elephants, hornbills and cobras are
also watersheds of some primary rivers of India. Survival of wildlife is
therefore dependent on the survival of forests. Forests are also home to
millions of species of plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and
mammals.
Ways to Conserve Natural Resources at Home
➤Use less water. Taking shorter showers or turning off the
faucet while brushing your teeth can reduce water waste in your home. Only use
your dishwasher or washing machine when there is a full load, and switch to energy-saving
appliances if possible.
➤Turn off the lights. Turn off any lights or televisions
after you leave a room. Unplug appliances like portable air conditioners,
toasters, and coffeemakers when not in use, as they can continue to use small
amounts of electricity. Additionally, LED light bulbs require far less wattage
than standard bulbs, so switching to this alternative lighting method can also
help conserve resources.
➤Use renewable energy. Although renewable energy consumption
has been in practice for centuries, recent years of climate change and global
warming have pushed many scientists and researchers to look for ways to
incorporate more green practices into our everyday lives. Renewable energy
replenishes itself, cutting down on our need to harvest new resources. Using
solar panels or wind energy can significantly reduce our reliance on natural
gas and cut back on resource depletion over time.
➤Recycle. Making new products requires the use of resources,
but recycling helps reuse the materials we already have. Manufacturing fewer
new materials reduce waste, which helping decrease groundwater and air
pollution. Find a center that accepts items like plastic bottles, cardboard, or
aluminum for recycling. Switch to paperless billing and buy recycled paper to
limit the need for logging and deforestation.
➤Compost. Composting is a great way to convert your food
scraps into useful materials for your home garden. Composting enriches your
soil and reduces the need for watering by improving runoff, which reduces soil
erosion. Composting also attracts beneficial organisms that cut down on the
need for pesticides or harmful chemicals. Composting encourages sustainability
and can lessen the amount of waste and pollution produced by food waste.
➤Choose reusable goods. Avoiding single-use plastics is
another way to conserve resources. Instead of buying water bottles, plastic
cups, or paper plates, opt for ceramic, metal, or glassware. Use your own
fabric grocery bags rather than plastic bags. Reusing items is a great way to
reduce waste and keep excess trash out of landfills.
➤Manage your thermostat. Heating and air conditioning make up
approximately half of your energy bill, but lowering the heat by just two
degrees in the winter can help conserve energy in your home. Raising the
thermostat two degrees in the summer will also have energy-saving effects and
help reduce your monthly bill.
➤Thrift shop. It can take over 600 gallons of water to make a
single cotton t-shirt. Buying secondhand clothing can reduce the amount of reusable
clothing that ends up in landfills by extending its lifecycle. Thrift shopping
increases the amount of time between the use and disposal phase of a garment’s
lifecycle, giving us more out of our used clothing, which can decrease the need
for overproduction and manufacturing.
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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