Helping Endangered Animals

Picture of Siberian Tiger
It's impossible not to notice the unmistakable beauty and ferocity of the colorful Siberian Tigers. In their home continent of Asia, they are definitely the center of attention when present, but during the 20th Century, their population suffered major losses. Consequently, they are an endangered species. Some can still be found in Russia, but they are dangerously nearing extinction in China.

Siberian Tiger fur is very long, thick and reddish/yellow -- with dark black stripes. The underside is a brilliant white, and the tail is white and black. Sounds are one of life's important experiences. The Siberian Tiger has a tail that produces a rattling sound, which is used to scare off enemies or to warn others.

1. Conserve Habitats

One of the most important ways to help threatened plants and animals survive is to protect their habitats permanently in national parks, nature reserves or wilderness areas. There they can live without too much interference from humans. It is also important to protect habitats outside reserves such as on farms and along roadsides. You can visit a nearby national park or nature reserve. Some national parks have special guided tours and walks for kids. Talk to the rangers to find out whether there are any threatened species and how they are being protected. You and your friends might be able to help the rangers in their conservation work. When you visit a national park, make sure you obey the wildlife code: follow fire regulations; leave your pets at home; leave flowers, birds’ eggs, logs and bush rocks where you find them; put your rubbish in a bin or, better still, take it home. If you have friends who live on farms, encourage them to keep patches of bush as wildlife habitats and to leave old trees standing, especially those with hollows suitable for nesting animals. Some areas have groups which look after local lands and nature reserves. They do this by removing weeds and planting local native species in their place. You could join one of these groups, or even start a new one with your parents and friends. Ask your local parks authority or council for information. By removing rubbish and weeds and replanting with natives you will allow the native bush to gradually regenerate. This will also encourage native animals to return.

2. Make Space For Our Wildlife

• Build a birdfeeder and establish a birdbath for the neighborhood birds.
• Plant a tree and build a birdhouse in your backyard.
• Start composting in your backyard garden or on your balcony. It eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers which are harmful to animals and humans, and it benefits your plants!
• Do not to use harmful chemicals in your garden or home.

3. Recycle, Reduce, And Reuse

• Take public transportation. Walk or ride bicycles rather than using the car.
• Save energy by turning off lights, radios and the TV when you are not using them.
• Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth and use water-saving devices on your toilet, taps and showerhead.
• Buy products and food without packaging whenever possible. Take your own bag to the store. It will reduce the amount of garbage and waste your family produces.
• Recycle your toys, books and games by donating them to a hospital, daycare, nursery school or children's charity.
• Shop for organic fruits and vegetables.

4. Plant Native Plants That Are Local To The Area

If you can, plant native plants instead of non-native or introduced ones in your garden. You don’t want seeds from introduced plants escaping into the bush. Native grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees are more likely to attract native birds, butterflies and other insects, and maybe even some threatened species.

5. Control Introduced Plants And Animals

• Non-native plants and animals are ones that come from outside your local area.

• Some parks and reserves, beaches, bush-land and rivers are now infested with invasive plants, and native species often cannot compete with these plants.

• Many environmental weeds come from people’s gardens.

• Sometimes, the seeds are taken into the bush by the wind or by birds.

• Controlling these foreign species is an important step in protecting wildlife

6. Join An Organization

There are many community groups working on conservation activities. Join an organization in your area and start helping today!

7. Make Your Voice Heard

• State and territory government conservation agencies are responsible for the management of national parks and the protection of wildlife. They are sometimes supported by public foundations.
• Tell your family, friends and work mates about threatened species and how they can help them.
• Start a group dedicated to protecting a threatened plant or animal in your area or perhaps to help care for a national park.
• Write articles or letters about threatened species to newspapers.
• Ring up talk-back radio programs to air your concerns, or arrange to talk on your community radio station.