Although all this winter’s rain may make it seem like California’s drought is problem of the past, it is important to pay attention to issues beyond the SoCal community. One way to help the planet is to take notice of the world’s endangered species. Animals can invoke that familiar warm and fuzzy feeling, so it’s no wonder we humans feel such an urge to help animals in need. Raising awareness for species that are threatened by extinction can set us on the path towards progress. Here’s a list of just a few endangered species, and the steps we can take to help them.
Seals
Seals are one of the most loveable creatures of the sea. Unfortunately they are being trapped in masses for their pelts, used to make purses or clothing. Hunting of Fur Seals is most prevalent in Namibia, with a death toll of 60,000 pups 7,000 adults hunted annually. The Seal Conservation Society has taken a stance on behalf of the protection of Fur Seals, providing information and projects to help better the understanding of the endangerment of these animals. Find out more at: http://www.pinnipeds.org/
Brown Bears
Brown bears once flourished in the Northern Cascades, a mountainous area outside of Seattle. Although habitat destruction is their primary killer, this is not the only factor that threatens brown bears; miners, hunters, and trappers have been unlawfully hunting brown bears as far back as the 1800s. The population of brown bears in the Northern Cascades has been whittled down to only a handful. The inability of finding accessible mates and their slow reproductive rate have made it difficult for this species to recover. Citizens of Washington and the Department of the Interior have proposed a plan to restore the population. The two requirements being: $25,000 and 50,000 comments on the Department of the Interior’s website. Supporters in Washington have already raised the $25,000. They now need support from the public to go ahead with the restoration process. If you would like to leave a comment visit: https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
Photo: Wikimediacommons.com
Asian Elephants
Elephants have been subject to harsh tourism demands, such as being forced to do circus work, street begging and elephant treks. Long and stressful trips with little nutrients and numerous people on their backs have caused overtiring and death. These gentle giants are often abused at where they being held captive. The Asian Elephants Wildlife Conservation Society has set a number of long and short term goals in order to help. They plan to monitor the amount of elephants in their habitats to prevent further endangerment, reduce human-elephant interaction, restore their natural habitats and promote elephant friendly policies. Learn more about the next steps that need to be taken at: https://www.wcs.org/our-work/species/asian-elephants
Our earth holds so many incredible species that have have helped shape our world into what it is today. We can be their voice, and help guide them out of a state of endangerment. Students at TOHS can make a huge impact by becoming more proactive on animal rights. By informing each other and the next generation of students. Even the smallest acts of improvement can make for a big change. Social pressure is one of the strongest ways to enact change, so commenting on these websites pages and making ourselves be heard is crucial for a better society we all can benefit from.