How to Help Endangered Species and Wildlife in Seven Ways
Preservation of the environment has been a trending topic in recent years as part of the discussion surrounding climate change. When habitats and ecosystems suffer, so do the species that live in them. From fundraising for animal charities to raising awareness about how to prevent animal extinction, we can all do our part in protecting the animals and wildlife in the world we live in. Crowdfunding is one effective way that people can help endangered species and also raise awareness – so start one today.
Five startling endangered animal facts
An animal is endangered when the wild population meets certain measures. These can vary from area to area, but usually it’s if the population decreases by 50-70% over ten years, less than 2,500 adult animals or less than 250 restricted adults. Here are some quick facts about endangered species and protection efforts you should know:
- Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, certain endangered species are protected, including red squirrels.
- According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, globally there are 42,100 species globally threatened with extinction.
- Removing an animal from the endangered list is possible, though takes many years. For example, the red kite was removed from the list.
- Freshwater ecosystems support over 100,000 species, including more than fish, yet are among the world’s most endangered habitats.
Seven easy ways you can protect the wildlife
If you’re looking for how to save animals, there are countless things you can each do to protect the environment and the animals you share it with. From endangered species to rescue animals, there are many ways to help those in need. If you’d like to make an impact at home and abroad, take a look at some fun ways you can protect wildlife and species.
1. Plant native wildlife to attract pollinators
In many areas of the UK,bee populations are rapidly dwindling to the brink of extinction.
You can start a fundraiser to gather donations for purchasing native plant species, and can make a day of planting wildlife with your friends or family. This is both a good bonding activity and can go a long way toward restoring their habitat.
2. Start a recycling initiative
About 91% of all plastic products are not recycled. This contributes to the nearly 5.25 trillion pieces of trash that are currently polluting the Earth’s oceans, harming the wildlife that calls the ocean home. If you’re wondering how to protect endangered species in ways that have an almost immediate impact, collecting waste is a great place to start. Donate your time to recycling programs in your area, or start one of your own.
3. Host a community fundraising event
Work with your local community by hosting a fundraising event. Charge a small entry fee and decide on prizes. Make a donation using the proceeds to a charity that helps save endangered animals, and let participants know. Some great fundraising event ideas include hosting a party or banquet, a car wash (or dog wash), or a charity sports event.
4. Create a fundraiser to support wildlife programs
Crowdfunding can be one of the simplest and most effective ways to help protect endangered species. First, choose an organisation with active programs that help protect wildlife. Start by sharing your fundraiser with family and friends, and encourage people in your network to share on social media. Make it clear in your fundraiser which nonprofit will receive the donation, national or global, and how the organisation will use those funds to help wildlife. Some fun ideas for a charity fundraiser include hosting a charity sale, partnering with a local radio station or news channel to raise awareness, or organising a benefit dinner.
5. Sponsor an animal
Another great way to protect animals threatened with extinction and save wildlife is to sponsor an animal. Both the World Wildlife Fund and the World Animal Foundation offer easy virtual adoption packages that benefit endangered species. Share your new adoption on social media to encourage those in your network to sponsor an animal, too.
6. Clean up your local parks
Start an initiative to clean up your local parks and other outdoor spaces you enjoy, such as wetlands, beaches, forests, or rivers. Additionally, starting a fundraiser to support outdoor clean-up means you can raise money for things like dog waste stations at trailheads, or trash and recycling bins at popular parks. This is a great way to save the natural wildlife and species in your area. Removing invasive species from these areas is also important and will help you save animals in your area.
7. Educate others about eco-friendly products
Many household cleaning products pose a threat to the environment. Whether that’s due to the evaporation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, or toxic runoff into aquatic environments, the products we use can make an impact. Offer to speak at community centres or colleges about how to save endangered animals with eco-friendly products, or start a fundraiser to purchase eco-friendly cleaning supplies to donate to local schools or animal shelters.
See how others are fundraising
Take a look below at some examples of animal fundraisers highlighting how to help endangered species. The successful fundraisers below used GoFundMe for their online fundraising.
Urgent appeal to save Northumberland wildlife
Blyth Wildlife Rescue was set up in 2006 to rehabilitate injured animals across Tyneside and Northumberland. They have volunteers, animal ambulances and intensive care facilities to care for our animal and insect friends. They started this GoFundMe after their funding took a downturn.
Last chance to save ELM wildlife
ELM wildlife hedgehog rescue and rehabilitation centre has been rescuing hedgehogs in the south west since 2010. They take 80 calls a day for help, but only have capacity to look after 220 hedgehogs at a time. After a hike in rent, they need to look for new premises and have set up this GoFundMe to help.
Start protecting endangered wildlife today
We all want to do our part to preserve the planet, and protecting endangered species is one important way to do that. If you’re wondering how to help endangered species or even how to start, crowdfunding can be an easy, safe, and effective way to raise money for your favourite charity or organisation. Now that you know how we can help endangered animals, start a wildlife fundraiser today and see what kind of impact you can make.