How to Help Endangered Species

Animal lovers and naturalists throughout the world understand the problems facing endangered species. Endangered species like the Javan rhino and the snow leopard face the threat of poachers and poor enforcement of protective laws on a daily basis. You need to take a number of steps if you wish to protect endangered species.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Invest in the future of an endangered species by providing a donation to a wildlife organization. You should donate your money during specific drives for an endangered species to make sure your money goes to the right cause. Investigate the legitimacy of a wildlife organization before donating to avoid wasted money.
2. Offer your time and energy to a local zoo that houses relatives of an endangered species. Your time as a volunteer teacher to kids can help you spread the word about an endangered species to a large group of people.
3. Speak with your friends, family and coworkers about an endangered species to increase your impact on their condition. Your explanation of the plight of an endangered bird may cause someone close to you to get involved in the cause.
4. Write letters to state and federal agencies tasked with protecting the environment to help endangered species. You should create a list of agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Interior and your state's Attorney General as a checklist for monthly letters.
5. Schedule time with your representatives in Washington, D.C. to highlight the problems facing an endangered species. You should use listening sessions in your state as well as trips to representative offices in your state capitol to voice your concerns.
6. Travel to international habitats where an endangered species lives to see these animals in person. A few photos and notes about the living conditions for an endangered animal offer specific examples for your advocacy.
7. Use public radio programs on nature and environmental issues as a sounding board for your concerns. You need to adjust your comments on an endangered species to fit each program's specific topic to keep your message strong.
8. Run for public office if your representatives aren't responding to the need for the conservation and the protection of endangered species. Your campaign will be successful if it forces a public debate about endangered species between the public and the incumbent candidate.

Tips & Warnings

• Meet with fellow naturalists and concerned citizens around the world via a social networking campaign. The use of MySpace and Facebook pages with a list of tools to aid endangered species can help you bring attention to your cause.