How to Prevent Animals in Africa From Becoming Extinct
Animals are becoming extinct at an alarming rate. In fact, experts believe that more animals have become extinct over the past couple of centuries than at any other time in human history. Africa is facing major problems in this area: Poverty, famine and lack of education have contributed to animals disappearing at the hands of humans. While there isn’t much you can do for the global issues, there are still ways you can help.
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Instructions
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Help support natural preserves in areas such as Kenya or Namibia. The national parks in Africa have become the last safe haven for many animals, but budgets are usually low and money is inconsistent. If you can donate directly, do so. If not, you can look for ways to help by contacting the Wildlife Conservation Society, International Division or similar organizations.
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Lobby for stronger regulations preventing deforestation and human intrusion into natural habitats. You can do so from home joining forces with the Wildlife Conservation Society, a group that works directly with Washington to put into effect laws protecting animals of the sub-Sahara.
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Don’t buy products made from animal parts. Ivory is especially damaging, as the number of African elephants has seriously diminished over the past decade due to the ivory trade. Products made from bones, skin or horns of other African animals should also be avoided. Not only are they destructive, but many of them have been imported into the country illegally.
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Take a photo safari to Africa if you can. As invasive as the tourism industry may seem to be, the truth is that is regulated enough to provide lots of benefits too. Tourists arriving in Africa support the local economy, which in turn prevents many locals from hunting animals in an effort to survive. Visitors also gain awareness of the problem and often return home to get involved in protection.
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Do your part at home. No matter where you live, you can help protect the environment and animals in general by keeping out garbage out of the oceans, reducing your production of carbon monoxide and buying only products certified cruelty-free, including coffee grown in plantations away from natural parks and animal habitats.
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Tips & Warnings
Never believe that you’re too small to make a difference. Even a letter or a small monetary contribution can go a long way to help animals.
