How You Can Help Protect Endangered Species

There are


16,306


animal species currently listed as endangered, which means that they are near extinction. There are ways that people can help to limit the number of species facing extinction and help grow their populations. Some of the ways are simple, everyday tasks.

1. 
   
   
   Secure your garbage
   
   
   

Your living quarters are not the perfect environment for many animal species


. Loose garbage, plastic and other materials are hazardous to wildlife. Make sure that garbage is placed in an area that animals cannot access, or that it is put away in a container with a closed lid.

2.

Limit plastic usage

There are around


2,300 endangered species in the ocean.


Plastic that is thrown out or littered can end up in the ocean, which causes problems for these creatures. There are many ways that plastic usage can be reduced. One can buy reusable bottles, or choose paper products instead.

3.

Adopt an animal

Anyone can symbolically adopt an endangered species through the


World Wildlife Fund


. Elephants, pandas, giraffes, sea turtles and more are up for adoption. When an animal is adopted, the money go towards protecting the species and its environment. There are many different types of adoption kits to choose from. The cheapest kit is $25 and includes a photo, an adoption certificate and a species card.

4.

Do not buy products made from endangered species

Some species are killed for their pelts or other body parts. A well-known example is that elephants are killed for ivory. If elephants are an endangered species you want to help protect, do not buy products that contain ivory. Instead, boycott those products and do not give monetary support to companies that use those products. This could lead to companies abandoning the trade and fewer animals killed for expensive items.

These activities can help save endangered animals from extinction. Let us know in the comments which practices you follow!