The Critical Importance of Wildlife Conservation

By: Chloe Kirby

In the last four decades alone, we have lost over half of the species on Earth that used to exist. Many scientists believe that we are in the midst of a 6th mass extinction, one that is almost entirely caused by human involvement. While this is a grim reality, it also means that we have the power to do something to stop the future loss of species. From purchasing a shark bracelet that helps fund marine conservation to eco-friendly shoes, there are endless ways to make conscious purchases that make a big difference.

With activities like poaching, logging, and pollution, we are destroying the land that many species need to survive. Climate change is also highly detrimental to wildlife populations as it is a cause of forest fires, acid rain, and other disasters that harm animal habitats. The decline in biodiversity affects everyone, not just the plants and animals involved, which is why it is essential that we step up to make a change. Here are some reasons why wildlife conservation is a must if we are to survive.

1. Keeps Populations in Check

When an animal species starts to decline, it throws off the balance of their ecosystem. Every animal above and below them in the food chain will be affected, which can often lead to the overpopulation of another species. This may cause pest populations to grow, which is not only annoying to us, but potentially harmful to plants and other animal species.

2. Tourism

Wildlife tourism is a huge industry that can be sustainable if managed properly. When you go on safari or visit a national park, you provide much-needed funding to the local economies of the areas you are visiting and help preserve the beauty and biodiversity. Wildlife tourism also has a strong education component where visitors become more aware of the plight of many species and share their knowledge with others.

3. Jobs

There are numerous jobs connected to wildlife tourism that would simply disappear should more species die out. From conservation centers to national parks and beyond, there are many jobs that rely on the protection of plants and animals.

4. Food Security

Honeybee populations have been declining at an alarming rate due to environmental factors like climate change and deforestation. Without bees and other insects and small animals to pollinate flowers, many plant populations are declining. As we and many other species rely on plants as food, this will soon affect our food supplies. By protecting biodiversity, we ensure greater food security for ourselves and future generations.

5. Medicine

Along with food and drinks, a lot of medicines come from flora and fauna. While Eastern medicines rely very heavily on natural formulas, even many Western medications that come from pharmacies have origins in plant-based remedies. We have learned a lot from mother nature and we need to protect our wildlife populations before it’s too late.

6. Mental Health

Let’s not forget the many benefits of interacting with nature when it comes to mental health. Whether you are taking a walk through your local park or going on safari on vacation, being in nature is a unique experience that can reinvigorate the mind and spirit. Among other things, being in nature has been shown to reduce stress, provide a boost to your mood, improve your self-esteem and enhance your overall well being.

What You Can Do To Help

Want to get involved in supporting wildlife conservation efforts? Reach out to organizations that are working to protect wildlife species and see if there are any opportunities to volunteer. Follow them on social media and join in their conversations. You can always donate if you aren’t able to volunteer in person, or you can support conservation with your purchase power by buying products from their online store. Many times, proceeds will go to helping the organization, in turn contributing to wildlife conservation.

Chloe Kirby is a writer and digital marketing professional. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree at McGill University in Montreal, Canada and her Master’s Degree at Goldsmiths University in London, England. Chloe has professional experience in e-commerce, digital marketing, and copywriting. For the last year she has been working in New York City.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/zebras-on-zebra-247376/