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The British Library contains a recording of a birdcall, the last individual of a Hawaiian bird before his species became extinct. The bird sings out a distinct cry, the last anyone will ever hear of its kind. Unfortunately, many animals find their populations dwindling and face potential extinction. However, there are ways you can help give these endangered and threatened species a better chance at survival. While some people join environmental activist groups, these aren't for everyone; here are some simple ways you can help endangered species just by being conscientious in your everyday life:

First of all, educate yourself. Learn about what threats animals face in different parts of the world. In some areas, for example, animals may be hunted or poached for their fur, medicinal ingredients, or meat. Many species also become endangered when their habitats are destroyed, often to harvest some natural resource or just to build on the space itself. Understanding why so many species are endangered is a good step toward figuring out how you can help.

You can make yourself a more educated consumer. From what kind of car you buy to whether you buy toiletries with palm oil in them, your purchases can affect threatened plants and animals in ways that you might not have thought about. For example, lots of products from lotion to Halloween candy contain palm oil, which is being planted in regions where it displaces the native plants that orangutans and other animals depend on for survival. Consider the ingredients that go into your purchases, as well as whether they might be reusable or recyclable. And when you travel, be sure not to support trades that ravage endangered species; avoid souvenirs that contain, for example, fur, horn, or coral.

Research what groups are out there working to combat these threats, and see how you can help. Plenty of environmental organizations work to monitor our impact on the ecosystem, and some activist groups seek to stop the trades and traditions that threaten species around the world. Aquariums and zoos enable the public to learn firsthand about various species, and they have conservation programs to help ensure survival for animals whose wild populations are becoming depleted. You can support these types of groups with a financial donation or by volunteering your time.

Most importantly, you can educate others. There will always be an up-and-coming generation of youth who need to know the realities of how we impact other species. The more people are aware of how we all affect endangered and threatened animals, the more we can do to prevent additional species from being lost forever.

Learn more about this author, M. Sparga.
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