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In recent times, more and more animals are appearing on the endangered species list.  Changes in habitat, hunting practices, and the prevalence of other animals are all reasons for the increasing disappearance of creatures all over the world.  The danger of extinction is a very real possibility for land animals such as chimpanzees, water animals, and birds alike.

The destruction and alteration of habitats is both a direct and indirect result of the behavior of humans.  People cut down trees in forests, pollute oceans with waste, and release toxins into the air.  The comfort of the human lifestyle comes with a price – carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases alter the natural temperature of the planet.  Cold regions of the planet are growing increasingly warm, and rain isn’t falling in some places.

The release of toxins into the air creates smog, and can even cause acid rain.  When this poisonous rain falls to land, it makes lakes and ponds unlivable for water creatures, kills vegetation, and dries up the land.  Acid rain can adversely affect animals on land, in water, and in the air simultaneously.

Deforestation, the removal of trees and plants, is occurring all over the world.  The land is used for a variety of purposes – to build roads, houses, and recreational facilities, to gain wood, or to create paper.  Forests are necessary to balance oxygen and carbon dioxide on the planet, and without them, the world’s temperature changes.  Deforestation has put many animals at risk of extinction.

Attempting to counter the decrease of animals by releasing pets into the wild only exacerbates the problem.  Introduction of non-native species to an area also disrupts the natural order for local creatures.  Non-native animals may carry bugs or diseases local animals are not equipped to combat.  They may destroy other animals by eating food that was previously only eaten by another species.  New animals may also hunt and kill local animal populations for food.

Hunting isn’t restricted to animals – humans hunt a variety of animals for sport, items of value, for food, or because the animal is considered a pest.  Animals are hunted for their fur, for claws and talons, to keep as pets, and to eat as food.  Although humans have been killing and using animals for thousands of years, a lack of moderation in recent years has presented a problem.  Removal of a species can be enough to disrupt an entire ecosystem.

To help combat these problems, there are a number of things humans can do.  Use public transportation, carpool, bike, or walk to reduce CO2 emissions.  Turn off appliances and lights when they are not in use.  Reduce the amount of waste generated by recycling. Purchase products without excessive packaging. Utilize eco-friendly, low emissions vehicles, and solar powered electronics.  Repair items and reuse them rather than purchasing new things.  Make efforts to minimize heating and air conditioning use in summer and winter months.  Be responsible with pets – do not release creatures into local habitats.  Refrain from purchasing furs or medicines utilizing parts from animals.

All of these are simple solutions everyone can implement into his or her daily life.  If each person on the planet does their part to help animals and the environment, the animals endangered now may be saved from extinction, and the planet may be a better place for all its creatures.