Tuesday, 28 September 2021

7 organisations we can support to protect endangered species

The birth of Kai Kai and Jia Jia’s baby cub at Singapore River Safari on 14 August 2021 was a step in the right direction for the conservation of giant pandas. Following many years of efforts, the wild panda numbers are finally rebounding, going from “endangered” to “vulnerable” on the global list of species at risk of extinction.

While things are looking up for the pandas, several other wildlife populations are still in danger. According to a recent report published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, over 35,000 of the species on its “Red List” are currently threatened with extinction. From land dwellers like big cats, elephants, and gorillas, to sea creatures like whales and turtles, there are many endangered animals that need our help. So how do we get involved?

baby cub Singapore river safari
Kai Kai and Jia Jia’s baby cub gets cuddled at Singapore River Safari. Photo credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore

One of the easiest ways to help endangered wildlife is to donate to causes that are supporting and caring for them. Donating can be direct, or through the purchase of goods like wildlife conservation jewellery that supports a great cause. Learn about the following seven organisations and find out how you can get more involved down the road. 

1. World Wildlife Fund

The most well-known conservation organization on this list, the WWF’s mission is to protect wildlife on land and at sea. They work to preserve biodiversity around the world and have supported many species on the brink of extinction, including tigers, marine turtles, orangutans, giant pandas, elephants, and rhinos.

2. Defenders of Wildlife

Endangered species don’t have a voice, so the Defenders of Wildlife step in to speak up for them. Focused mainly in North America, the Defenders of Wildlife advocate for infrastructure changes, innovative technology and science, and policy changes that will support endangered animals. They work on the ground, in the courts, and on Capitol Hill to protect habitats and the creatures that need help.

gorillas
The Jane Goodall foundation has set a new standard for apes in the wild

3. Jane Goodall Foundation

Founded by Dr Jane Goodall, a world-renowned primatologist, the Jane Goodall Foundation is a global non-profit that’s primary focus is on protecting endangered chimpanzees and gorillas, and preserving habitats. In addition, the organization has ​​worked to improve the health of women and provide education for girls as well as support positive community interactions with nature. 

Asian Elephant
There are currently 415,000 elephants across Africa

4. Save the Elephants

It is hard to believe, but each year, around 100,000 elephants in Africa are killed for their ivory. Save the Elephants is one of the leading voices in stopping this and protecting endangered elephants. With research into elephant behaviour as well as data collected from the communities they live in, Save the Elephants strives to keep elephant populations from diminishing before our eyes.

Tiger laying on grass
Tiger relaxing on the grass. Photo credit: tomava/shutterstock

5. Panthera

Panthera is dedicated to protecting the 40 large wildcat species that are in danger around the world. These include tigers, lions, snow leopards, pumas, cheetahs, and jaguars. Panthera partners with local communities, governmental organisations globally, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and scientific institutions to advocate on behalf of wildcats. By aiding these large cats, they are also supporting healthy ecosystem and the growth of plants.

Green sea turtle
Despite its longevity in the marine ecosystem, sea turtles have been threatened from climate change

6. Sea Turtle Foundation

Sea turtles are long-lived and slow breeding, which makes their species as a whole particularly susceptible to dangers like climate change, the degradation of habitats, ocean pollution and the fishing industry. Through research, awareness building, advocacy, and action, this non-profit, non-government group works to protect sea turtles. Based in Australia, they send teams to rescue stranded sea turtles in North Queensland and train others to be able to do the same.

Rhino in the safari
A rhino and its calf

7. International Rhino Foundation

Like elephants, rhinos are at a grave risk of poaching, habitat and forest loss, and humans encroaching on their land. For 30 years, this organization has been fighting to protect the five species of rhino from extinction: the White Rhinoceros and Black Rhinoceros in Africa; the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, Javan Rhinoceros and Sumatran Rhinoceros in Asia. 

SEE ALSO: Travel Pro: Meet Andie Ang, monkey whisperer and champion of primates

 

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