Wildlife faces threats from habitat① destruction, pollution and other human actions. Although
protecting wildlife can seem overwhelming at times, even small actions in your own neighborhood can
help protect many different animals.
Create wildlife friendly areas in your backyard. You can choose native plants that can provide food and
shelter to native wildlife. This will also help cut down on pollution. Add bird or bat houses to your yard or
garden to attract and shelter these species.
Avoid disrupting② the natural ecosystem in your area. Nonnative plants or animals can destroy habitats, particularly if there is no natural predator③ to keep the species in check. Invasive plants can kill or disrupt native plants that provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Have a greener lifestyle. By conserving water and fossil fuels④， you will be helping to protect the wildlife around you. Take public transportation when you can, turn off electric devices when you're not using them. Become knowledgeable about what contributes to global warming, what disrupts migration patterns and habitats.
Buy products that are wildlife friendly. Avoid products that are made from threatened or endangered animals. Keep in mind that some endangered animals are killed by traps, snares or hunters who are after other wildlife within the same habitat.
Talk to or write to policymakers about protecting wildlife. Discuss ways to help animals with friends and family members.
Limit family size. Population growth is one of the major factors in habitat destruction. By living in established city limits and limiting family size to around two children per family, the earth's population will stabilize⑤ and native habitats can be protected.
【注】 ①habitat n. (动物的)栖息地 ②disrupt v. 扰乱 ③predator n. 捕食性动物 ④fossil fuel 化石燃料(如煤、石油等) ⑤stabilize v. (使)稳定
【立德树人】 如果没有野生动植物，地球上的人类也延续(continue)不下去，野生动植物帮我们制造氧气、食物、提供各种资源，没有野生动植物就没有人类(No wildlife, no humans)。做一个爱护野生动植物的人，用自己的聪明才智保护好野生动植物，让野生动植物和人类和平相处。
