Here’s How Kids Can Protect Endangered Species at Home

In The One and Only Ivan, Katherine Applegate opened our hearts. In Wishtree, she taught us to believe. Now, for the first book in her new series, Endling #1: The Last, Katherine is back and encouraging us to take a greater interest in the natural world.

Did you know the Earth is currently experiencing its sixth mass extinction of animals and plants? The last big extinction event happened 65 million years ago and caused the disappearance of the dinosaurs. It’s important to understand what’s happening in the world and to talk to your kids about conservation so that we can all continue to live happy, healthy lives on the planet we love.

But in order to first open up this conversation, you need to know the facts:

1. Although gradual extinction of individual species is a natural occurrence, the accelerated mass extinction the planet is now experiencing has been triggered by humans. One out of five of the world’s animals is threatened with extinction due to human activity, including destruction of animal habitats.
2. Humans are responsible for dramatic changes in the Earth’s climate — disrupting global weather patterns and producing an overall increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface. Human-induced climate change has contributed to extinctions and an increase in the numbers of endangered species, as habitats are lost or altered too quickly for species to adapt.
3. Each species plays a valuable and distinct role in the ecosystem in which it lives. We are directly dependent on the contributions of some species. One-third of our food is pollinated by bird, bat, and insect species — many of which are endangered. We must do all that we can to conserve species and protect their habitats.
4. In the United States, threatened and endangered species are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Many species — such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, black-footed ferret, gray whale, and grizzly bear — are on the road to recovery because of ESA protections. Without the ESA, a number of species hovering on the brink of extinction would be gone forever.

With these thoughts in mind; it’s never too late to make start making a difference! Everyday actions can help endangered species.

Here are just a few ways you and your kids can begin to help:

1. Learn about endangered species in your area. Teach your friends and family about the extraordinary wildlife and other animals that live near you.
2. Visit and support national wildlife refuges, parks, and other open spaces. These protected lands provide habitat to many endangered species.
3. Participate in or hold your own local trash clean-up to help protect the environment and the habitats of endangered species.
4. Reduce, reuse and recycle! Landfills take up valuable space on Earth and some waste, like plastic bags and bottles, can make its way into wild habitats such as the sea, with negative consequences for endangered species. Many everyday items can be recycled, including aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic containers, and cardboard. If you have unwanted books, toys, or clothes in good condition, consider giving them to charity instead of throwing them away.
5. Save energy. Turning off the lights when you leave a room means you use less electricity, which comes from power plants that contribute to climate change and pollute the environment that wild animals depend on for survival.
6. Encourage your parents and other people you know not to buy products that cause harm to animals and habitats, such as gas-guzzling vehicles, disposable plastics, and products made from palm oil (which is destroying the last remaining habitat of the orangutan). Learn more about which choices are better for the environment.
7. Plant native flowers, trees, and bushes in your backyard. This gives local wild animals a place to hide, eat, and even nest.
8. If you see animal at the park, on a nature trail, or near a water source, let it be and do not remove it from its environment. These animals need to stay in their habitat to survive. Take a picture instead.

For more great conservation tips and information on endangered species, visit the American Welfare Institute (AWI) online at https://awionline.org/es, and make sure to check out Newbery Medalist and bestselling author Katherine Applegate’s first book in her new series, Endling #1: The Last!

Endling #1: The Last - Katherine Applegate - Hardcover