How to do Your Part in Animal Conservation

A heartbreaking number of animals in the wild are on the endangered-species list. The list is long, so here are just a few examples: amur leopards (just 70 are thought to exist today); cross river gorillas (200 to 300); the hawksbill turtle (in the past 100 years, this terrapin has lost 90 percent of its population, with 80 percent lost in the past 10 years); and vaquitas (with fewer than 100, these little sea porpoises are the rarest marine mammals in the world).

These dismal numbers are due to habitat destruction, poaching, hunting, deforestation and the effects of climate change.

The mission of Ambassadors of Conservation, under The MozParks Initiative, is the protection and flourishing of wildlife and their habitats and natural resources. We are a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

Animal preservation isn't just a group effort. Individuals can also help preserve wild animals, and their lifestyles and habitats. Here's how you can help.

Don't buy products made from wild animals and exotic hard woods. This will decrease the demand, and the people who hunt and trap wild animals will stop making products. Products made from exotic hard woods often come from the rain forests that are home to many endangered animals.

Express your concerns about wildlife and the environment by writing to government officials and big businesses.

Lead by example. Taking part in environmentally friendly practices (recycling, picking up litter, conserving water) will show others will how to respect our environment.

Plant trees, which provide shelter and food to animals. They also help fight global warming caused by the greenhouse effect, hold together soil and create shade.

Take part in conservation activities in your area. Many local groups need help protecting our ecosystem.

The Ambassadors of Conservation’s MozParks Initiative is dedicated to the conservation and proliferation of wildlife, as well as the habitats and natural resources the wildlife utilize. If you would like to learn how to help the missions of Ambassadors of Conservation’s MozParks Initiative, please email us at info@ambassadorsofconservation.com. We're also on Facebook, Instagram and Vimeo.