Celebrate endangered species

This Fri., May 15, is Endangered Species Day. Worldwide, species extinction is occurring with up to 70% loss of species in almost all ecosystems. This is due to human activities such as deforestation and overfishing leading to loss of habitat, which is the primary threat to species.

The most endangered animal in the world is the vaquito, a small dolphin found in the Gulf of California, with only six to 10 left due to illegal gill netting. In our area, not using toxic herbicides and pesticides and planting native plants will help pollinators, birds and biodiversity.

Celebrate Endangered Species Day by donating to organizations like Defenders of Wildlife, World Wildlife Fund, Endangered Species Coalition, Center for Biological Diversity, Cornell Ornithological Lab, Audubon Bird Conservation, Oceana, Sierra Club and others. Support congresspeople and bills in Congress that support conservation.

On Defenders of Wildlife and World Wildlife Fund sites, you can adopt an animal and get a stuffed toy for your children and learn about the animal and its conservation. Celebrate the day by taking a walk with family and friends and giving thanks for our forests, rivers, wildlife and birds that enrich our lives.

– Margaret Mayer, Southwest Conservation lead, Sierra Club