Wildlife includes all the organisms that live or grow in an area without being introduced by humans. Wildlife conservation and protection are essential to maintain the balance of our planet’s ecosystem. It’s not just include saving animals it saving us (Humans), saving our future. We all depend on it. A healthy ecosystem provides us with clean air, freshwater, and fertile soil, resources like food, medicine, and gene bank. These animals have value as a sport, skin, fur plumage, etc. When we protect wildlife, we also protect the resources we need to survive and thrive.
Here are the following measures needed to conserve wildlife
A complete study of habitat:
We must understand the habitat of every species. We must know the habits and habitats of wild animals. We ensure that animals have the space, resources, and conditions they need to thrive. Only then we can save the plan to save the wildlife. If we protect the habitat of a species, we protect the whole community of these species. Cutting of trees, uprooting of plants, construction of roads in forest areas shooting must be prohibited in protected areas.
Wildlife education:
Education is a powerful tool not only for wildlife protection. We need education in every field of life to make my country stable and well-progressed in the world. Education is the first thing that creates differences in a nation.
In the Holy Quran, the last Book of Allah Almighty revealed on His last Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (ﷺ) says:
“O Muhammad! Say: Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?”
Surah 39: verse 9.
Awareness should be created among common people about the significance of wildlife, and why and how to conserve wildlife. At least one subject should be offered at school, college, and, intermediate, but a full graduate course, and postgraduate levels. Short-term courses must designed for wildlife management staff, game wardens, forest officers, etc.
Public awareness programs:
Protection of wildlife is not only the responsibility of governments. Everyone must be involved in it. A misconception has developed among all that wildlife is useless for us. Some animals destroy the crop, and some attack the humans. Therefore, many people try to kill wild animals whenever they find a chance to kill or injure them. We must remove the misconception of the people. This is the era of technology. We can use electronic, and social media to create awareness among the general public about wild animals and plants. We must hold special seminars on the importance of wildlife and its protection in schools, colleges, and universities.
Improvement of habitat:
We must take different steps to improve and development of habitats like reintroducing native plant species, restoring water bodies, and establishing water lakes and ponds. Limit human access to sensitive wildlife areas, especially during breeding seasons. Designated paths, viewing platforms, and different barriers can help minimize human-wild conflicts and reduce habitat disturbance.
Support wildlife-friendly legislation:
We support laws that limit deforestation, regulate hunting, or protect endangered species. Strict laws should be imposed to safeguard wildlife. Heavy penalties like fines are imposed who violate the rules and regulations. When the population is small hunting should be discouraged and restricted but when it becomes large, hunting should be encouraged at a moderate level. The trade, import, or export of endangered animals or any animals should be banned. Long-term imprisonment should be given who are involved in the illegal hunting, killing, and trade of wild animals.
Wildlife census:
This is the most important task for wildlife conservation. Every wildlife officer or worker should check the accurate populations of different animals regularly. Then we can manage and protect the animals in a better way. We must paid special attention to endangered and critical endangered species.
Adopt sustainable living practices:
Every day, we face a diverse effect on wildlife and climate change. The temperature of earth increasing day by day. Our glaciers are melting, trees are cutting, and pollution, urbanization, etc. are why our climate is changing rapidly. By adopting a sustainable lifestyle, we can reduce the impact. Here are some simple but effective measures we should all follow in life.
- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Minimize waste to reduce pollution that harms wildlife.
- Choose eco-friendly products: Opt for biodegradable, non-toxic, and sustainably sourced products.
- Conserve water: Water conservation reduces the strain on freshwater ecosystems. Don’t waste water.
Hazrat Muhammad (ﷺ) says;
“Do not waste water even if you were at a running stream”
Support conservation organizations:
Many national and international organizations are working to protect our nature. By donating to or working with these organizations as a volunteer, you can support directly to protect wildlife and the environment. We must establish national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, zoological parks, zoos, and museums in every city to protect the native habitat of every species. Breeding facilities should be provided for wildlife animals.
Many national organizations are working in Pakistan like,
- WWF Pakistan
- The Snow Leopard Trust
- Himalayan Wildlife Foundation (HWF)
- Pakistan Game Fish Association
- Pakistan Wildlife Foundation (PWF)
- Bioresource Research Center (BRC)
- Pakistan Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
- Society for Conservation and Protection of Environment (SCOPE)
- Zoological Survey Department (ZSD)
International organizations:
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
- Snow Leopard Conservancy (SLC)
- Snow Leopard Network (SLN)
- International Snow Leopard Trust
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Support ethical tourism:
Tourism can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can bring much revenue to conservation efforts; on the other hand, it can lead to habitat destruction and exploitation of wildlife. We must support eco-friendly and ethical tourism by choosing operators that prioritize conservation, protection, and respect for local wildlife animals, and plants. Avoid attractions that involve animal exploitation, such as circuses or poorly managed zoos. We must teach our children, how to behave with wild animals. We must respect and take care of our planet. During tours to any zoos, or national parks we must use dustbins for garbage. Reduce the use of plastic items like bottles, bags, and straws. Opt for reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
Reduce your carbon footprint:
Climate change is one of the biggest threats to wildlife today. Climate change is changing rapidly due to all human activities. Simple steps can reduce carbon footprints like using energy-efficient appliances, reducing car travel, using public transport, and using bicycles for nearly offices and schools. This decreases pollution and helps to protect the surrounding environment.
Wildlife research:
Wildlife conservation projects are not possible without scientific research on wild animals and their habitats. At the university level, every student must enroll in the course Wildlife Management and write a thesis on it. This research study should be aimed to
- Determining food chains and food webs of different species.
- Study of the behavior of animals
- Study the habitat of every bird and animal
- Extinction of species
- Determination of flock sizes
- Causes and destruction of habitat of an organisms
Wildlife protection is a shared responsibility that requires collective action. By supporting conservation efforts, adopting sustainable practices, advocating for policy change, and educating others, we can all play a part in safeguarding the planet’s biodiversity. Our environment is rich in biodiversity. This step may seem small, but together, they add up to a powerful movement for wildlife protection. The future of our planet’s wildlife depends on the actions that we take today. Let’s make sure we have the legacy of conservation, not extinction.
Read More: Top 5 endangered animals in Pakistan