Stop Panda Population Decline

Many of us know the giant panda as the adorable black and white bear that has long been the advocacy symbol of the World Wide Fund (WWF) since 1961 or as the bubbly martial arts expert/noodle master in the blockbuster flick from Dream Works—Kung Fu Panda. 

But the issues surrounding this lovable creature are more serious than most people realize. The rarest species in the bear family, the giant panda is one of the most threatened animals in the world. Only about 1,600 species are left, a hundred of which live in captivity. 

How did this happen? What are the causes for panda population decline? 

Humans play a major role in this predicament. The number one cause of decrease in panda population is habitat loss. Pandas can be found in Southwest China, particularly in the eastern part of the Tibetan plateau. Much has changed in the panda’s habitat in the last three decades. 

For one, its living space has shrunk by more than 50 percent. Now, they barely have 5,000 square miles of forest to live in. Their habitats have been destroyed to be converted into agricultural lands and urban areas. 

It’s bad enough that they can only live in specific habitats because their diet, which is bamboo, can only grow at altitudes ranging from 1,640 to 10,170 feet. Both the food supply and habitat are crucial for the survival of pandas. 

Panda population decrease can also be blamed on hunters and poachers. People hunt and kill pandas to get their skin and sell this in the black market. A piece of panda skin can be sold for thousands of dollars. 

If you’re wondering why it is so expensive, it has to do with the old myth that talks about how sleeping on a panda skin will ward off ghosts and bequeath you with fortune telling powers. Those who are not superstitious buy the fur for its warmth and waterproof property. 

There are also natural reasons behind panda population decline. One problem is their slow breeding. Another is that a giant panda can only nurture one to three cubs at a time. Usually, only the strongest cub survives. The weaker ones starve and die eventually. 

Despite these problems, it’s good to know that efforts to conserve the giant panda have strengthened over the years. In fact, this species has become heavily protected in China. The government now imposes severe penalties for poaching and killing pandas such as 10-year imprisonment, life imprisonment, and even death penalty. 

There are also various groups that work to protect the pandas not only in China but also those in captivity in other parts of the world. WWF and Panda Trust are just some of these. These groups help pandas by increasing protected habitats, patrolling against poaching and illegal logging, and increasing awareness about panda conservation. 

Scientists are also working very hard to find solutions to prevent endangerment of panda such as searching for ways to grow bamboo faster, finding alternative source of energy other than bamboo forests, and changing developed areas into protected wildlife preserves. 

Now you don’t have to be a scientist, a government official or an environmental group leader to help conserve pandas. There are many things that ordinary people can do to contribute in this endeavor. One is to never buy products made of panda. Two is to support panda conservation programs. Three is to help spread the word about pandas and their vulnerable condition. Four is to report to authorities any crime against pandas (abuse, poaching, illegal logging, and so on). 

We do not know how long pandas can survive in our planet. But with joint cause and commitment, we can definitely lengthen their stay much more.

The Importance of Wild Bird Rescue Projects

Wild bird rescue activities play very important roles in the preservation of Mother Earth. This is essential especially nowadays, those wild animals, such as wild birds, are slowly disappearing in its natural habitat. Most of these animals are either being illegally hunted by men or have gone fading due to abnormal changes in their natural habitats. These abnormal changes are brought upon by climate change.

In fact, there are many environmental groups nowadays that are fighting for the protection of wild birds. Their cause has reached different areas across the world. This just shows that people are now getting more conscious on the importance of wild birds. Plus, it is important to preserve its natural habitats. There were cases before wherein wild birds in a certain part of Asia suddenly had its population decrease. This was because a part of its wild-forest was converted into a mountain resort.

The Importance of Keeping Wild Birds

The following are some of the salient points why wild bird rescue programs and activities are needed nowadays:

- First, wild birds are now endangered. Whatever part of the world, the population of wild birds is deteriorating. This is a wake-up call for everybody especially the concerned stakeholders and agencies. It is in this situation that wild birds, which are being held captive with private owners, should be set free.

- Wild birds in the forests and other wildlife fauna are needed in order to maintain the equilibrium of the environment. These wild birds also play important roles in the food chain cycle. Without their presence, there will be an abnormal flow of the cycle.

- Wild birds are nature’s gifts.  It is nice to know if our forests are being habituated by all different kinds of wild birds. Existing wild bird rescue projects of some private groups construed this claim. Wild birds, which were illegally held captive, were set free to the forests and joined its kind there. Seeing the blooming growth of their population has always been a refreshing to the eyes and feeling of the person who has witnessed this.

- Wild birds should be set free to the wilds for its specie to propagate further. Their propagation is so important because wild birds are now endangered. If they are free to fly out in the open and be with their kind, it is most likely that their population will keep on growing.

In order for our wild birds to increase its population and preserve its kind, these basic steps can be heeded:

Strict international environmental laws.

The presence of international laws relating to environmental protection should not be left alone in papers. These laws should be properly implemented also. Any person or group that violates such laws should be punished accordingly. Doing this strict implementation will serve as a warning for people who are doing and are planning to get into this illegal activity of hunting forest animals such as the wild birds.

More wild bird rescue projects.

Although there are already existing projects that promote on the rescue and preservation of wild birds, still it is not sufficient. There should be a joint effort among all stakeholders and the government in pursuing projects such as this.

Sincerity.

Above everything else, it is very important that all concerned agencies and individuals are sincere in pursing projects such as this. If there is sincerity, the survival of the projects will last long.

Horse Charities: Ways to Help

Horse charities have one common goal. It is to save, care and give home to the abandon, mistreated and neglected horses. Of course, this comes with a price because horse caring can be expensive. These animals require a spacious living environment like barn. An open field with access to fresh water and forage like grass or hay is really ideal considering that horses need to exercise. 

In addition to this, other caring necessity includes grooming, feeding, hoof care, shoeing and veterinary care like vaccinations. Hence, it needs funds to support to cater all these facilities and caring necessities but such charitable organizations rely only in the generosity of the people. 

If you are keen to support the cause, here are eight ways to do it. 

Monetary assistance.

Ideally this is the best way to help any charitable institutions. They know more which areas are lacking financial support and with your monetary support, they can allocate it to the right and most needed requirement. It can be for vaccinations or for paying the utility bills. 

Horse adoption.

If you are fortunate to have a barn or vast farm land, then you can opt for adopting a horse. Fees are normally minimal and processing is usually is easy. Oftentimes they offer retiring horse for adoption. 

Present.

Do you have niece or nephew who wants to have a horse? Rather than looking around for pricey breed, why not make your pick in one of those horses in charities. You will not only make your love ones happy but you are supporting too these organizations. 

Volunteer.

Do you have the knack to care horses? Then maybe you can offer for free your expertise. If you do not have this capacity, don’t worry because volunteers are always welcome. Also, there will never be run out of tasks so a helping hand is always great. 

If you have kids, this can be a good opportunity too to expose them to horses and to instill them the virtue of volunteerism. 

Word of mouth.

Well, not all horse charities have the funds to layout fancy website with all the related information or organize fundraisings. Remember that such event requires marketing to ensure its success and it means additional funds. 

Help them save those funds by spreading the words circle of friends, family and acquaintances. 

Donate horse gears.

If you have the resources to buy new horse gears for donation, then good! If you do not have, then any old stuff will work. It is better to give out those horse gears to horse charities where they can make good use of it rather than allowing it to collect dust in your storage room. 

Support their activities.

Sometimes horse charities require support not only during fundraising gala dinners but on special occasions too. Christmas is an opportunity to raise funds by selling Christmas cards or goodies. Maybe they are selling some farm products and the profits go to the charitable institution. Why not patronize their products? 

Also, spreading such event news to your friends and colleagues will mean more potential revenue. 

There are really many ways to help if you have the desire. Remember that helping is not limited only to donating money. It can be your time, talent, attention and willingness to support. Any effort can make a difference.