16 ways to help protect endangered species

1. Buy products from sustainable sources

Choosing cruelty-free alternatives helps reduce the demand for goods that contribute to the endangerment of species. Avoid buying products made from animal skins, scales, ivory, or other endangered animal products.

Though it can seem like a personal choice that only affects you, you directly contribute to wildlife conservation by actively purchasing from sustainable sources.

If enough people make these choices, businesses will be encouraged to adopt ethical practices and invest in more sustainable alternatives. 

2. Advocate for conservation

Using your voice to raise awareness about the plight of endangered species educates others and builds support for conservation causes.

This can be as simple as talking to your friends and sharing resources or links on social media, along with attending events, signing petitions, and writing to elected officials.

Not sure where to start? We have a list of active petitions that you can sign to help ensure your voice is heard.

• End commercial whaling in Iceland
• Stop Australia’s ivory trade

Thanks to the support of people who care about animals like you, we successfully pushed the international community to ratify the High Seas Treaty, enabling the creation of new ocean sanctuaries to protect marine life. When you use your voice, it’s possible to make a difference for animals.

3. Avoid plastic use and littering, and recycle properly

Ensuring that you properly dispose of waste and recyclables can play a huge part in protecting the environment and animal populations. Recycling plays a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of plastic pollution by diverting materials from landfills and ensuring that plastics don’t end up endangering wildlife through ingestion or entanglement.

Plastics have a far-reaching impact on our planet. Microplastics (tiny pieces of plastic created when bigger pieces of plastic break down) and plastic nurdles (tiny plastic pellets used to manufacture plastic products) end up in our oceans and soil, where they are ingested by animals and enter the food chain.

So, beyond proper recycling, try to use alternatives to plastic products, especially single-use plastics. Products like metal straws instead of plastic ones, beeswax wraps instead of cling film, bar soap instead of plastic containers of liquid soap, and reusable water bottles can all make a difference.

In Kenya, IFAW’s partner The Flipflopi Project is on a mission to end single-use plastics and ensure all other plastics become part of a circular economy. They’re turning old plastic into furniture and boats.

You can do this on a smaller scale at home by using any plastic items you own for as long as possible. For example, use old yoghurt containers to grow seedlings or use an old takeaway container to keep stationery tidy in your desk drawer.

4. Learn more about wildlife and educate others

Empower yourself through knowledge. By learning more about wildlife and endangered species —and then sharing that knowledge with others—you can create a ripple effect of awareness.

IFAW is all about educating, sharing knowledge, and promoting collective action. Our blog is a great place to start if you want to learn more about conservation and endangered species.

Learn more about endangered wildlife in Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America, or read our list of the world’s most endangered mammals or birds.

5. Support conservation organisations

Supporting conservation organisations is a great way to protect endangered species. Donations provide crucial funding for research, habitat protection, wildlife rescue, and species recovery programmes.

If you’re not in a position to provide financial support, there are other ways you can support conservation efforts. Identify organisations dedicated to causes you care about, follow them on social media, and reshare their posts. This helps to amplify their reach and spread awareness. You can also look for volunteer opportunities at conservation organisations and wildlife centres in your local community.

Through these actions, you can support the collective effort to safeguard endangered species.

6. Support policy initiatives that help animals

One of the most effective ways to protect endangered species is through policies prioritising animal welfare and conservation. Many animals are already protected by law, and the more we can introduce legislation to protect threatened species, the better.

You can stay informed about relevant legislation and advocate for stronger protections for endangered species. Or try engaging with your local elected officials by expressing concerns and providing input on wildlife-related policies. You can also join or support organisations lobbying for effective conservation policies.

• Letting the grass in your garden grow provides a haven for important pollinating insects and small animals.
• Planting native trees (and not cutting down existing ones) helps restore natural ecosystems.
• Setting up water sources in your yard or garden aids local wildlife, especially during dry periods.
• Planting native flowers supports pollinators, which is essential for the reproductive success of many species.

You should also refrain from disturbing wildlife in your community. If you see a wild animal that appears orphaned or distressed, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centre for help.

8. Participate in park, roadside, or beach cleanups

Participating in park, roadside, or beach cleanups is a direct way to contribute to the protection of endangered species. Have a look to see if there are any community- or council-led cleanups in your area.

Removing litter and waste preserves natural ecosystems, prevents harm to wildlife, and raises public awareness about the impact of pollution on endangered species and their habitats.

9. Host a community fundraising event

Organising events like charity walks, auctions, or educational seminars can raise funds for conservation efforts. These events not only generate financial support but also help spread the word about the importance of biodiversity and conservation.

Your event’s funds can be given directly to conservation organisations to support their efforts to conserve biodiversity.

10. Volunteer with an animal shelter or sanctuary that rehabilitates wildlife

Volunteering at a shelter is a hands-on way to directly contribute to protecting endangered species.

Find an organisation near you dedicated to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and inquire if they’re open to volunteers. By dedicating your time and skills to these organisations, you can help with the care of animals while also learning more about the cause. Volunteering is one way many people begin careers in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

11. Use alternatives to pesticides

If you have a garden, avoid using pesticides on your plants and vegetables. Opting for natural and eco-friendly pest control methods helps maintain a balanced ecosystem without harming non-target species. Planting native vegetation that attracts natural predators can also reduce the need for chemical interventions.

For more information, you can speak with workers at your local garden centre to find a solution that will protect your harvest without harming native wildlife around your home.

12. Travel sustainably and support wildlife-friendly tourism

The next time you take a trip, avoid booking a package holiday and instead think a bit more deeply about ways to travel responsibly and sustainably to help reduce the negative impact of tourism on ecosystems.

This can include wildlife tourism, like safaris or whale watching, but make sure to research tour operators that prioritise conservation and animal well-being.

Here are some ideas to make your trips more sustainable:

• Opt for eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators that prioritise conservation practices.
• Choose destinations with responsible wildlife tourism guidelines, ensuring minimal disturbance to natural habitats.
• Participate in educational programs and eco-tours that raise awareness about endangered species and their conservation needs.
• Respect local wildlife regulations, keeping a safe distance from animals in their natural habitats.

13. Follow vessel speed rules on the ocean

If you’re a boat owner or driver, it’s essential to always follow vessel speed rules. This isn’t just for your safety—it also protects marine life below the surface.

Strict ocean speed limits help protect marine mammals, like whales and dolphins, whose navigation and communication can be disrupted by loud ocean traffic. Faster speeds are also linked to vessel strikes, which can be fatal for animals in the ocean.

14. Support habitat connectivity

Urbanisation of natural habitats may be inevitable in some places, but it can cause habitat fragmentation for already vulnerable wildlife populations. For example, fences that mark land boundaries can become obstacles to animals looking to move around their habitats.

You may not realise that individuals can take action to help prevent fragmentation or even reconnect habitats. For example, you can plant hedges or native trees in your garden instead of building fences.

15. Make your home wildlife-friendly

Making your home as wildlife-friendly as possible is especially important if you live in a rural or suburban area. You can do many small things that will have a big impact on local wildlife. For example, you can:

• Keep your cats inside, especially at night.
• Secure rubbish in bins with locking lids.
• Stick decals on windows to deter bird collisions.
• Place bird baths outside, and replace the water often to avoid disease transmission.
• Add native plants to your garden, along with plenty of wildflowers for pollinators.

16. Visit a national park

Next time you have a day or a long weekend off, take the time to visit a national park, wildlife refuge, or protected area. These places provide safe habitats for thousands of endangered species. While you get the chance to experience and enjoy nature, you’re also financially supporting the park, helping them continue their good work.

Plus, the more people who visit these parks, the more likely governments are to fund them. 

Help IFAW protect endangered species

Protecting endangered species is necessary for the ongoing health of our planet’s ecosystems.

IFAW needs support from people like you who are committed to helping endangered animals. Embracing sustainable practices, helping us advocate for policy change, and supporting our conservation efforts are key ways you can help endangered species thrive long into the future.