You might not realize that as our world population grows, the population of other species is threaten. When we build more houses along the sea shore, or clear rain forests for farming, or harvest the fish from river beds without replenishing, we set into motion events that can threaten the survival of other species. This threat, if not addressed, can mean the extinction of some species of wildlife.

Why does our growth hurt the survival of other species?

When we clear land or change the natural landscape by the building of houses and such, we destroy the natural habitats of the wildlife who were living there. We destroy the places where they nest and sleep. We destroy the places where they go to find food and water. We destroy the safe places for them to have and raise their young.

The good news is that there are things that we can do to prevent the loss of natural wildlife habitats. Did you know that right now in Florida there are a group of school children raising money to buy land next to their school so that the birds that live in those trees will not lose their habitats. Developers have gone in with bulldozers to clear the land of mangrove trees on property close to the school. The school children were upset that the birds who make their nest in those trees would lose their natural habitat if they didn't do something. So they got to work and started raising money. With the money they raise, they hope to buy four acres of land next to their school which will be protected left undisturbed for the birds.

Sometimes, that is what it takes to protect natural habitats - raising money to buy the land and then having that land set aside as a preserve. But we can also work to reestablish natural habitats. When we plant trees, such as the trees planted in the One In A Million Campaign, we provide food and shelter for wildlife. Fallen branches and leaves provide shelter and homes for snakes and other crawling creatures. Even your old discarded Christmas trees can be used to provide natural habitats. For example, last year the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World® collected Christmas trees and taken to area lakes and river beds where they were sunk beneath the water. These trees now provide a nesting place for fish to lay their eggs.