4/29/2019 3 Comments Habitats in harmonyWhat do you think of when someone says the word “home?” You probably think of the sounds, the smells, the tastes, and the sights you see when you walk into the place that keeps you safe. You hear the sounds of your siblings playing or the greetings from your parents after school. You smell the sweet scent of cookies baking in the oven. Maybe you even feel the warmth and comfort of your own bed. Overall, your home has a huge impact on you. You feel comfort, happiness, and a sense of safety and belonging at home. But what would happen if your home was taken away from you? How could you live without the one thing that is guaranteed to give you comfort and protection? It would be almost impossible. Now, think of this situation from the perspective of an animal. Whether it be a large black bear roaming the forest, or a tiny songbird resting in its nest high up in the trees, all animals have homes that are equally important to them as our homes are important to us. The only difference is that animals have specific natural habitats that are required for their survival. A habitat is the natural home or environment of an animal. Natural habitats provide animals with the right amount of food, shelter, and the correct environment needed for them to survive and prosper. Different habitats provide different resources for different animals to live, but ultimately, all habitats provide a home. This is why it is extremely important for us as humans to protect those homes and their inhabitants. In order to understand how important the conservation of habitats are, it is crucial to understand how much animals depend on them for survival. A habitat or ecosystem provides four things: food and water, control of climate and disease, nutrient cycles and oxygen, and recreational or social benefits. Each aspect of an ecosystem contributes to another, allowing for balance and growth within it. Without one, the whole cycle becomes disrupted, and the survival of the animals living there is put on the line. Climate affects what animals and plants can live in a certain area, ultimately maintaining the food cycle. Nutrient cycles and oxygen also allow for plants to grow and the area to stay healthy. I could list so many other ways a habitat can affect the lives of its inhabitants, but the list would go on and on. What’s most important is that we understand how what may seem like a small change can make a significant impact on our world. When we drive our cars around the city, throw a soda can out the window, or watch as a black cloud of smoke emerges from a factory in the city, we don’t think much of it. These are just ordinary things that happen every day. Many of us don’t think twice. However, we should think twice about these things. We actually need to think twice, or maybe even hundreds of times. Air pollution, water pollution, deforestation, and climate change are all extremely significant issues that are affecting animal habitats across the world. These problems are only getting worse. Toxins being absorbed by fish and other sea life due to water pollution is causing death and disease among the ocean’s inhabitants. Deforestation is taking away the homes of millions of birds, squirrels, and other animals that depend on the protection of the forest. Climate change and warming temperatures from air pollution are actively causing ice to melt in polar bear habitats. Again, the list goes on and on as to the animals all being affected by human activity on the Earth. How we treat the Earth itself has a direct impact on the survival of precious wildlife, which is why we need to treat it so much better than we are now. If you would like to know more about the importance of wildlife and habitat conservation, check out The National Wildlife Federation for more information. To find more ways to support conservation and take action, visit Wildlife Conservation Society.
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3/31/2019 9 Comments Bunnies for easterAs the new month approaches, more and more people are preparing for Easter Sunday on April 21st. It’s a day filled with fun, laughter, family, food, and most importantly: bunnies! We’ve all heard of the Easter bunny. Maybe you’ve even taken a picture with one when you were little. As you pass by stores and houses throughout the month of April, almost all are accessorized with cute little white rabbits. It’s not uncommon to see little boys and girls marveling at the adorable bunnies at the store and asking for some chocolate eggs to snack on. On the night before Easter, they’ll get tucked into bed and dream of the Easter bunny leaving his decorated eggs and candy for them to enjoy in the morning. Some lucky boys and girls will wake up to something even more exciting: an adorable Easter bunny of their own! They’ll scream in excitement and joy when they see their new little friend hopping around the room on Easter morning. It’s cute seeing little kids get so happy over a baby bunny, right? Even teens fall for the cuteness overload when they pass by a box of baby bunnies on the sidewalk before Easter. However, the sale of bunnies during the Easter season isn’t always so cute. Rabbits are the third most common pet in America, and according to the Humane Society of the United States, they are also the third most abandoned. Rabbits are different. They have specific needs and health issues that are much different than ordinary cats and dogs. Many people forget that rabbits are special animals that require special care. According to National Geographic, “Vets and insurance companies consider them exotic pets, so medical care can be more expensive than for a cat or dog. Rabbits need a lot of exercise and shouldn’t simply be pent up in a cage.” People see the fluffy white cottontails, big ears, and button eyes of bunnies and are immediately ready to take one home with them. They don’t think to themselves, Am I responsible enough to care for this animal? Do I have the right conditions and supplies to keep it healthy? Will I be able to care for it 10 years from now? Lifespan is one of the most common misconceptions of rabbits. Rabbits can live from around 10 to 14 years, which is a serious commitment. Not many people would expect to take care of a rabbit for that long. Many times, a rabbit bought one Easter is given away or abandoned by the next. For many rabbits bought as a gift for Easter, they end up living mediocre lives with inadequate care. Young children easily become bored with presents they’re given on holidays. They’ll play with a new toy for a few days and end up leaving it in the back of a cabinet or drawer by the end of the week. This also happens with animals. The founder of Bunny World Foundation, a Hollywood-based rescue group, Lejla Hadzimuratovic, explains what usually happens when a rabbit is bought for Easter. She says, “As cute as they are, bunnies don't make good Easter gifts, typically bought on a whim as a toy for a child, they often live a desolate life in the corner of a filthy cage without enrichment until they are abandoned to a shelter or die of neglect. I want this Easter to be over already.” It takes a patient, caring, and prepared person to take adequate care of a rabbit for its entire lifetime. Any person who invests in a rabbit should be prepared to give it a good, full life. Abandonment is never an option. So, what’s a good way to keep your loved ones happy on Easter? A stuffed bunny, candy, or an Easter basket are all enjoyable and safe options for gifts. You don’t always have to buy an animal to make someone’s Easter special. It is always important to do research before making a long-term commitment such as buying an animal. No pet will ever not need any care or attention, so it’s important to always keep that in mind. Of course, we all want rabbits without homes to get adopted, but only when a loving and long-term home is promised. If you would like to learn more, House Rabbit Society is a good source for some helpful tips and information regarding rabbit care. Citations:
“Here's Why Easter Is Bad for Bunnies.” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 12 Apr. 2017, news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/04/rabbits-easter-animal-welfare-pets-rescue-bunnies/. Service, City News. “Adopting Rabbits, Chicks for Easter Is Serious Commitment.” NBC Southern California, NBC Southern California, 31 Mar. 2018, www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Animal-Advocates-Remind-Prospective-Pet-Parents-That-Adopting-Rabbits-Chicks-for-Easter-is-Serious-Commitment--478452933.html. To some people, owning a strange, wild, or even dangerous animal is seen as fashionable or “cool.” In a world filled with cats, dogs, hamsters, and other ordinary pets, there’s an exciting reaction to owning a unique and controversial animal. It’s the wow factor that ultimately drives people towards obtaining exotic pets throughout the world. Millions of these wild animals are taken from their habitats, sold to the market, and bought by individuals to keep as pets every year.
Another significant danger that arises when a wild animal is kept in captivity and handled by humans is the possibility of an attack. When keeping an exotic animal in one’s house, the possibility of that animal becoming aggressive is very high. An already stressed animal is bound to snap at any moment, and it may take very little to set them off. Snake bites, maulings, and scratches are not uncommon. Born Free USA has documented over 2,000 attacks by exotic pets since 1990, and that number continues to grow as the pet trade industry expands throughout the world.
As animal lovers, it’s extremely important to understand the dangers and negative aspects of keeping exotic animals as pets. Our immediate reaction to seeing a cute baby tiger or a playful monkey on the internet would be “I NEED IT RIGHT NOW!” But this isn’t what we want to be thinking. We want to be able to understand that a wild animal belongs in the wild. These animals are the happiest in their natural habitats, and that’s what any animal lover would want for them. If you want to learn more about animals in captivity and exotic pets, I recommend visiting Born Free USA. This website includes a lot of information and spreads awareness on this important issue. You can also choose to adopt or donate to help give back and make a difference. Citations
“Welcome to Born Free USA.” State Laws Governing Private Possession of Exotic Animals, www.bornfreeusa.org/. Rettner, Rachael. “Exotic Pets Are Dangerous to Health.” LiveScience, Purch, 21 Oct. 2011, www.livescience.com/16667-exotic-pets-attack-ohio.html. Spending quality time with your family is important during the holiday season, including your pets! Enjoying Christmas dinner with the family is something every dog wants to be a part of. To make your dog happy this holiday season, these tasty and festive treat recipes are definitely something to try. Who wouldn’t want to treat their dog to some cookies and candy this winter? Take some time off from work or homework to make them with your loved ones and spend some time with your furry best friend. It’s a great way to get everyone and every pup involved and in the Christmas spirit! Here are some of my favorite holiday-themed treats that are so much fun to make. Delicious and cute, these snacks are guaranteed to be a hit with your pup on Christmas! Gingerbread dog cookiesImage Credits: My Treat Dreams This fun and very cute treat is definitely filled with both love and taste. Gone to the Snow Dogs has some of the best recipes for any type of dog treat you can imagine. Whether it be for hot summer days, or for the cold ones during winter, your dog will love any of their healthy and delicious treat recipes. This is one of my favorites that I’ve seen on their YouTube channel. They look just like real gingerbread cookies made with molasses, cinnamon, and ginger. Doggy candy canesImage Credit: Dog Treat Kitchen These doggy candy canes have one of the longer recipes, but they are definitely the most fun to make. Take a day to wind down and have fun making this cute treat for your furry friend. They make the perfect gift for any dog parent who's looking for the perfect treat to surprise their pup with on Christmas. It’s also very tasty with peppermint and chicken flavor! Calvin's Christmas CookiesImage Credits: The Scrumptious Pumpkin Calvin the beagle would like nothing more than to be surprised with a crunchy and tasty treat for Christmas. He has a huge appetite for sweet treats like these festive bones. They’re made with dried cranberries, applesauce, honey, and pumpkin seeds all combined to make the perfect flavor that any dog would love. Calvin definitely recommends this snack to any of his fellow four-legged friends during the holiday season. PB&J Ginger SnapsImage Credits: Pretty Fluffy This delicious treat will fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of cinnamon and ginger. Your pup will be filled with excitement when they smell these tasty gingersnap cookies in the oven. They’ll be even more excited when they get to sink their teeth into the crunchy, peanut buttery goodness. Even the pickiest of eaters will have their tails wagging a mile a minute. Doggie BarkImage Credits: Entirely Pets Have you ever had peppermint or chocolate bark on Christmas? It’s a tasty and popular treat with both humans and dogs. This recipe is made with carob, which is a dog substitute for chocolate, giving the bark a sweet taste that your pup will crave. The coconut adds even more to the sweetness, and a hint of peppermint gives it a festive and minty fresh kick. Snowflake Shortbread Dog cookiesImage Credits: Pretty Fluffy These shortbread snowflake dog cookies are super easy to make. They require only six steps and take about twenty minutes to make 15 cookies. You can even decorate them however you want with melted yogurt drops to add to both the taste and the look. Be careful, you might want to take a bite when these shortbread cookies come fresh out of the oven! Some quick tips for making Christmas special for our four-legged friends:
Over the billions of years that animals have been on Earth, millions have gone extinct and many new species have been created. Evolution and nature have expanded and shrunk the Earth’s wildlife population since the beginning of time. Today, with the Earth continuing to change, and humans impacting the environment, an abundance of animal populations are shrinking. Some of our favorite animals are endangered, including the Bengal Tiger, Chimpanzee, Blue Whale, and even elephants. This information is surprising, because these are animals that everyone knows, loves, and have even encountered at the zoo. Although extinction is a natural occurrence, it starts to become a problem when we as humans are contributing to the decline in population. Animals have certain purposes and serve important roles in nature. Because wildlife is interconnected, they affect the lives of countless other species in their diet and how they live. What humans do in our daily lives affects animals in many different ways. Deforestation, air and water pollution, and other human-induced environmental changes lead to the destruction of animal habitats, directly affecting their food supply and shelter. The loss of one animal species could actually result in a major change in the ecosystem and alter the balance of nature. This is why endangerment is a problem that can’t be ignored. Let’s take a look at one animal species that has recently been listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species under the endangered category. This list is the world’s most all-inclusive information source for endangered and threatened wildlife. Not only does it list the status of different species, but it also indicates the overall health of Earth’s biodiversity. A widely known species, the African Penguin was moved from the vulnerable category to the endangered category in 2010. These penguins had an extremely rapid decline in population that lead to them being listed as endangered. This out of the ordinary, but why? According to BirdLife South Africa, the population size began decreasing when industrial fishing began around the Cape. Because of human actionーfishing around penguin habitatsーpenguins lost more and more of their food supply. One may ask how can something like animal endangerment be stopped in a world so large and so dominated by human activity? Well, it can’t completely be stopped, but humans can do a lot to prevent the decrease of more populations. Here are some things that we can do to help: - Volunteer at a local wildlife sanctuary - Recycle - Join an organization Although these things might be small, they can make a big difference. We might not feel like we can do much to help our ecosystem and the animals living in it, but those little things do add up. Volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary in your area is probably my favorite way to get involved in protecting the animals. It’s a great place to observe and learn about nature and how animals live. It’s important to become educated on the subject in order to make a change yourself. Even getting the chance to teach younger kids about nature is great, because it drives them to want to protect our Earth from a young age. Recycling is another extremely important way to help create a safer environment for the animals. A bottle that was thrown on the ground could actually end up in the ocean, harming the wildlife that inhabits it. The Green Turtle is an example of one endangered ocean inhabitant that can be greatly affected by the trash and pollution that ends up there. Joining an organization directed towards helping a certain endangered species is a really great way to get involved. By joining an organization, you can contribute to the protection of the species by donating, or just by raising awareness. Animal endangerment is a growing problem throughout the world. More and more species are being threatened by human activity that occurs every day. We don’t want animals that are so important to our Earth and the ecosystem to die off because of our carelessness or lack of attention to the problem. We need to do something about it. I encourage everyone, not just animal lovers, to do research and to get involved with fighting against extinction. Sources “Why Do We Care About Endangered Species in North Carolina?” Official Web Page of the U S Fish and Wildlife Service, www.fws.gov/nc-es/es/whocares.html. “The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.” Rhinoceros Sondaicus (Javan Rhinoceros), www.iucnredlist.org/. “African Penguin Declared Endangered – National Geographic Blog.” National Geographic Blog, blog.nationalgeographic.org/2010/06/02/african-penguin-declared-endangered/. Merry, Mitch. “10 Easy Things You Can Do to Save Endangered Species.” Endangered Species Coalition, www.endangered.org/10-easy-things-you-can-do-to-save-endangered-species/. User, Super. “Welcome to BirdLife South Africa - BirdLife South Africa.” Welcome to BirdLife South Africa - BirdLife South Africa, www.birdlife.org.za/. Pictures Elephant- “Elephant.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, www.worldwildlife.org/species/elephant. Penguins- “African Penguin Facts.” Accommodation South Africa - SA-Venues.com, www.sa-venues.com/penguin-facts.htm. Turtle- “How Polluted Oceans Hurt Us and How We Can Protect Them.” Connect For Water, 18 June 2018, connectforwater.org/how-polluted-oceans-hurt-us-and-how-we-can-protect-them/. |
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