In 1984, the International Fund for Animal Welfare named the month of July as Wild About Wildlife Month. It is a time to highlight the different kinds of wildlife around the world and encourage people to do their part in conservation efforts to protect the wildlife that is such an integral part of our ecosystem.
On December 20, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 3rd to be World Wildlife Day. This is an Awareness Day, along with the month of July, to raise awareness about threatened and endangered plants and animals.
Wildlife Conservation Efforts
The need for conservation efforts to protect our wildlife has been a critical part of the future of our ecosystem.
In 1973, the United States passed the Endangered Species Act. In 1993, the United Nations added more than a million species to the endangered section for the first time. By 2020, the population of about 21,000 mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, and amphibians had declined by 68%.
A species becomes classified as endangered when the total population drops to less than 250 mature individuals and shows a 50% to 70% decline in recent years.
So this Wild About Wildlife Month is a call to action.
Reasons for Wildlife Extinction and Endangerment
- habitat loss
- climate change
- invasive species
- overfishing and hunting
Some Recent Examples of the Benefits of Worldwide Wildlife Conservation
The whales of the Atlantic
They were close to facing near-extinction due to hunting in the 1970s. Conservation efforts have brought the whale numbers back to their pre-70s state.
The beavers of England
Beavers had become extinct in the U.K. prior to 2008 until conservation efforts reversed it.
The gorillas of Africa
The gorilla population in Africa increased from only 48 in 2010 to more than 100 in 2016.
The gray wolves of America
In 1960, there were only 300 gray wolves left in America. Conservation efforts have brought the population back to nearly 5,400 by 2010.
The tigers of India
India’s wild tiger population has seen a 33% increase since conservation efforts began in 2010.
Summary
With wildlife conservation becoming more important than ever, it’s nice to have a whole month set aside to help as a reminder for each of us to do our part. So, celebrate in whatever way suits you best all during Wild About Wildlife Month in July.
July is Wild About Wildlife Month
March 3rd is World Wildlife Day
For more holiday reviews, check out ReviewthisReviews: Holidays
*Holiday review for Wild About Wildlife Month was written by Wednesday Elf
