World Wildlife Conservation Day
World Wildlife Conservation Day is celebrated every year on December 4th. The day was originally created by then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2012 as a call to action to raise awareness of the urgent need for conservation on a global level. The goal is to tackle the issues of animal trafficking and conservation worldwide.
Clinton’s message for World Wildlife Conservation Day, first delivered in 2012, rings as true now as it did then. She said, “Once it’s gone, it can’t be replenished. Those who profit from it illegally are not just undermining our borders and economies but stealing from the next generation.”
World Wildlife Conservation Day is dedicated to fighting the illegal wildlife trade. The main drive is to eliminate the illegal trafficking and poaching of ivory, rhino horn, and shark fins. These are just a few of the many species that are threatened by the illegal wildlife trade.
See also: Deep Sea Coral Reef Discovery Boosting Hopes for Marine Conservation.
By taking action, we can help to protect wildlife and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of nature.
How to celebrate:
- Visit a local zoo or wildlife organization.
- Sign the World Wildlife Foundation pledge to stop wildlife crime.
- Don’t buy illegal wildlife products.
- Donate to a conservation group or wildlife organization.
- Watch documentaries on wildlife issues and animal protection.
- Boycott unsustainable food products.
Fun Facts:
- The Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973. The Act helps to protect endangered plants and animals.
- If a population of a certain species declines between 50% to 70% and if its population is less than 250 mature individuals, the species is classified as endangered.
- 16,306 species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature are extremely endangered.
- The Javan Rhinos are the most critically endangered species, and only 67 of them remain.
- Indonesia, China, and India are among the countries with the most threatened mammals and bird species.
#WildlifeConservationDay
