Endangered Animals
Did you know that there are over 120 species of animals that have become extinct in the past 100 years due to human activity? There are many reasons why animals have so quickly become extinct including pollution, habitat destruction, and hunters. This is a topic many people aren't aware of, or they assume that other people are helping. But you thought wrong. You also might want to help but can't figure out how to do so. The following paragraphs will list ways that could be affective and make a difference in the rate animals are becoming endangered and then extinct.
One way you could help protect the endangered animals is by writing a letter to the Secretary of the Interior. The letter could explain why a certain species should be protected from hunters, fishermen, and poachers. Then that animals wouldn't be in danger of dying from unnatural causes but would die a natural death. The population of that species might increase and the eventually after a number of years it could be taken off of the endangered species list.
Another way to help the animals is by donating money to wildlife preserves or organizations like WWF (World Wildlife Fund). You could set up fundraisers in your school with permission from your principal. This is one way to get the students attention.The money raised could then be used by multiple projects that are helping save endangered species.
I have always thought that an entire species being killed forever was a horrible thing , but I've never realized how often it happens until now. It's very upsetting knowing that extinction is permanent.
Some great web sites to go to when
looking for information on this topic are:
- www.wwf.org
- www.redlist.org
- www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/sgs/sgs.htm
by Ellen W.
Here are some of the many pets that people own. The descriptions include how much care they need, and what special qualities they each have. Read on!
Dogs- Dogs are America's favorite pet, and no wonder! Dogs are loving, playful, and obedient. People love to train dogs, since they can be trained to do anything, from fetching your morning newspaper, to climbing up a ladder! Although dogs are great pets, they're not the pet for you if you lead a very busy lifestyle. Dogs need to be walked at least twice a day, and they need to be fed and played with. If you don't have time for that and still get a dog, be sure that you're ready to clean up lots of puddles and that you're ready to buy a new couch after you come home to a shredded one. Don't get me wrong, dogs are great pets, but be sure you have the time for them.
Cats- Most people think that cats are stuck up, and all that they do is hiss. But that's a stereotype. Cats are actually sweet, careful, sensitive creatures. They love to be petted, and will reward you with a purr. The cat's personality really depends on how you bring them up. If you play with them a lot, they will be very playful cats. If you neglect them, they will either be terrified of you, or will scratch and hiss. Cats need to be taken care of, just like dogs, but they don't need to be walked. If you want a dog but don't have enough time for one, try adopting two cats. They're not as much work in pairs, and are very playful with each other, and you.Cats can even be trained to play catch! All in all, cats are gaining popularity for their sweet and sensitive nature.
Birds- Birds are pretty expensive pets. Besides the adoption fee, they need moderately large cages. Some need as big of a cage as you can buy. Birds also need to go to the vet regularly, and need food, and water, like all pets, daily. Some birds live to fifty years or more, so if you feel that you won't get tired of taking care of your bird for half of your lifetime or longer, then go ahead! Get a bird!
Hamsters- Hamsters are sweet, cuddly, and curious animals. They need their cage cleaned every week, and need to have fresh fruit and vegetables, along with dry food, every day. This is the pet for you if you don't have time for a cat, and you are physically fit enough to buy fresh fruits and veggies and bedding for your hamster.
Frogs- Frogs need very different levels of care, depending on the type. Water frogs barely need anything except for a sprinkle of food every day. Land frogs need a little more care. Their cages need to be cleaned more often, but it truly depends on the species. Frogs are the animal for you if you have limited time, but still want a pet.
Fish- Need a pet that needs almost no care at all, but are great fun to watch? Try a fish or two! Most fish will be fine living in a tank with other fish. Some people keep forty fish in a tank! Of course, your tank may need to be bigger, then. The 'rule' is one gallon of water for every inch of fish. Every day, you give your fish a few flakes of fish food, and you're done! Be careful though. Only give the fish as much food as the pet store says to. Some fish, like goldfish, for instance, will eat and eat until they literally explode. Fish need to have their tanks cleaned every once in a while. A fish or two is the perfect pet for you if you need a very low maintenance pet.
My African Gray bird is from Africa. They are kind of needy, but they are also entertaining. They can learn to talk if you speak with them, repeat things to it and soon it will start to talk. They can be learn tricks as well. My African Gray can play dead.
This Quacker ( a parakeet) is noisy, but cuddly. She can be noisy at times, but a lot of the times she just wants to be cuddled. They also can talk; most of the boys talk. They come in Green, Blue, and Yellow.
The parrot is small, light, and quiet. They do make noise but not a lot. They can talk, but it will take a long time to. They may lay eggs, but there won't be anything in them unless you have a male and female.
My favorite kind of dog is the Golden Retriever. They are easy to train, they are friendly; they do not bark that much, and they love to play. They do shed, but you can shave them.
My dog Mei Mei is 14. She is a Lhasa Apso. She is very shy, very timid, but sometimes very playful. To take care of Mei Mei I have to put eye drops in her eye every morning because she is going blind and this helps her to see, I also have to feed her every morning. I also have to clean her ears out because she smells really bad when her ears get dirty. I don't know why though. I have to bathe her every 2 weeks. She usually gets sent to the groomers though. A funny time I shared with Mei Mei was when I was younger, I was running around and Mei Mei would chase me. She can't do that anymore though because she has arthritis.
My guinea pig, named Shadow is 2 years old, and loves to play hide and seek in my dads office. Guinea pigs aren't that smart but you can teach them to do tricks. My guinea pig is potty trained, won't bite me, and will come to me if I call him. A funny moment I have had with Shadow was when I played hide and go seek with him in my dads office for the first time. I couldn't catch him at first but eventually I did catch him. My friend also has guinea pig. Shadow always loves company so it is nice that there is another guinea pig in the neighborhood, for him to play with.
My dog Snoot is 1 year old, and he is a Schnauzer mixed with some poodle. He can be very playful, and likes to play outside and go for long walks. He needs to be taken on walks twice a day, and you need to walk at least six blocks. In the spring, summer, and fall he comes in from playing outside and you have to pick the sticks, leaves, and twigs out of his fur, and wipe the mud off his coat. Snoot is a small dog and in the winter snow will get all over his legs, so you have