May I present to you, the Defenders of Wildlife.
Founded in 1947, the Defenders of Wildlife initially started with only one full-time employee and 1,500 members. But over the course of more than 60 years, the organization now consists of 150 employees and 500,000 supporting members worldwide. The Defenders of Wildlife takes on the task of preserving wildlife species and habitats.
The Defenders of Wildlife campaigns not only nationally, but all around the world and tries to:
- reintroduce native animals to their natural habitats
- maintain protected status for animals
- preserve wildlife habitats
- protect endangered animals through legislation
This is the Mexican gray wolf, also known as Lobo. In the wilds of Arizona and New Mexico, there are only 52 Mexican gray wolves, making it one of the most endangered animals in North America. The so-called "three strikes" policy has caused a significant decrease in the population these wolves. This policy requires that any wolf who is involved in three livestock losses will be either be shot or trapped. Due to this protocol, 11 wolves were killed and many more were captured, lowering the chances of recovering one of the most endangered animals in America.
But with the increasing legal pressure from the Defenders of Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) decided to end the "three strikes" policy. Also, FWS officials agreed to resume leadership responsibilities in the lobo reintroduction effort and Mexican wolf recovery will no longer only be a secondary goal.
Thanks to many members of the Defenders of Wildlife and thousands of people, who built public opposition, made donations, fought it court, among many other actions, wild Mexican gray wolves have been released from captivity and now actually have a chance of surviving and possibly increasing in population.
This is only one of many success stories that the Defenders of Wildlife has to offer. With the efforts of this organization, they have won several awards including:
- Reader's Digest Best Wildlife Charity
- Being on of Worth magazine's top 100 charities
- Natural Resources Council of America's Most Effective Action on Federal Policy
Organizations, like the Defenders of Wildlife, are not the only ones who can make a difference in the world. We too can take action regardless of our age, colour, as well as whether or not we are part of an organization. It only takes a single person to change the world for the better.
Sources:
http://www.supergreenme.com/DefendersofWildlife
http://www.suite101.com/content/defenders-of-wildlife-devoted-to-saving-animals-a151370
http://www.defenders.org/about_us/success_stories/index.php
Blogs I commented on:
http://grade11-bioblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/usaids-habitat-conservation.html
http://ashvinsbioblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/earth-hour.html
