The age of extinction: 5 things you can do to save our species

By Wiktoria Walkowiak

Connect with wildlife

Dinosaur fossil on rough stone. Credit: Marus Lange, Pexels

Become aware of endangered species in your area. Hedgehogs, great tits, and turtle doves are facing extinction. Understanding their importance and how interesting they can be can help you protect their habitat.

Grow native plants

Manuka Honey is made from nectar collected by bees on Manuka flowers. Credit: M Rutherford via Shutterstock

Attracting insects like bees can help pollinate flowers and increase biodiversity. "Each patch of habitat becomes part of a collective effort to nurture and sustain," says the National Audubon Society.

Minimise pesticide exposure

Organic spelt in scrabble tiles to emphasise its importance. Credit: Brianna West via Pexels

A growing lawn without herbicides and pesticides can help prevent the build- up of toxins and harmful chemicals released into the soil and so throughout the food chain. Predators such as owls and hawks are less likely to be harmed by eating poisoned animals. Growing fresh home produce can also be an option.

Volunteer

There are now 41,415 endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Red squirrels were extremely popular before the 20th century. Today, they're classed as ‘near threatened’ in the UK, according to the Woodland Trust. Joining wildlife parks and projects in local areas can increase awareness and action, even if it's just picking up litter.

Buy sustainably

Woman picking out more sustainable clothes when shopping. Credit: The DePorres Pages

"Questions can help you make more sustainable choices," says BBC Earth. Ask yourself, will the item purchased be used more than once? Will it last? Simple questions can make a huge difference.