World Wildlife Conservation Day: Know more about importance of biodiversity and prevention

History behind this day 

The sincere efforts of Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State at the time, at the Wildlife Trafficking and Conservation event on December 4, 2012, led to the creation of this day. Clinton underlined, "It is impossible to create wildlife." Furthermore, it cannot be replaced once it is gone. Those who make unlawful profits from it are genuinely robbing the future generation, in addition to weakening our economies and borders. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the US State Department are the main organisations responsible for the foundation of this day. 

Significance of this day 

Every year, innumerable animal species are illegally exported to different countries, slaughtered due to human greed, and kept in appalling conditions. Things like skin, horns, nails, ivory, etc. bring in a lot of money on the black market. Extensive land clearing and deforestation worsen these species' loss of habitat. 

Threats to wildlife 

A frightening number of 41,000 species, or 28% of all assessed species, are currently at risk of extinction, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungal, and plant species. Interestingly, the following species are in danger: 27% of mammals, 41% of amphibians, 13% of birds, 21% of reptiles, 37% of sharks and rays, and 28% of invertebrates. 

Ways to prevent it 

To put an end to wildlife crime and protect endangered species, a multitude of conservation groups, zoos, and wildlife agencies host a range of activities. Additionally, people can meaningfully contribute by: 

Refusing to buy ivory and other illegal wildlife items. 

Boycotting food items that are not sustainable, like as palm oil. 

Donating to charities that support wildlife or conservation. 

Learning about crimes against nature and endangered species. 

Learning about the Act Protecting Endangered Species. 

The day represents an emotional symbol of the urgent need to ramp up efforts to combat wildlife crime and the human-caused decline of species, while also acknowledging the far-reaching economic, environmental, and social consequences of these issues.