What Can We Do?
A landmark report released by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) warns that one million of the planet’s eight million species are threatened with extinction by humans. The report, written by 145 experts from 50 countries describes a planet “ravaged by an ever-growing human population, whose insatiable consumption is destroying the natural world.”
John Marzluff, a University of Washington wildlife biologist who has studied birds and their behavior for more than 35 years, says we can treat our backyards more seriously as bird refuges. “We can replace lawns with native vegetation, and provide food. We can mark windows so birds don’t fly into them, and keep cats indoors. We can maintain dead trees for birds to nest in, or set out nesting boxes.” Caring for urban and suburban bird populations will help them survive the monumental threat of climate change. Read more about Audubon’s Plants for Birds program here.
You can also support the local non profits that are responding to wildlife emergencies. Our team at Ohio Wildlife Center is busier than ever – rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing hundreds of animals injured and orphaned this spring – often due to the actions of people. Read more here about Lights Out Columbus – a monitoring and collection program for birds injured when they fly into windows in downtown Columbus as they migrate north and learn more about how you can help protect native wildlife in Ohio here.
