Protecting wildlife habitat is essential for the preservation of biodiversity and the health of our planet. Habitat destruction is a major threat to wildlife, and it is caused by a variety of factors, including urbanization, deforestation, and climate change.

Here are some ways that you can help protect wildlife habitat:
 
Support conservation organizations
There are many organizations that work to protect wildlife habitat, and by supporting them financially, you can help them carry out their important work. You can also volunteer your time and talents to help with conservation efforts.

Protect and restore natural areas
You can help protect wildlife habitat by supporting efforts to protect and restore natural areas, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands. This can include supporting conservation organizations that work to acquire and protect natural areas, as well as participating in habitat restoration projects.

Be a responsible consumer
The products we buy can have a big impact on wildlife habitat. By choosing products that are sustainably sourced and produced, you can help protect habitat and support conservation efforts.

Reduce your carbon footprint
Climate change is a major threat to wildlife habitat, and one of the best ways to protect habitat is to reduce our carbon emissions. This can include reducing your energy consumption, using renewable energy sources, and supporting policies that address climate change.

Educate others
One of the most effective ways to protect wildlife habitat is to educate others about the importance of habitat conservation. You can do this by sharing information about the threats to habitat and the ways that individuals can help protect it.

By taking these steps, you can help protect wildlife habitat and support the conservation of biodiversity. This is essential for the health and well-being of our planet, and it's something we all can do to make a difference.

Find out more about certifying your habitat to help wildlife. 
You may also be interested in becoming a champion for wildlife. 

If you're a nature lover, you may want to help wildlife in your garden. There are many ways you can do this, and even small steps can make a big difference. Here are some tips for how to help wildlife in your garden.

Plant native species of plants.
Native plants are those that naturally grow in your area, and they provide important food and shelter for local wildlife. By planting native species in your garden, you can create a habitat for birds, insects, and other animals.

Provide food and water for wildlife.
You can do this by putting out bird feeders, birdbaths, and other sources of food and water. This will attract a variety of animals to your garden, and it will provide them with the sustenance they need to survive.

Create a safe haven for wildlife.
​You can do this by providing hiding places for animals, such as piles of leaves or logs. You can also install nest boxes or birdhouses to provide shelter for birds and other small animals.

Avoid using pesticides and other chemicals.
These substances can be harmful to wildlife, and they can contaminate the food chain. Instead of using chemicals, try using natural methods to control pests, such as attracting beneficial insects or hand-picking pests off of plants.
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Be patient and observant.
Wildlife is shy, and it may take time for animals to become accustomed to your garden. Be patient, and watch for signs of wildlife, such as tracks or droppings. This will help you understand which animals are visiting your garden, and it will give you an idea of how to make your garden even more welcoming to them.

By taking these steps, you can create a wildlife-friendly garden that provides food, shelter, and safety for a variety of animals. This can be a rewarding and educational experience, and it can help you connect with the natural world around you.

Find out more about certifying your habitat to help wildlife. 
You may also be interested in becoming a champion for wildlife. 

​In case you haven’t heard, LA is soon to be home to the largest wildlife bridge on the planet. That’s right, a bridge that’s some 30 years in the making will span 10 lanes of Highway 101 at Liberty Canyon. The 200-foot-high nature bridge will reconnect a segment of the Santa Monica Mountains and an entire ecosystem that has been disrupted by roads and urban sprawl that has led to habitat loss and fragmentation, which has contributed to steady decline and near extinction of the California mountain lion.

​At the annual P-22 Day Festival and Urban Wildlife Week in October to celebrate urban environmentalism and “the Brad Pitt” of California mountain lions—a handsome LA cougar affectionately known as P-22 who has his own Facebook page—Give Wildlife a Brake caught up with the co-director of CLAW (Citizens of Los Angeles for Wildlife), Andrew Lasken, to learn more about the wildlife corridor movement in California. CLAW is leading the way in promoting wildlife protection and also educating the public about the importance of connected habit for wildlife, in Los Angeles and beyond.

Lasken provides a great habit loss and fragmentation definition in this short video clip and also mentions simple solutions for developers, such as “buffers” (not building all the way back to the edge of a plot, but leaving room for animals to move about).

• Connected habitat advocacy. The organization has been instrumental in advocating for a Wildlife Habitat Linkage Zone—to bring attention to open space habitat on private land that could potentially be developed and further disrupt already fragile habitat in the region.

 

• Land preservation for wildlife corridors. Another massive success in reversing habitat loss and fragmentation was the Let’s Buy a Mountain campaign, a coordinated effort between CLAW and conservation partners. A wildlife cam documented myriad species of animals using an existing wildlife corridor, providing evidence for the need to maintain the land as connective habitat. Through fundraising, the organizations were able to purchase 17 acres of land in the Hollywood Hills that will be preserved for generations to come.

 

• Conservation easements. This is an agreement that restricts land from being developed. It is sometimes called a conservation covenant—and it is a binding agreement between current landowners as well as future owners of the land, to ensure the property remains undeveloped.

 

• Acting as a wildlife corridor monitor in the city of Los Angeles. Whenever there is urban planning and development, CLAW is keeping a careful watch for whether the LA Planning Department is taking into consideration wildlife habitat connectivity and any impact that development might have.

On the CLAW website you can find suggestions for how to facilitate wildlife movement on your own property. Sometimes a simple change to fencing or landscaping can improve the flow for animals that need to get to food, shelter and potential mates.
 
National Wildlife Federation also has a really cool certification program where you can have your own backyard certified as a wildlife habitat. It involves growing native plants, providing safe places to hide from predators, and using sustainable practices.
 
Like this article? Share it with your wildlife advocate friends! And let us hear your thoughts on habitat loss and fragmentation. What do you think of the kinds of solutions CLAW has already been a part of?