According to Youth For Wildlife, every 20 minutes, we lose at least 27000 entire species of plants or animals. Less than 1% of African elephants exist today that existed in 1930. Here are some more important facts about animal conservation:
- There are 10 – 15 thousand lions in the wild in Africa. A decade ago, there 50 thousand.
- Only 2700 rhinos are left on the African continent.
- 90% fewer cheetahs exist today than in 1900
- According to the WWF Living Planet Report, there was an overall decline in wildlife population of 60% from 1970 to 2014.
These are just a few numbers. Humans are clearly having a negative impact on plant and wildlife species. The world needs more people who understand wildlife conservation, and who have the skills to make a difference.
Any person, at any time, can choose to learn about wildlife conservation. They can also choose to use those skills in a variety of capacities to make a difference. However, college students are in a particularly powerful position. That’s why all university students should make an effort to become active in wildlife conservation.
There is No Better Time Than Now to Study Wildlife Conservation
If you are moved to learn more about conservation and to work to make some difference, now is the perfect time to get involved. As a college student, you have holiday and summer breaks, and likely have fewer obligations than you will in a few years. You’re also open-minded, and an enthusiastic learner.
Let’s be honest. There’s a reason why so many charitable organizations and nonprofits seek out college students for educational and volunteer experiences. They know you are most likely to have the time and energy that you won’t when you’ve graduated, and are working full time.
There are Open Opportunities Now
There are so many organizations that need help in this field, that you are virtually guaranteed to land an amazing opportunity to learn and volunteer. This is unlike many work or internship opportunities where you have no guaranteed of attaining a position.
Of course, certain highly desirable assignments might be competitive. The same goes with positions of leadership. If you want to pursue those you may be asked to submit a CV, cover letter, even an application essay. Make sure all of these are absolutely perfect. You can help yourself significantly by using one or more of the following resources:
- Grammarly: automatic built-in grammar checking
- BestWritingAdvisor: professional proofreading and editing services review site
- EasyBib: help with citations
- WhiteSmoke: a great grammar checker especially for ESL
You Don’t Need to Be an Ecology Student to Make a Difference
There are many skills and talents that are needed in the effort to save wildlife from extinction, and to bring populations back from the brink. You can take on opportunities to learn about these issues and to take action no matter what your academic background is. If you are interested in wildlife conservation, and you should be, you can:
- Enroll in elective courses to learn more.
- Find volunteer opportunities through campus organizations.
- Study conservation through free online learning.
- Volunteer your time during holidays, summers, and gap years.
There are Great Careers in Conservation
Many university students are not sure of what they want to do after they graduate. That’s okay. It’s perfectly acceptable to explore your options and take a bit more time than others to choose your career.
Of course, the best way to find your passion is through exploration. This means learning as much as possible about issues that will impact your life and the world around you. It also requires that you get involved in worthwhile pursuits.
Who knows. By involving yourself in guided, volunteerism, you may find that you are quite suited to a career as a conservation expert. This is certainly a field where career growth is possible as concern for wildlife increases.
Working in Conservation as a College Student Also Prepares You for Unrelated Careers
It takes many talents to do the work required to save animals and plant life from extinction, and to increase populations of endangered species. Yes, people are needed to work out in the field, to observe animals and plants, to collect specimens, etc. But, there are also people who are needed to:
- Reach out to recruit new volunteers.
- Solicit donations.
- Track spending and expenses.
- Analyze data collected from the field.
- Increase awareness of volunteer programs and initiatives.
- Provide volunteer training.
- Write and present reports.
- Ensure that supplies are organized, in good repair, and delivered to field volunteers.
Of course, any skills you bring with you are exceptionally helpful. The same is true for any tools that help you get the job done. There are many writing heavy work assignments for volunteers like you.
Spend a summer volunteering in wildlife conservation, and you may find that you have the talent to be anything from an accounting to data analyst to a teacher.
There are Exciting Conservation Projects All Over the World
If you are educated about conservation or are willing to go somewhere and learn, you can find opportunities all over the world to do this. Whether you want to spend a couple of weeks as a volunteer tourist, summer or holiday working to save endangered wildlife, or have a full year to dedicate to this worthwhile cause, you will find there is no shortage of opportunities available for you.
Even better, you can find opportunities to work and volunteer almost anywhere. There are volunteer opportunities in Australia, South America, Africa, Asia, and elsewhere. You are sure to find the time you invest absolutely rewarding.
Final Thoughts
As a university student, you are likely in one of the best positions you will ever be in when it comes to making a difference in the world. There are endangered plants and animals dying off daily, and they need bright, energetic, and passionate people to help save them. In return for your dedication and curiosity, you will learn new skills, meet amazing people, and enjoy experiences you will never forget.
Author bio
Dorian Martin is a writer and a nomad blogger with years of experience covering versatile topics and innovative ideas. He currently works as a freelance writer at college paper writing services. There he is quickly developing his skills and building his reputation.