5 Wonderful Organizations Helping Wildlife Thrive

All across the globe, wild animals are threatened by various kinds of human activity, ranging from the destruction of habitats to the introduction of invasive species into an ecosystem. Fortunately, there are many organizations dedicated to addressing these issues and saving endangered animals. In no particular order, here are some groups at the forefront of wildlife conservation.

First up, at #1, we have City Wildlife, which aims to address the need for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in Washington, DC. Through its Lights Out DC initiative, the organization's volunteers inspect buildings in downtown Washington and collect and save injured or dead migratory birds that have collided with glass.

Among its other programs is Duck Watch, which seeks to educate residents and building managers about how they can make unsuitable nesting sites less appealing to mother Mallards. During nesting season, volunteers also monitor and help ducklings that get trapped. In addition, the organization provides educational programs for schools and other groups who wish to learn more about the city's wild animals.

Taking the #2 spot is the Galapagos Conservancy. It is focused on protecting the ecosystems and biological integrity of the Galapagos archipelago, working with a wide range of organizations and individuals to support scientific research and provide financial resources to key institutions in the area.

With the help of the Galapagos National Park Directorate, the organization's Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative aims to restore the tortoise populations to their historical distribution across the region, including on islands where they went extinct. The organization's Education for Sustainability in Galapagos Program also provides year-round training for teachers and school directors in the area.

Next up, at #3, we have the Turtle Island Restoration Network, which mobilizes individuals in local communities around the world to protect marine wildlife, as well as the oceans and watersheds that sustain them. Since its inception, it has launched several science-based campaigns to stop deadly fishing practices and save sea turtles from various threats.

In 1997, the organization also created SPAWN, which advocates for policies to save California's endangered Coho salmon. Every year, it leads fish rescues and watershed monitoring to ensure that the local population of salmon can thrive. Among the group's other initiatives is 10,000 Redwoods, where staff and volunteers grow these coastal trees using locally-collected seeds.

Coming in at #4 is Bat Conservation International. Founded in 1982 and based in Austin, Texas, it works with partner organizations and locals in order to save bats and their habitats all around the world. Its many initiatives aim to ensure the survival of some of the most highly endangered species.

According to the organization, the loss of roosting and foraging habitats is one of the major threats to bat populations worldwide; one of the ways it is addressing this issue is through the conservation of public lands. Through its Bat Walks Program, the group educates the public on the importance of these mammals.

Finally, at #5, we have the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. It engages with various agencies and private landowners to build and promote a community that is fauna-friendly. One of its programs is Nature Mapping Jackson Hole, a long-term project that aims to fill the wildlife observation and distribution needs that have not already been covered by local organizations or state and federal agencies.

Through the Wildlife Friendlier Fencing Program, the organization works with landowners in order to identify ways to accommodate the movement of wild animals by modifying or completely removing agricultural fences. The foundation has also taken measures to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in the area, such as the use of fixed radar signs.