P is for Population Growth

     7 billion. Does this number ring any bells? It is actually an estimate of the number of people that are currently living on Earth. While humans have had no trouble making room for the constantly growing population, the Earth is having a difficult time making room for us. You see, it may seem easy to simply knock down an entire forest to build a new neighborhood. More people will have homes to live in, right? Yes, but with more homes for people, there are less homes for plants and animals...This brings us to the next part of the HIPPO acronym: Population Growth. 

     Population growth is a pretty straightforward form of human impact, but the implications are often overlooked for the sake of efficiency, time, and money. It refers to the growing number of people in the world and how this increase in the population is affecting several species of animals that are being forced out of their natural habitats if they are not killed in the process. As I hinted at earlier, the biggest problem with population growth is the fact that we are taking away natural habitats by destroying forests so that homes can be built and resources can be sucked up by the human population. The worst part is that the animals being are forced out of their habitats into a whole new world that does not have the food and the proper environment they need to thrive. 
     I'm sure we have all heard of at least one case where someone came home to a bear eating the seeds out of their birdfeeder, or a raccoon was seen rummaging through a garbage can. Unfortunately, these "intruders" are given a bad repuation, and if they cannot be relocated, they are usually killed for being a threat to the community. My question is, who is really the intruder? The animals and plants were there first, so why should they suffer at our hands? 
     It is important to keep in mind that population growth is affecting habitats everywhere, from the rain forests of the tigers in Asia to the woods of black bears in California to the very raccoon that was in your garbage last night. Animals all over the world are being forced to respond to destructive changes in their environment. By tearing down an entire forest, countless species are losing their home, food sources, and fellow members of the species. This is why so many wild animals are finding themselves in the middle of a city searching through garbage bins: they have nowhere else to go.
     I think it would be helpful to take a look at National Geographic's Animal Conservation page. Just in case I haven't mentioned this before, we are responsible for the threats each of these endangered or threatened species are facing. I encourage you to explore the types of animals National Geographic presents on this page- pick a favorite, and read more about that animal to see how you can protect the animal from human impact. You will be surprised as to how many are endangered to to situations that involve population growth. 
     I always feel that it is important I provide some tips on how you can help to prevent the harmful effects that come with human population growth. While it is impossible for us to slow down the population growth (as in I am not telling you to go around and discourage people from having children!), there are some things we can do to prevent animals from being harmed by our actions.
     First of all, if a forested area has already been used for building homes or extracting resources, there is not much that can be done as far as re-creating the forest goes. However, you can facilitate the adaptation of native species to this change in the environment. For example, building a birdhouse and/or birdfeeder is a great way to not only attract beautiful birds but also provide them with a safe habitat. This will prevent them from leaving the area or trying to find food that is not a part of their diet (like garbage).
     Another idea to ease the effects of human growth population is to write a letter to local politicians addressing your concerns for local areas that may be at risk for deforestation. Be sure to tell them why you are concerned and why they should care, as well as how the community will benefit from protecting natural habitats.
     As humans, we tend to eat and drink a lot, and one could tell this by looking at the side of road and seeing all of the garbage piled up. Host a community cleanup for roadsides that a littered with, well, litter. This will keep wild animals from hurting themselves in an attempt to eat trash and will also help them to remain in their native environments (no easy food to get from humans means there is less of a reason for the animals to roam throughout towns and backyards). Also remember not to leave trash cans and other sources of food out in the open near your house so that wild animals, such as the bear, are not tempted to make routine trips to your yard.
     Last, but certainly not least, educate friends and family about the dangers human growth population poses on the environment. You never know whose mind you will change or who you can impact by simply telling them about what humans do that harm the world we live on. Most people just do not know how big of an impact we are making on the environment. Go out and educate!

Peace. Love. Save the Tigers.