I’m finally taking the proper dive into wildlife conservation. Yes, I’m starting from scratch – the fundamentals – but my heart is at peace knowing that I’ve begun.
I am refining my research to grasp the niche knowledge I’d like to use on this website. I’ve worn many hats, but here, I want to channel my energy into one core purpose. And I’m doing it well.
I’m beginning to gather the intriguing breakdowns, the umbrella topics. Yes, we have wildlife conservation (an aspect of the larger climate change discussion). And that breaks down into many reasonings for the same. What threatens wildlife, requiring conservation efforts, breaks down into habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, invasive species, pollution, climate change, agriculture, overexploitation and more.
With that said, though, it is natural habitat loss which is the largest threat.
Expanding the Language
As I choose to channel these efforts of mine, I also begin to collect alternative language. It’s already furthering my research. For example, ‘habitat destruction’ rather than only ‘fighting natural habitat loss.’
And here’s where this one concept, thanks to niching, begins to expand – allowing me to dive deeper. Natural habitat loss, is caused by one of three things. And habitat destruction being only one. The others to be mindful of are habitat fragmentation and habitat degradation.
I’m so grateful that I understand the differences here. It’ll help me make the choice of whether I can help all three (similarity of pattern / a singular sourced problem) or if its natural enough for me to further refine my efforts into one of those to help natural habitat loss and to help support wildlife conservation.
All which are important for me as a home designer, because my industry is a big problem for wildlife. And heck, why should wildlife lose their home so we can have a luxurious shelter? Balance for all is what we need.
Collecting from Various Sources
So, I’ll keep this post as a bite-size piece. Know that I’m beginning to immerse myself in the community of other conservationists. I’m officially a Panda Ambassador with WWF 🙂 (Twitter has been a joy to connect with community too!) So I’m learning from their insights as well as their findings. Also, I’m collecting a list of books to read. (Did you know Barnes & Noble had a very comprehensive section on Nature and Wildlife?) Lastly, I’ve saved articles to read based on better and better search terms. Again, to ensure I’m consuming niched information, which can then be expanded upon. (My trello account has recently become very detailed!)
Having said this, I don’t want to become overwhelmed, in a cycle of endless learning without action. I want to ensure I walk myself down a path that leads me to a position of knowing what I’m talking about in full. All so I can help others help wildlife while also very directly helping wildlife myself.
Much more to come. I’m excited to read the articles I’ve saved over the next two weeks or so. Yet, I’ll focus my reading by similar topics so I can document my findings in more bite-size posts.
What’s to Come of It
I’m sure a near future post will be in regards to these three types of habitat loss which threatens wildlife. Destruction, degradation and fragmentation are all their own concepts to dive into. (Though here is a perfect snapshot of what they are.) I’ll hone in on their similarities and differences and determine where I, a home designer, can help. Is it all or more so one? Because, remember, the narrative of how a home is designed and built holds a mighty big story to tell. It’s a true ripple effect. The materials take greatly from the earth, next must travel, and only then are they finally integrated into the chaos already occurring on-site. This being the very near and dear place where our own local wildlife is being uprooted to instead house us.
