Observing Endangered Species

Do you have a favorite animal? And is this animal on the endangered species list? Perhaps you always dreamed of observing a giant panda, whooping crane or a humphead wrasse in its natural habitat. It is not as impossible as you think if you think creatively.

The dream is to see an animal in-person. This is not always possible, but there are many options available online for pursuing your dream. The Smithsonian Institute and eMammal are two projects designed to observe species in the wild and these are becoming increasingly accessible. If, however, seeing your animal close-up and personal is non-negotiable, you are going to have to try a lot harder.

Some groups like Responsible Vacation provide tips on how to observe an endangered species in a way that does not negatively affect the environment of the species. These trips can be expensive, however. Another option is to hire a researcher in the geographical area of your animal. These researchers can help track the animal in a responsible manner. This is more adventurous and cost effective, but may not yield the hoped-for encounter. Still, at least you were in the inner sanctum of the animal’s habitat.