Nina Berry: Othersphere

—SPOCK, IN STAR TREK IV

Should we bring back species that have gone extinct? That’s the fascinating question raised by recent advances in cloning. It’s similar to the thought that crosses Dez’s mind in Othersphere when she comes across tiger subspecies in the other world that are extinct in ours. It would be fascinating in some ways, but problematic in others.

You can read about both sides of the issue on the National Geographic site here:

www.nationalgeographic.com/deextinction

The full cover story National Geographic did on “de-extinction” is here:

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing

because he could only do a little.

— EDMUND BURKE, Irish statesman and philosopher

If you’re wondering “What can I do to make a difference?” below are some of the things I do. It doesn’t seem like much, but the more of us who try to make things change, the more likely it is to happen.

But do your own research and make up your own mind. I’ve included links with more information, but it’s easy to find your own as well.

1.Sign up to get updates from organizations like www.WWF.organdwildlifeconservationnetwork.org. They’ll keep you informed and give you easy ways to contact your legislators and leaders all over the world who can make a difference for wildlife.

2.Try to live as sustainably as you can. This means different things for different people. You can try recycling, composting, eating mindfully, conserving energy, gardening, and so on.

3.Avoid supporting the trade in illegal wildlife or abuse of wild animals, particularly when you travel. For example, when I went to Thailand, I decided not to go to one of the controversial tiger temples or parks there, where visitors handle the tigers. It’s very tempting to go because the animals are so intriguing, but if you see an animal behaving in a manner contradictory to its wild nature, odds are that animal is being grossly mistreated. For that reason, I also avoid giving money to any venue where wild animals are forced to perform.

4.Raise awareness via social networks (without being too obnoxious). I try not to deluge people with requests to sign petitions and so on when I tweet or post on Facebook, but I’ve seen the power of social media. Education is the key to making any lasting change.

5.When you support charities, consider organizations that protect wildlife and preserve natural habitats. Along with the World Wildlife Fund (www.wwf.org) and the Wildlife Conservation Network (wildlifeconservation network.org). I recommend (no surprise here if you’ve read my books) the Snow Leopard Trust (www.snowleopard.org), Tiger Time (tigertime.info), and Panthera (www.Panthera.org), which focus on conservation of big cats.

Here are some lists by reputable sites of other things you can do:

www.wikihow.com/Help-Endangered-Animals

www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/extinction-tips-47051605

In wilderness is the preservation of the world.

—HENRY DAVID THOREAU