Imagine a life in the near future where all species known to man disappear. What could cause this? What can we do to ensure this doesn't happen? Most animals have become extinct or endangered in recent years due to habitat loss. There have been many challenges in preserving natural habitats, but people are finding ways to combat them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Throughout history there have been many attempts to preserve natural habitats. According to Eric Bolen, the Audubon Society's primary goal since 1905 has been to preserve and restore natural habitats. The Audubon Society has chapters throughout the United States working toward a common goal. They focus primarily on renewable energy, wildlife conservation, clean air and water, and the preservation and restoration of natural places. The company initially began to stop the slaughter of birds for the creation of hats. They now sponsor scientific programs that research birds and other animals to gather data on declining species. Land conservation through national parks is another attempt to conserve species and their habitats. The United States was the first nation to set aside land for a national park in 1872, inspiring other nations to do the same. About thirty years later, in 1900, the United States became the first nation to pass a national conservation law. This law stated that it was illegal to transport illegally killed animals across the border. A final effort to save habitats and species comes through the Endangered Species Act. The Endangered Species Act passed in 1973 protects plants and animals from anything that may threaten them, such as hunting or gathering. Although many efforts are made to protect animals, there are numerous counterattacks against endangered species. The expansion of agriculture contributes to the loss of species and habitats. Fertilizer can run off into ponds or bodies of water and cause a decline in fish able to live there. Farmers often abandon land when it becomes barren and cut down trees to have more arable land. This process reduces forest cover and harms the animals that depend on it. Another thing that leads to species and habitat loss is pollution. Pollution can decrease a piece of land's ability to support plants and animals. Some places in the world such as Copper Hill, Tennessee and parts of the former Soviet Union show the effects of pollution on the earth. While there are many factors leading to the decline of animals and places to live, research is being conducted and efforts are being made today to ensure the safety of endangered species and their habitats. Pien Haung said Professor Brian Lapointe began researching coral reefs in Florida in the 1980s. In recent years, Professor Lapointe has seen nearly half of Florida's coral reefs disappear. While this may be a bad thing, his research has shown a positive aspect. The reef is dying not because of climate change, as initially thought, but because of excess nitrogen from poorly treated sewage and soil. As a result of his research, there is now hope for restoring coral reefs because it is easier to fix a nitrogen overload than to change global temperatures. In Michigan, according to Sandy Hausman, they are happening.