We usually think of habitat in terms of wildlife. Wildlife need food, water, shelter and space to live. Many people believe that species become extinct because of diseases or hunting, but in reality habitat loss is the number one reason that species are placed on the endangered species list. Many animals adapt to living in one particular type of habitat.
People also have habitats.
Our habitat, like animals, includes all of the essentials we need to survive. Every now and then mother nature destroys some of our habitat with fire, storms and floods. However, much more habitat has been destroyed by man's activities. As the world population increases, greater demands will be placed on the air, soil, water and other natural resources making up our habitat. The focus of this year's national observance is on the personal responsibility each citizen has to be a good steward of the land, water, air, wildlife and other natural resources that enhance our quality of life and make up the habitat that sustains us all.