Animals are some of the most selfless and helpful creatures on earth. They provide us with the materials to make food, clothes, and even medicine. But did you know that animals also play a vital role in keeping our planet healthy?
Some animals are known for their primary role in maintaining the health of our planet. However, many other animals perform vital environmental functions that get overlooked. Remember how important they are to our planet next time you think of these five underappreciated animals that protect our world!
Beavers
Beavers are nature’s engineers. These furry rodents build dams that help regulate water flow, prevent flooding, and create habitats for other animals. Beaver dams can also improve water quality by trapping sediment and pollutants.
Without beavers, many ecosystems would be in danger. Water would quickly become polluted, and flood plains would erode.
Honeybees
Honeybees are best known for their role in pollinating crops. Bees pollinate about one-third of the food we eat. Without honeybees, our food supply would significantly shrink. Some estimates say that we would lose about $15 billion worth of crops each year if bees disappeared.
While pollinating crops is their primary job, bees also pollinate wildflowers, berries, and other plants. This pollination helps ensure that these plants will continue to thrive. Honeybees also maintain the health of wild plants.
We can help protect honeybees by planting flowers and avoiding the use of pesticides.
Bats
Many people fear bats, but these creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem. Bats help control insect populations, saving farmers billions of dollars in crop damage and pest control.
In addition to controlling pests, bats also pollinate plants and disperse seeds. There are many ways to help bats, such as building a bat house or avoiding the use of pesticides.
Oysters
Oysters are filter feeders that strain tiny food particles from the water. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.
Oyster shells provide homes and shelter for other creatures. Oysters even help create reefs, which provide habitats for fish, crabs, and other animals.
Overfishing and pollution have caused oyster populations to decline. Eating more sustainable seafood and supporting efforts to clean up our oceans will help protect oysters and the many benefits they provide.
Owls
Owls are one of the most effective predators of rodents. A single owl can eat up to 1,000 mice per year. That rodent protection helps protect crops and reduce the spread of disease.
Owls also maintain the balance of nature. By keeping rodent populations in check, owls help ensure that other animals will have enough to eat.
These are just a few of the many animals that play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Some may seem minor or unimportant, but they all play a vital role in keeping our planet healthy.
The next time you see one of these animals, think of how they contribute to the world and society.
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Dolphins
Sea Turtles
Wolf Spiders
