Los Angeles, California is the second-largest metropolitan area in the country, but it also has one of the country's worst air pollution ratings. The city just recently partnered with the National Wildlife Federation's (NWF) Community Wildlife Habitat program for the city to become more eco-friendly and environmentally healthier.

The program promotes gardens and landscapes composed of native flora in urban areas. The restoration of wildlife throughout the city's communities include sustainability and park plans. At the same time, methods involve reducing the use of pesticides and chemicals.

It is also an opportunity to educate and have the community involved with restoring wildlife in L.A. With the growing problem of climate change and damage to natural habitats as urbanization expands, the new green spaces would allow local species to thrive.

Community Wildlife Habitat Program

Beth Pratt of the NWF shared their excitement over L.A.'s "commitment to the wild world" by joining the Community Wildlife Habitat program. She believes that the city is doing its best to "be a good neighbor to wildlife" by coexisting with the California mountain lions as well, who are an endangered species.

Aside from building new habitats, the project also wants to make a positive impact on communities by encouraging healthier practices as well. Wildlife and people suffer from the same problems of pollution and other challenges that widen the gap between communities and wildlife. L.A.'s commitment is "a clear and powerful message to" America's largest metropolitan areas and communities, said Patrick Fitzgerald from the community wildlife.

Recently, nearly 100,000 residents had to evacuate from Orange County due to the disastrous wildfires. Numerous fires blazing across the state have caused dangerous levels of dust and ash in the air, resulting in the worst air quality recorded in the country.

State governor Gavin Newsom had previously said that the recent events in California are the fast-forward scenario of America. "What we're experiencing right here is coming to communities all across the United States of America unless we get our act together on climate change."

Read Also: Authorities Explain How Climate Change is Causing Drought and Colder Winters

Save the Cougars

L.A. is home to more than 4,000 species of flora and fauna with nearly 50 listed as endangered, including the El Segundo blue butterfly, the bald eagle, and the peregrine falcon. Enrique Zaldivar from the LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) hopes that the program will inspire the community to turn their yards, campuses, and even business spaces into havens for local wildlife to thrive within the city to maintain and enhance biodiversity.

On October 24 was the P-22 Day & International Urban Wildlife Festival online. P-22 is one of the tagged mountain lions in Los Angeles who is famous for spending time under the Hollywood sign. Every year, the NWF celebrates the #SaveLACougars campaign to preserve the endangered species from going extinct.

Aside from habitat loss due to the yearly wildfires, cougars lose their lives while traveling across freeways. Groups of cougars have also become isolated in the mountains due to the highways, decreasing the diversity of their species and resulting in genetic defects due to the lack of interbreeding.

Read Also: California Cougars Are Showing Genetic, Physical Distortions 

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