Animals That Save Us
And why we need to return the favor.
At Nature Links, we believe that understanding the natural world isn’t just about admiration—it’s about responsibility. In our latest series, we’ve been diving deep into the lives of some of the planet’s most extraordinary creatures—animals that are absolutely vital to the health of our ecosystems, and in some cases, to human survival.
These aren’t just animals we admire from afar. They’re ecosystem engineers, pollinators, pest controllers, seed spreaders, and biodiversity builders. They help keep our air clean, our crops growing, and our forests and grasslands in balance. Simply put: they save us—yet many of them are at risk of disappearing forever.
Fossas are found exclusively on the island of Madagascar.
In this powerful series, our learners researched remarkable but often overlooked species, including:
Numbats, which protect plants by controlling termites
Bees and bats, essential pollinators and pest control experts
The fossa, Madagascar’s top predator and forest regulator
Kakapos and clouded leopards, vulnerable species with unique roles in their island and forest ecosystems
The pangolin, a scaly and shy insectivore - and the most trafficked animal on the planet - is critical to insect population control
Snub-nosed monkeys, addax, saiga antelope, and black-footed ferrets—each a thread in the intricate web of life
Our students explored each animal’s role in the ecosystem, the threats they face, and what people around the world are doing to help. From climate change and habitat loss to poaching and disease, the risks are real—but so are the efforts to protect them. We studied conservation strategies, local partnerships, and even new technology being used to track and support these species.
But our learning didn’t stop there.
After discovering just how interconnected everything is we turned our attention to native plants—a crucial piece of the puzzle. Healthy, thriving native plant ecosystems provide food and shelter for many of the animals we studied. So we explored ways to identify, protect, and plant native species in our own communities. From pollinator gardens to local planting guides, our students came away with actionable steps they could take to help.
We also dove into the world of conservation funding, researching organizations that are doing the most impactful work to save these species. Our students learned how to look up charity ratings, understand how donations are used, and evaluate which groups make the biggest difference. It was a powerful exercise in informed advocacy and using our voices—and dollars—for good.
What we learned is this: saving these animals isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential to our survival. Every time we protect a species, we protect an entire network of life, including our own.
This series didn’t just teach us about animals—it sparked a deeper sense of stewardship. Because when you know what’s at stake, you realize just how important it is to act.
