Every area of the world needs environmental conservationists and therefore, environmental volunteers. However, in developing countries, protecting the environment is not often considered a priority, and thus it is in these areas of the world where volunteers are most needed.

Madagascar is one of the most endangered places in the world. Located off the coast of Africa, this island is home to an array of plants and animals, including 50 species of lemur found nowhere else on Earth. Threats include cattle grazing, logging, agriculture, and invasive species. In addition, the African continent as a whole is seeing dwindling numbers in its animal population due to poaching.

The Amazon Rainforest, in South America, is home to 10 percent of the world’s known species. It is the largest tropical rainforest on the planet. Environmentalists are incredibly concerned about deforestation in this region. Not only does deforestation result in a major loss of biodiversity, but it accelerates global warming by releasing carbon contained within the vegetation. International volunteers can protect the beautiful nature of the Amazon by working as an environmental volunteer in South America.

The Tropical Andes are also located in South America, and this sub-region of the Andes mountain range is considered a global epicenter of biodiversity. The critically endangered yellow-tailed woolly monkey, once thought to be extinct, lives here, as does the spectacled bear, the only bear in South America. Environmental threats include mining, logging, agriculture, and construction.

Indonesia, as well as the majority of Southeast Asia, is suffering from the deforestation of its forests largely because of the demand for palm oil. Many animals, including the endangered Bornean orangutan, the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros, and pygmy elephants unique to the island of Borneo, are approaching extinction.