ENDANGERED SPECIES -- I don't know who conceived this campaign, but it's as noteworthy as any in the effort to preserve wildlife.

Humans who breed like bunnies are crowding critters off the planet.

The Center for Biological Diversity is raising awareness by distributing 40,000 free Endangered Species Condoms to encourage people to invite wildlife into holiday celebrations by talking about the effects of rampant human population growth on the environment and wildlife.

This is perfect timing for the campaign. More babies are conceived between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than any other time of year.

“The reality is that as human population grows, we're crowding wildlife into extinction, and if we don't start addressing this soon it will be too late for many endangered species,” said Leigh Moyer.   Her title at the Center is "population organizer."  Good luck.

Five hundred volunteer distributors will be giving away condoms across the country at holiday parties, in stockings and at New Year’s Eve celebrations in an effort to invite wildlife to the festivities.

That's a drop in the bucket, of course.  You'd need more than that to cover a WSU tailgate party.

But it's the thought that counts.

More than 227,000 people are added to the global population every day, and some scientists say the planet is experiencing its sixth mass wildlife extinction.

While previous extinction periods were driven by geological or cosmic factors, the current crisis is caused by human activity, Moyer points out

In addition to giving away free condoms, the Center will be sharing quick and easy steps individuals can take to reduce their environmental footprint at home, like turning down the heat and bundling up instead, or trading holiday lights for more sustainable decorations to green the holiday season.