The Globe and Mail

The next time you’re about to have sex, a U.S.-based environmental group would like you to think about polar bears. And jaguars. And frogs. And don’t forget about the American burying beetle.

To raise awareness about the impact of human overpopulation on endangered species, the Center for Biological Diversity has begun distributing 100,000 free condoms packaged with original artwork of six animals – the polar bear, jaguar, American burying beetle, snail darter, coquí guajón rock frog and spotted owl – listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened or endangered.

The condoms also come with catchy slogans such as “Wrap with care, save the polar bear,” and “Wear a jimmy hat, save the big cat.”

“We were looking for kind of a light-hearted way to approach a very serious issue,” says Randy Serraglio, who is leading the campaign. “All of the major threats to biodiversity and endangered species worldwide are driven by the pressure of unsustainable human population growth.”

A group of 3,000 volunteers have been distributing the condoms in all 50 states since Valentine’s Day. Demand has proven so high, the centre is working on producing another batch.

While there are currently no plans to make the condoms officially available in Canada, a few have made their way north of the border, Mr. Serraglio says. “I know of at least one person who’s passing them out at the Olympics right now.”

And if learning turns you on, good news: Inside each condom package there is information explaining how population growth affects each animal, Mr. Serraglio says.

Of course, you could always, you know, bone up on matters afterwards.