Introduction to Wildlife

Next Generation Science/Common Core Standards Addressed! HS‐LS2‐6. Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem. [Clarification Statement: Examples of changes in ecosystem conditions could include modest biological or physical changes, such as moderate hunting or a seasonal flood; and extreme changes, such as volcanic eruption or sea level rise. HS‐LS2‐7. Evaluate the evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to, survive and reproduce. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on: (1) distinguishing between group and individual behavior, (2) identifying evidence supporting the outcomes of group behavior, and (3) developing logical and reasonable arguments based on evidence. Examples of group behaviors could include flocking, schooling, herding, and cooperative behaviors such as hunting, migrating, and swarming.

Bell Work/Learning Objectives Define endangerment and extinction. Describe how wildlife becomes endangered. List examples of endangered species. Explain how wildlife species are managed. Describe the endangered Species Act.

Terms to Know Endangered Species Endangered Species Act Endangerment Extinct Rare Species Threatened Species

What can you do? Suppose your expensive, newly planted trees are being eaten by an endanagered species of birds. You can not kill the birds because that would be illegal. You have contacted the local fish and wildlife agency, but they are busy and can’t address your situation for at least two to three weeks. What can you do?

What can you do? Break into small groups, build a list of solutions. Share your solutions by writing them on the board for a class discussion.

What are endangerment & extinction? When a living thing can no longer adapt to the world it lives in it ceases to exist. This could be due to food shortages, pollution, destruction of habitat, hunting pressure or failure to reproduce. Extinct- a species that has disappeared from the Earth. Endangerment- any threat to wildlife species that would lead to its extinction.

What are endangerment & extinction? A threatened species is a species of wildlife with low population numbers and may become endangered. They are not in immediate danger of becoming extinct.

What are endangerment & extinction? A rare species is one that only exists in small numbers. If not managed well a rare species may become threatened. An endangered species is one that is in immediate danger of extinction.

How do animals become endangered or extinct? Reasons for endangerment & extinction can be grouped in several categories: Pollution Destruction of Habitat Urban sprawl (the expanding of towns and cities) Introduction of new exotic species-competition Over exploitation Failure to reproduce Food Shortages

Native species are those plants and animals that are part of a specific geographic area and have been part of the biological landscape for a long period of time. Exotic species are introduced by humans.

What are exotic species and how do they effect our wildlife? Exotic species are harmful when they prey on natural species or compete for food. In some cases the exotic species brings with it new diseases the natural species cannot deal with. For example most of the Desert Bighorn sheep in New Mexico died from diseases borne by domestic sheep.

What is exploitation? A species may become endangered due to the rate in which the species is being used. Picture the unrestricted harvest of whales during the early and middle parts of the 20th century. This lead to restrictions and laws on whaling.

Exploitation!

What can we do? Repopulation of native wildlife. Reintroduction of wildlife into their natural habitat. Plant additional food sources. Construct safe environments where they can breed and give birth. Manage the use of chemicals. Move the animals to less polluted, less populated areas.

Why Save Endangered Species? A slow growing tree found in the ancient forest of the Pacific Northwest, once considered a trash tree, was recently identified as a promising treatment for ovarian and breast cancers. Digitalis is a drug derived from the purple foxglove, it’s used to treat heart disease.

Why Save Endangered Species? In the 1970’s genetic material from a wild corn species in Mexico was used to stop a leaf fungus that had previously wiped out 15% of the U.S. corn crop.

Why Save Endangered Species? Commercial and recreational salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest provides 60,000 jobs and $1 billion dollars annually and is the center of Pacific Northwest Native American culture. This industry is in trouble as salmon decline due to habitat degration from dams, clear cutting, and overgrazing along streams.

What is the Endangered Species Act? A federal law established in 1966 that sets regulations regarding endangered and threatened wildlife species. Congress provides money to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help support the care and management of these species.

Facts about endangered species More than one and one half million species exist on the earth today. There are more than 1,000 animal species endangered worldwide.

Facts about endangered species In the U.S., 735 species of plants, 496 species of animals are listed as threatened or endangered. 266 of these listed species have recovery plans under development.

What are some “Endangered Species” organizations? National Audubon Society’s Endangered Species Campaign Endangered Species Program-U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services National Wildlife Federation World Conservation Monitoring Centre Wildlife Conservation Society

What Can Agriculture Do? Farmers and ranchers in New Mexico appreciate the environment and the wildlife found there. Wildlife is a renewable resource that is managed by most agriculturists. Water development and habitat improvement benefit not only domestic livestock but wildlife as well. Midwest farmers have returned thousands of acres of marginal farm land to water habitat of migrating waterfowl. FFA members in many chapters make wildlife issues a part of the POA activities.

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