Environmental Education Endangered Species

Content What is meant by “ endangerment of species ” ? How many species are endangered today? What are the causes of endangerment? Why do we need to save the endangered species? What should be done to solve the problem?

Endangerment of Species more than 1,000 animal species are endangered worldwide today. Extinct: a species is extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. Critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable: species which face high risk of extinction in wild in the near future, with decreasing risk level from critically endangered to vulnerable.

Factors affecting Risk Level of Endangerment Population size of the species, Size of habitats, Number of mature individuals,

Examples of Endangered Species

Causes of Endangerment Destruction of habitats Pollution Deforestation Urbanization Disease and limited distribution Introduction of exotic species Over-exploitation and illegal hunting

Over-exploitation In order to get timber for paper, furniture and building materials, a lot of trees are cut down. This destroys the woodland habitat.

Hunting

Why do we need to save endangered species? [1] Humans depend on ecosystems. The nature provides us water and air.

Why do we need to save endangered species? [2] Ecosystem will become unstable Loss of valuable natural resources Loss of employment Species have rights to survive

What should be done? Pollution control Reduce the use / recycle natural resources Ban or restrict activities that cause harm to the nature, e.g. hunting Act of Endangered Species

Discussion If dinosaurs were still alive in the world, should we conserve them? For endangered species that threaten our life, should we conserve them? How to judge, decide and make a balance? “ Human is selfish for exploiting the life of so many species ”, do you agree?

Discussion Keeping animals in zoo is one way to protect and keep valuable species. What are its advantages and disadvantages? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses body parts of animals to cure illnesses. How do you feel? What could be done? If the protection of endangered species will cause unemployment and hardship of the people in the developing country, what should be done?

Relevant Websites [1] Endangered Species Program, U.S. Fish & wildlife Service ( Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora – CITES ( Endangered Species on EE-Link Endangered Species ( A SeaWorld Education Department Resource ( Endangered Species (

Relevant Websites [2] Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department ( Conservation ( Example of endangered species that could be used in Traditional Chinese Medicines ( nserv/annex3.htm) nserv/annex3.htm Examples of plant species included in the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance ( nserv/annex4.htm) nserv/annex4.htm