Florida Panthers and the role of wildlife corridors

LEARNING OUTCOMES- Nature of Science SC.912.N.4.2 : Weigh the merits of alternative strategies for solving a specific societal problem by comparing a number of different costs and benefits, such as human, economic, and environmental.

LEARNING OUTCOMES- Life Sciences SC.912.L.17.8 : Recognize the consequences of the losses of biodiversity due to catastrophic events, climate changes, human activity, and the introduction of invasive, non-native species.

LEARNING OUTCOMES- Language Arts Common Core LACC.910.SL.2.4 : Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

LEARNING GOAL  Evaluate the potential need as well as benefits and drawbacks of constructing wildlife corridors.

OBJECTIVE:  Discuss the costs and benefits of wildlife corridors from different points of view.

ASSESSMENT  Presentation Rubric  Peer Review

MATERIAL LIST  Field or gym to set up activity  Up to 16 cones or lane markers if doing activity with 6 lanes and dividing median  Color stickers to identify type of animal or vehicle  Vests, flagging tape, or flag belts work, too  Dark-tinted sunglasses to simulate night driving (Such as the plastic sunglasses given at eye exam locations)  White board and markers for tracking the time it takes panthers to cross as well as recording the number of panther kills or survivors each round  Laptop computers  Town hall role cards

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS  While outside – no running over each other—be courteous.  Wear sunscreen, hat, sunglasses if you plan to be out more than 1 hour.  When simulating night driving you need to be extra careful about running into other students.  Have water to keep hydrated.  Be mindful of the heat.

The Florida Panther Status  Engaging Questions

Engaging Questions Panther population numbers have been decreasing drastically in Florida…  What do you think are some causes for panther deaths?

Engaging Questions One of the causes of population decline in panthers is the number that are hit by cars each year…  How many panthers do you think have been killed on Florida roads this year? Last year?

Engaging Questions  What do you think the panther population number is today?

Some Florida Panther Facts (please go to Ryw/ to get current information) Ryw/  15 panthers killed by cars in 2013  19 killed on roads in 2012  Current population estimates: only Florida panthers remain

Soooooooo?  Why should we care about such numbers?  Why should we care about panthers?  What do you think could be done to reduce Florida panther mortality?  Lets do the math: 15/100 = 15% (at the lower estimates) killed this year so far!

Soooooooo?  Lets do the math: 15/100 = 15% of the population (at the lower estimates) killed this year so far! 

Let’s Explore outside! Inquiry Activity: Panther Passage Perils Game

Explain what you learned  Propose ideas for reducing panther deaths on our roadways.  Florida panther info. Florida panther info  Panther Posse Panther Posse

What are wildlife corridors?

Making Connections Mock Town hall Activity  Discuss the costs and benefits of wildlife corridors from different points of view.

Making Connections Mock Town hall Activity  Different roles/viewpoints will be assigned to student groups  Use a computer or tablet for research to provide evidence to support your views.

Making Connections Mock Town hall Activity  After all view points have been presented, the town council members will make the final decision about the construction of wildlife corridors.

The Viewpoints/Groups 1. Environmentalist/Conservationist – passionate viewpoint, nature 1 st 2. Panther Biologist – viewpoint based on scientific research, aim is the promotion of panther population & genetic diversity 3. Landowner/developer - focus on economics, money comes 1 st

The Viewpoints/Groups 4. Farmer/Rancher – you don’t want your land taken away, protection of livestock 5. Chamber of Commerce – what is the impact on your community, i.e. taxes 6. Town council members – weigh all viewpoints and make final decision on wildlife corridors

REFLECTION  What were your initial thoughts about wildlife corridors?  Did your viewpoint/understanding of wildlife corridors change?  If so then….  How did it change?  What were the causes for the change?