E-book Code: REAU4040

Written by Jane Bourke. © Ready-Ed Publications - 2005. Published by Ready-Ed Publications (2005) P.O. Box 276 Greenwood Perth W.A. 6024 Email: [email protected] Website: www.readyed.com.au

COPYRIGHT NOTICE Permission is granted for the purchaser to photocopy sufficient copies for non-commercial educational purposes. However, this permission is not transferable and applies only to the purchasing individual or institution.

ISBN 1 86397 620 5

Cover Photo Acknowledgements Parrot, panda, dolphin and gorilla images courtesy of IMSI Masterclips/MasterPhotos Collection, 1895 Francisco Boulevard, East San Rafael, CA 94901-5506 USA. While every attempt has been made to acknowledge the ownership of photos used within, in some instances this has not been possible. If you know of the photographers for any of these images, please contact the publisher so that proper acknowledgement can be given. ENDANGERED SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD Teachers’ Notes

Despite the efforts of a range of conservation programs, several native Australian animal species are still classified as critically endangered at a national level. While there are extensive education programs in place, many students are usually unaware of some of the lesser-known native species struggling for survival. This book endeavours to educate students to the plight of critically endangered, endangered and threatened species. It draws attention to well- known species such as tigers and Malayan bears, but also focuses on less recognised animals that are in a similar predicament such as the tuatara, the Humboldt penguin and the ponderous manatee. Other aims include clarifying the terms and status of endangered species as well as providing reasons for endangerment, which often vary among species. Students are also informed of what they can do to help certain species through a range of practical and simple strategies. The animal species explored in this book are classified according to the regions in which they are found. For each featured animal there is a background information page (Fact File) that contains relevant details (e.g. species’ name, habitat, description and so on) as well as conservation efforts, trivia and websites for further research. The tasks can be carried out in any order and completed independently. While Internet sites have been provided they are usually not essential to the activity. A symbol ( ) indicates where Internet access is required. There is a heavy emphasis placed on exploring the issues that threaten animal survival and students are given opportunities to examine conservation programs that are currently in place. The activities lend themselves to extension activities, which have been detailed on page 10 as part of ideas for National Threatened Species Day. At the end of each activity page is a WebQuester Challenge that will require access to the Internet. Ideally, the students should use the websites provided on the Fact File page as a starting point for their research. School World Endangered Species Project (Page 51) This is a global school project involving thousands of students from around the world. The aim of the project is to allow students to share their information on endangered species with other classes. Please visit the website at www.schoolworld.asn.au/species/species.html to ensure that your students meet the required guidelines before attempting to complete this activity. Specific guidelines for reporting are available at this link: www.schoolworld.asn.au/species/outline.html - Report Outline WEBSITES All websites mentioned in this book, including the page of Useful Websites on Page 5, have been linked online through the Ready-Ed Website at: www.readyed.com.au/urls/kids/species.htm By bookmarking this page, students can easily access the sites without having to type the addresses in. The websites are also checked regularly and replaced where necessary. Any broken links should be reported to [email protected]

2 Ready-Ed Publications ENDANGERED SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD Contents

Teachers’ Notes ...... 2 Curriculum Links ...... 4 Useful Websites ...... 5 Endangered Species - Definitions ...... 6 Glossary ...... 7 So Why Are These Animals Threatened? ...... 8 National Threatened Species Day ...... 10 What is CITES? ...... 11 Threatened Mammals Fact File: Malayan Sun Bear - Central Asia ...... 12 Activity: Saving the Sun Bear ...... 13 Fact File: Polar Bear - Arctic ...... 14 Activity: A Polar Bear Polaroid ...... 15 Fact File: Giant Panda - Central Asia ...... 16 Activity: A Pad for a Panda ...... 17 Fact File: Endangered Bats - Around the World ...... 18 Activity: Beneficial Bats ...... 19 Fact File: Asian and African Elephants - Asia and Africa ...... 20 Activity: Tasks About Tusks ...... 21 Fact File: Big Cat Family - Around the World ...... 22 Activity: Big Cats, Big Hunters ...... 23 Fact File: Black Rhinoceros - Africa ...... 24 Activity: Rhino Recovery ...... 25 Threatened Marine Mammals and Fish Fact File: Humpback Whale - Global Oceans ...... 26 Activity: Whales in the World’s Waters ...... 27 Fact File: Manatee - Western Atlantic Ocean ...... 28 Activity: Manatee Mayhem ...... 29 Fact File: Great White Shark - Global Oceans ...... 30 Activity: Protecting a Predator ...... 31 Fact File: Leafy Sea Dragon - Global Oceans ...... 32 Activity: Looking Out for Leafy Sea Dragons ...... 33 Threatened Reptiles and Amphibians Fact File: Tuatara - New Zealand ...... 34 Activity: Tuatara - Ancient Reptile Survivors ...... 35 Fact File: Komodo Dragon - South East Asia ...... 36 Activity: Missing Reptile Report ...... 37 Fact File: Galapagos Giant Tortoise - Central America ...... 38 Activity: Galapagos Action Plans ...... 39 Fact File: Harlequin Frog - Central America ...... 40 Activity: Amphibian Alarm! ...... 41 Threatened Birds Fact File: Humboldt Penguin - Southern Oceans ...... 42 Activity: Help the Humboldt ...... 43 Fact File: Philippine Eagle - South East Asia ...... 44 Activity: Endangered Bird of Prey ...... 45 General Activities Activity: An Endangered Species - Facing the Future ...... 46 Activity: A Wild Zoo ...... 47 Activity: Comparing Species ...... 48 Activity: Awareness Campaign ...... 49 Activity: Animal Trading Cards ...... 50 Activity: School World Endangered Species Project ...... 51 Activity: Think Globally, Act Locally ...... 52 Activity: World National Parks ...... 53 Activity: Word Search ...... 54 Answers ...... 55

Ready-Ed Publications 3 ENDANGERED SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD Curriculum Links

NEW SOUTH WALES QUEENSLAND Science & Technology Strands / Outcomes Science Values and Attitudes: Life and Living: VA7 Appreciates contributions made by individuals, groups, Draws conclusions about the relationship between features of cultures and communities to scientific and technological living things and the environments in which they live; 3.1 understandings. Describes some interactions between living things and between Information and Communication: living and non-living parts of the environment. 3.3 Creates and evaluates information products and processes, IC S3.2 demonstrating consideration of the type of media, form, audience and ethical issues. SOSE Time, Continuity and Change: Living Things: LT S3.3 Identifies, describes and evaluates the interactions between living Organises information about the causes and effects of specific things and their effects on the environment. historical events. TCC 3.4 Earth and its Surroundings: Place and Space: ES S1.6 Identifies and describes ways in which people and other living Compares how diverse groups have used and managed natural things depend upon the Earth and its environment. resources in different environments; PS 3.1 Human Society & Its Environment (HSIE) Strands / Outcomes Describes the values underlying personal and other people’s actions Environments: regarding familiar places; PS 3.5 Demonstrates an understanding of the interconnectedness ENS3.5 Cooperatively identifies an environmental issue of concern and between Australia and global environments and how individuals PS D3.6 and groups can act in an ecologically responsible manner. contributes to its solution. Social Systems and Structures: Describes how Australian people, systems and communities are VICTORIA globally interconnected and recognises global responsibilities SSS3.7 Science (e.g. protecting endangered species). Biological Science: Change and Continuity: Describes environmental factors that affect the survival of living Explains changes in the local community and global environments CCS2.2 things. 3.1 and their effect on individuals, groups and living things. Students describe some interactions between living things and SOUTH AUSTRALIA between living and non-living parts of the environment. Science Earth and Space: SOSE Describes the characteristics that sustain life on the Earth and Natural and Social Systems: changes to these characteristics and their impact over time. 3.1 Identifies elements of natural systems and shows examples of Life Systems: animals and plants linked in a food chain. Communicates understandings of life cycles and the importance 2.6 Time, Continuity and Change: of diversity for the future; Explains the interrelationships between Understands that changes have occurred over time which have systems within living things, and between living things in ecological 3.5 systems. affected, people, animals and the environment. Society & Environment Place and Space: Time, Continuity and Change: Investigates issues related to the care of places, particularly Identifies and explains sequences of change that have occurred 3.1 animal habitats. over time and recognises various perspectives on events. Place, Space and Environment: WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2.6 Identifies and describes significant resources, explains the threats Science which endanger them, and suggests strategies to combat threats. Life and Living: Understands that people cause change in natural and built 3.4 environments. Understands that living things have features that form systems LL 3 which determine their interaction with the environment. NATIONAL CURRICULUM (NT / TAS / ACT) Society & Environment Science Investigation, Communication and Participation: Life and Living: ICP 3.2, Maps relationships between living things in a habitat; Justifies decisions from a personal perspective using related 3.7 evidence and gathers information from more than one source. Explains why some living things have become extinct and 3.9 ICP 3.4 identifies current endangered species. Place and Space: SOSE Understands that the features of places are influenced by various Time, Continuity and Change: natural processes. PS 3.1 Gives reasons why the local community and environment have 3.3 Understands that people have different views about which places PS 3.3 changed and are likely to change. need to be cared for. PS 4.3 Place and Space: Identifies issues about the care of places arising from the different 3.6 Understands that people act to sustain the environment according ways in which they are valued. to their values. Resources: Natural and Social Systems: 3.12 NSS 3.1 Describes ways in which innovation and enterprise affect people Understands that elements of natural systems link to form cycles and the environment. of which people are a part. Natural and Social Systems: 3.13 Time, Continuity and Change: Describes examples of cycles within natural systems (e.g. Understands that at particular times there are various factors TCC 3.1 understands how animals and plants are linked by a food chain). which result in change. Investigation, Communication and Participation: 3.16 Frames questions and identifies sources of information. 4 Ready-Ed Publications ENDANGERED SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD Useful Websites

GOVERNMENT SITES AND OFFICIAL BODIES www.redlist.org/ - 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species www.ifaw.org/elephants.html - Information about endangered elephants, rhinos and gorillas www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/ - Threatened Australian Species and Threatened Ecological Communities www.bagheera.com/ - Bagheera www.wildaid.org - WildAid - Protecting and Educating www.unep-wcmc.org - UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre

SITES FOR KIDS library.thinkquest.org/J0111700/Index.htm - Endangered Animals of the World - A ThinkQuest Site library.trinity.wa.edu.au/subjects/science/endangered.htm - Endangered Species Links www.kidzworld.com/site/p2203.htm - Endangered Reptile Species library.thinkquest.org/19689/data/esframe.html - World Endangered Species - A ThinkQuest Site www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/9902/crime-busters/ - Wildlife Crime Busters www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/map.html - Kids Planet Especies www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/information/20-tips.html - How You Can Help! www.schoolworld.asn.au/species/species.html - School World Endangered Species Project www.science.org.au/nova/010/010key.htm - Australia’s Threatened Species from NOVA www.museum.qld.gov.au/features/endangered/ - Queensland Museum Endangered Species Online www.rainforestinfo.org.au/spp/ - The Endangered Species Project www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/Austendangered.htm - Endangered Australian Animals www.spx.nsw.edu.au/src/Links/endanganim.html - Endangered Animals Links www.calm.wa.gov.au/plants_animals/watscu_splash.html - Saving Our Threatened Wildlife www.australianwildlife.org/ - Australian Wildlife Conservancy www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/information/factsheets/index.html - World Wide Fund for Nature www.extinctanimal.com/extinct/extinct_mammals.htm - Extinct Mammals users.netconnect.com.au/Easter_Bilby/ - Read the Easter Bilby Story www.museum.vic.gov.au/bioinformatics/mammals/images/thumblmar.htm - Mammal Images rainforestinfo.org.au/spp/Schouten/ - Extinct Australian Species www.calm.wa.gov.au/plants_animals/feeding_wild_animals.html - Feeding Wild Animals www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/information/factsheets/index.html - National Threatened Species Day edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/endangsp.html - Excellent Links Page

Ready-Ed Publications 5 ENDANGERED SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD Endangered Species - Definitions

Threatened animal species are classified • Sumatra orangutan (Pongo abelii) - Indonesia according to the severity of their risk of • Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) - Eastern, central and extinction. Each country has its own southern Africa. Environment Protection and Conservation Act. Internationally, the World Conservation ENDANGERED: Union (IUCN) assesses the conservation Refers to species that are likely to become extinct status of all species and sub species to in the “near” future unless the threats and dangers highlight those that are threatened with to their survival are removed. Animal species in this extinction and devise ways of promoting their category are not “critically endangered” but they conservation. The IUCN produces a Red Data are still facing a very high risk of extinction in the Book that lists all threatened animal species. wild. Examples of endangered species include: This is commonly known as the Red List and • Asian elephant (Elephant maximas) - India and Asia you can learn more about at this website: www.redlist.org • Blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) - Most oceans, however only 1500 of these whales still exist In Australia, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) classifies VULNERABLE: threatened species using the categories below. The Refers to species that are not classified as aim of the Act is to promote the conservation endangered or critically endangered, yet are facing and biodiversity of threatened Australian species. a risk of extinction in the “medium-term” future. The classifications vary slightly among states and Species that fall into this category are likely to be territories. classified as “endangered” within the next 25 years if no action is taken to preserve the species. Species EXTINCT: that are considered “vulnerable” include: A species is said to be extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last member of this • Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) - Southern and species has died. Extinctions can be hard to prove Pacific Oceans and a limit of fifty years with no official sightings of • Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) - Most warm oceans of the the species is now used. Some scientists suggest world that up to ten species have become extinct every • Chuditch, Western quoll (Dasyurus geoffroii) - Western year for the last 600 million years. Examples of Australia extinct species include: NEAR THREATENED: • Dodo bird (Raphus cucullatus) Last seen in 1681 Refers to species that have been evaluated but do (Mauritius) not qualify as critically endangered, endangered, or • Thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus) Last seen in 1936 vulnerable. However, at some time in the future (Australia) - also known as the Tasmanian Tiger they are likely to qualify as a threatened species. • Steller’s sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas) Last recorded Examples include: sighting in 1768 (Pacific Ocean) • Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) - South America EXTINCT IN THE WILD: LEAST CONCERN: When a species exists only in cultivation, in Refers to species that have abundant populations captivity (i.e. a zoo program) or as a naturalised and are considered to be of least concern. There is population outside its past range. Examples include: no recorded evidence of a decline in numbers. An • Saudi gazelle (Gazella saudiya) - Saudi Arabia example includes: • Hawaiian crow (Corvus hawaiiensis) - Hawaiian Islands • Brown bear (Ursus arctos) - Europe, Asia and Northern CRITICALLY ENDANGERED: America Refers to species that are facing an extremely high DATA DEFICIENT: risk of extinction in the wild in the “immediate” Species where little is known about remaining future. Examples of critically endangered animals numbers and populations are listed in this category. include: Check Out: www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/esa.html for more.

6 Ready-Ed Publications ENDANGERED SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD Glossary

Biodiversity: (Biological diversity) is the term used Least concern: This is the status given by CITES (The to describe the variety that exists among organisms Convention on International Trade in Endangered and their environments. It is important that biodiversity Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) when a species of be protected so as to allow species to continue to plant or animal has been evaluated but does not qualify thrive. In the past, species have become extinct as a as being threatened at this time. result of natural causes. Today, however, loss of Marine Protected Areas: A marine protected area biodiversity is largely caused by humans. People have (MPA) is any marine area, together with its overlying hunted certain species to extinction and polluted and water and associated flora, fauna, historical and cultural destroyed their habitat. Conservation and protection features, which has been reserved by law or other efforts of recent years have slowed down the loss of effective means to protect part or all of the enclosed biodiversity but have not stopped it. environment. Some of the functions of MPAs are Community: Term used to describe all organisms protecting important habitats and areas, studying the inhabiting a common environment where all living effect of developments such as marinas on marine things interact with each other. habitats, protecting endangered marine species and Ecosystem: A self-supporting biological system regulating the fisheries to make sure size limits do not involving all the organisms in a community and the endanger the survival of certain species. natural environment. This basically includes all species Predators: Predators are carnivorous animals that hunt of plant and animal and the relationships that exist and kill other animals for food. This term is used to between them and the non-living aspects of their describe any animal that lives by preying on another environment such as air, water, light and soil. If anything animal. For example sharks are predators of smaller upsets the delicate balance the whole ecosystem will fish, frogs are predators of beetles and insects, be affected. An example of an ecosystem is a worm crocodiles are predators of fish, eagles are predators farm where there are many independent factors that of lizards and humans are predators of dairy cattle. work together so the whole system survives. Special adaptations: Animals make adaptations to Endemic: Refers to a species or population that occurs their environment by changing to become better suited in one particular region in all months of the year and to their environment in order to survive and reproduce. all years. For example, the chestnut-breasted whiteface Some of these adaptations may be behavioural while (Aphelocephala pectoralis) is endemic to South Australia others, which happen over long periods of time, may while the golden-shouldered parrot (Psephotus be physical. Kangaroos, in times of drought when there chrysopterygius) is endemic to the Cape York Peninsula. is little food, will not have as many babies so there are Environment: The surroundings in which a plant or fewer kangaroos to share the limited food sources. animal lives is called its environment. An animal’s When there has been a really good season they will environment is very important because it can influence have more joeys than normal because there will be an its development and behaviour. The environment of ample food supply. an animal includes its immediate habitat, climatic Species: This is the basic unit of classification for all conditions, weather and human interference. An animal members of the animal and plant kingdoms. Animals or plant adapts to its natural environment in order for are grouped together according to their common it to survive. If an animal exists in a harsh environment characteristics. Each group is classified as a species. it will try to develop special features over time that Members of a species all have common characteristics will allow it to exist more easily in the particular and differ from all other living things in one way or environment. For example, chameleons have another. The scientific name for species is usually developed a way to change their skin colour to allow written in italics or is underlined. No two species in a them to blend in with their surroundings, escaping genus have the same name and most of these names predators in the process. come from Greek or Latin words. All organisms are Habitat: The place or places normally occupied by a known by different common names around the world, particular species or population. however, their scientific name is always the same no matter what language. Home range: The home range is the area in which an animal will move around in order to feed. Sub species: A group that is a subdivision of a species, which usually occurs because of isolation within a species.

Ready-Ed Publications 7 ENDANGERED SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD So Why Are These Animals Threatened?

HABITAT LOSS INTRODUCED SPECIES Imagine if you came home from school one day Since Australia was colonised by European and your home was gone and possibly your settlers, many animal and plant species have been family! Well, this is what millions of living things introduced from other parts of the world. Some are facing on a daily basis. Most habitats are lost species have been used for agricultural or destroyed to make room for urban purposes, e.g. chickens, sheep and cows, other development. Habitats can disappear when species such as horses and greyhounds have trees are cut down, when bushland is cleared, been used in sporting events and some have when areas are prepared for mining and other been brought here merely as pets, e.g. cats and industrial activities, and when weeds and pests dogs. take over an area. While certain introduced species can contribute HABITAT CHANGE greatly to Australia’s economy and provide fresh Changes to an animal’s habitat can occur after a food sources for humans, others have caused natural disaster such as bushfire, flood, drought widespread environmental damage in the wild. or storm. Over time, these habitats can recover, Some animal species have upset the delicate but some communities may not survive or may balance that exists in an ecosystem by preying have been completely destroyed in the actual on the eggs and young of native species, others event itself. Human activities, such as clearing of compete with native species for food and space natural bushland or rainforests, mining and other while some types of fish, such as the European industrial processes can have such an impact that carp, muddy waterways and upset other species’ the natural environment is unable to recover or habitats that exist within a natural ecosystem. restore lost habitats, causing many ecological communities to suffer. Check out this site for a list of Australia’s introduced pests Clearing native vegetation results in habitats being broken up and can even isolate some www.teachingtreasures.com.au/science- populations of plants and animals. If only a small projects/pests.htm section of the habitat remains then it will only be able to support a reduced amount of the original population. Unless there are similar habitats nearby that the animals can colonise, these animal species will not survive.

Marine habitats, such as rivers, lakes and coastal waters, can be affected by industrial activity such as run off into waterways. The run off can contain harmful pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, sewage, oil, toxic chemicals and sediments. Such substances can kill marine species (both freshwater and saltwater) or make them very sick. These substances also damage the natural environment that the living organisms depend on for food and shelter.

8 Ready-Ed Publications ENDANGERED SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD So Why Are These Animals Threatened?

duced numbers of the spotted handfish in the ANIMALS BEHAVING BADLY Derwent estuary. Scientists say that this marine • Livestock such as rabbits, goats, pigs, sheep, buffalo, donkeys, “pest” poses a serious environmental threat horses, camels and cattle have been responsible for the from New South Wales coastal areas and could degradation of natural environments through their grazing reach right across to Western Australia in the habits. near future. Early efforts to destroy this pest • The hooves of some animals compacts the soil and stops were unsuccessful. new plants growing in areas of revegetation. Records show that these starfish were possibly • The lack of plants then leads to soil erosion and soil salinity brought to the Tasmanian region as early as 1986 (too much salt). and marine biologists estimate that there are at • Introduced animals also compete with native Australian least 30 million existing in the Derwent Estuary species for food, shelter and breeding sites. today. Source: massbay.mit.edu/exoticspecies/oceanspace/ seastar.html PREDATORS Introduced species such as foxes and cats prey PLANT PESTS on many native species. The numbat, western Weeds are plants that invade an area in the same quoll (chuditch), woylie and many species of way introduced animals have invaded areas. wallaby are a food source for such predators These “invasions” upset the natural balance of and so it is difficult to release these Australian an ecological community. Weeds are able to species back into the wild where the spread of thrive in places where they would not normally foxes and cats cannot be controlled. grow. By doing this, they compete with native plants for space, water and nutrients from the MARINE INVASIONS soil. Weeds generally have the ability to invade Introduced predators aren’t just restricted to disturbed sites such as sites that have been land! Many ships have brought fish, crustaceans, cleared, and are often not able to be of any use molluscs and worms into Australian waters to native animals as they are not a food source through their ballast water. or form of shelter. In fact, the only animals likely to benefit from such plants are feral animals! WHAT IS BALLAST WATER? Check out Weedbusters~! In order to maintain stability during transit along www.weedbusterweek.info.au/ Learn all coasts and on the open ocean, ships fill their you need to know about weeds and how to ballast tanks with water. This water comes from get rid of them! coastal port areas from where the ship sets off. Also visit www.weeds.org.au/ to identify a It is then transported with the ship to the next particular weed! port of call where the water may be discharged into the harbour or exchanged.

One of the more well known “bio-invaders” is the Northern Pacific seastar (Asterias amurensis).This species of starfish was officially discovered in Tasmanian waters in 1992 and has caused the decline of many native seastar populations as well as being responsible for re-

Ready-Ed Publications 9 ENDANGERED SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD National Threatened Species Day

This special day is held on September 7 each highlight the damage that such bags cause on our year with the aim of encouraging the community environment, the animals and plants that they affect and the to reduce the risk of extinction for threatened alternatives we can use when we shop. You can find about native species. Many Australians use this day to local projects by ringing your local Threatened Species celebrate our national flora and fauna. The day Network on 1800 032 551. was first held in 1996 and marked the 60th anniversary of the death of the last Tasmanian 3. Creatures Collage: Create a chart showing all of the Tiger in captivity in Hobart. It was organised by threatened species that live near your area. Write key facts the Threatened Species Network which is a for each such as their scientific name, habitat, threat risk, community-based program of the Natural reasons for being classified as threatened, diet, behaviour, Heritage Trust and the World Wildlife Fund special features, other locations around Australia and so (Australia). (www.wwf.org.au) on. Use your local library to find images of these species. If possible, try to take some photos to help illustrate your National Threatened Species Day draws poster. attention to the dangers affecting many plant and 4. Advertise a local event that is coming up, e.g. tree planting, animal species as well as highlighting ways that local clean-up day, weeding day, etc. the community can help the futures of these threatened species. 5. Create a poster for the RSPCA – give details on where the nearest centre is, what their mission is and why you should Check Out: www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/ contact them. On your poster be sure to make a note of threatened/information/factsheets/ everything the RSPCA can help you with in terms of caring index.html - Fact Sheets for abandoned or injured wildlife. You should also note down the number for your local wildlife rescue service. POSTER DESIGN 6. Create a poster for the Parks and Wildlife Service that Design a poster for National Threatened Species explains what to do if you sight any unusual animals or Day. This poster can be displayed at your school plants, or feral pests and weeds. or in your local community, e.g. shopping centre notice board, shop window, park notice board, 7. Choose an important community action to highlight. Think church, community hall and so on. You can of an eye-catching headline to get people looking at your choose whatever focus you like for your poster. poster. Ideas for poster themes include: Here are some starting ideas below: • Extinguish your camp fires and cigarette butts when you are in the bush. (Catchy headline = BUTT OUT!) 1. Threatened Species Fact File: Research specific details of a particular threatened species and create a poster that • If you live by the seaside, throw back fish that are too highlights the unique features. Be sure to include in your small when you are fishing. poster the locations and habitat of this species and the threats • Drive slowly at dawn and dusk to reduce the risk of it is currently facing. animal road deaths. • Take your own bag shopping rather than using the plastic 2. Advertising a Community Project: If there are any projects ones which can choke marine animals. that you know of that are aiming to reduce the threat of extinction of certain plant and animal species, then find out as much as you can about this initiative and use your poster to promote community involvement. For example, your community may be pushing to stop the use of plastic bags at shopping centres. If this is the case, your poster could

10 Ready-Ed Publications ENDANGERED SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD What is CITES?

CITES stands for the Convention of International Since CITES was established, not one of the 30,000 Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and listed species has become extinct. CITES is one of Fauna. the largest international agreements in existence in It is an international agreement between the world today and to date, 167 parties governments around the globe. Its main goal is to (countries) have signed. However, it should be ensure that international trade in animal species does noted that CITES is not an international agreement not threaten the survival of that species. on the conservation of endangered species and does not prohibit killing endangered animals or require This convention was organised in the 1960s at a that nations protect habitats. The laws of an time when the status of animal species and individual country determine whether it is legal to conservation efforts were not as obvious as they kill or sell an animal. are today. For more information visit: Animal trade is a multi-billion dollar industry. Species are traded as live animals or as animal www.cites.org/ - CITES products such as in leather goods, food products, www.iucn.org/ - World Conservation Union souvenirs and medicines. Some animal trade has www.redlist.org/ - Red List of Threatened greatly contributed to the decline in animal Species from IUCN numbers, with several species close to extinction. Australia and Endangered Species While other animal species are not classified as threatened, trade must still be monitored in order Australia’s commitment under CITES is explained to protect this species in the future. As interna- through the Environment Protection and tional trade crosses borders between countries, Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999. cooperation from a number of countries is required. www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/ Over 30 000 animal and plant species are protected trade-use/factsheets/cites.html through CITES. The first agreement was drafted in 1963 at a meeting at the World Conservation Union (IUCN). IN 1973, the Convention was New Zealand and Endangered Species: signed by 80 countries in Washington DC, in the United States. CITES came into force on 1 July New Zealand’s commitment under CITES is 1975. explained through the Trade in Endangered Species Act, 1989. www.doc.govt.nz/Conservation/Interna- tional/Convention-on-International-Trade-in- Endangered-Species/index.asp

©IMSI Masterclips/ MasterPhotos collection.

Ready-Ed Publications 11 Threatened Species of Central Asia Malayan Sun Bear

(IUCN Red List) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Scientific Name:: Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Helarctos malayanus concern Endangered There are eight species of bears in the world; the Malayan sun bear, the Asiatic black bear, the spectacled bear, the Sun Bear Adaptations American bear, the giant panda, the sloth bear, the polar The Malayan sun bear has many different bear and the brown bear. The Malayan sun bear is the adaptations to suit its habitat. This bear is a very smallest of all these bears. Despite the small size (1.2 skilful climber, aided by long sickle-shaped claws metres tall and 64 kilograms in weight) they can be on all four feet. These extremely long claws (up to extremely dangerous. 15 centimetres) allow the bear to dig for honey They live in the tropical forests of China, Burma, Malaysia, and grubs, which it licks up using its long tongue. Sumatra, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Borneo. Sun bears Its jaws are disproportionately large so that it can are primarily nocturnal and arboreal, building nests break open hard fruits like coconuts. The sun bear in tree branches and napping and sunbaking is able to tear trees apart with its long curved claws during the day. to get to the insects under the bark.

Diet These bears have an Check Out omnivorous diet, eating www.chaffeezoo.org/ fruit, tips from palm trees, animals/sunBear.html small mammals, birds and roots.

©IMSI Masterclips/ MasterPhotos collection. Threats to Survival Conservation Measures There are many reasons for the endangerment of the Malayan sun bear. Logging and conversion to Some conservation measures have been put into agriculture have destroyed the majority of the Ma- place to protect the Malayan sun bear. They have layan sun bear’s forest habitat. The logging roads been listed as a threatened species but the belief in allow poachers to capture the bears more easily. the medicinal properties is so firmly rooted in some As natural food sources disappear, the sun bears cultures it is virtually impossible to change. are driven by hunger to forage for food on farms Many countries have banned trade in bear prod- and plantations, where they are shot or trapped ucts, but in South Korea and Taiwan – the greatest by angry farmers. users of bear products – the government has not Malayan sun bears are also kept for pets – the banned their use. mother bears are killed in order to obtain cubs In China, scientists have developed a way to young enough to tame. extract bile from live bears and farms have been The demand for bear products is the greatest set up to do this. This effort has been driven more threat to all bears. Traditional Asian medicine by economics than concern for the animals. prescribes bear fat, gall, meat, paws, spinal chord, Although Government officials have claimed that bile, blood and bones for complaints ranging from the farming has slowed the killing of wild bears, it baldness to rheumatism. Bear entrees are popular actually promotes the use of bear products and in restaurants and sun bear paws are used in soup. makes them available to more people.

12 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of Central Asia Saving the Sun Bear Activity MAP IT OUT IT’S BARE IN THE WOODS! Use an atlas and the map below to Bears are rapidly disappearing from wooded show where the Malayan sun bear is areas in Asia. Summarise the two main threats still found. Shade the areas of each to the survival of the Malayan sun bear and other country. bears in the region.

China For each of your points, write down a solution or conservation effort that should be put into Myanmar Laos place. Be specific with your answers and try to give examples of how your solution/s have worked with other endangered animal species. Thailand

Cambodia Vietnam 1. Threat to survival: e.g. Habitat loss Problem - ______Brunei Malaysia ______A solution - ______Sumatra ______Indonesia

2. Threat to survival: Problem - ______A solution - ______

WebQuester Challenge: The Bear Family Bears belong to the order Ursidae. Find out the common names and locations of the sun bear’s two closest relatives:

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME GLOBAL LOCATIONS Ursus arctos horribilis Ursus maritimus

Ready-Ed Publications 13 Threatened Species of the Arctic Polar Bear

Threatened (IUCN Red List) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Scientific Name: Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Ursus maritimus concern Endangered Scientists believe that Ursus maritimus, the “sea Special Adaptations bear”, evolved about 200 000 years ago from its brown bear ancestors. Polar bears live in the Arctic The polar bear has many adaptations to both its marine Regions and know no boundaries. They pad across environment and to the very cold conditions in which it lives. Winter temperatures in the Arctic often plunge the ice from Russia to Alaska, from Canada to to -40°C or -50°C and can stay that way for days or even Greenland and over to Norway’s Svalbard weeks. Archipelago. Polar bears are the world’s largest The polar bear has a thick layer of blubber up to 11 land predator, feeding primarily on seals. The male centimetres thick, which provides excellent insulation and polar bear weighs up to 750 kilograms and the keeps the body temperature at approximately 37°C, which female weighs from 150 kilograms is average for mammals. They also have two layers of to 225 kilograms. fur that consist of hairs that conduct solar energy to their heat-absorbing skin. The polar bear’s compact ears and Check Out small tail also help heat loss. On bitterly cold days with fierce winds, Polar Bears Alive: polar bears dig out a shelter in a www.polarbearsalive.org snow bank and curl up in a ball to wait out the storm. When curled Polar Bear Tracker: up in a ball, the bears sometimes www.panda.org/ cover their muzzle with one of about_wwf/ their thickly covered paws. Polar where_we_work/arctic/ bears actually have more problems polar_bear/index.cfm with overheating than they do with the cold. Even in very cold conditions they quickly overheat when they run ©??? and this is why they generally walk around at a leisurely pace. Polar bears are considered to be marine mammals Conservation of the Polar Bear and are excellent swimmers. They have been known to swim up to 35 kilometres without a rest. They even have As polar bears are a threatened species, an forepaws that are partially webbed. These features and International Agreement on the Conservation of the massive size of their paws (up to 30 centimetres in Polar Bears was signed by the United States, Russia, diameter), help the polar bear swim efficiently. When a Canada, Norway and Denmark in 1973. This polar bear emerges from the water it shakes its fur like a agreement supported research and recognised the dog and also wrings water from its fur by dragging itself need for cooperative management of the polar bear. across the ice. They have excellent underwater vision and The natives of each country are allowed to kill a can spot food up to eight metres away. quota of bears but are restricted to what they can do with the skins and other bear products. Each Bear Talk country involved has different regulations, with Polar bears communicate with each other through a Norway completely protecting the polar bear and combination of body language and vocalisations. A deep growl Canada allowing the natives to hunt with serves as a warning or to defend a food source. They also like snowmobiles and high-powered rifles. There are to play, communicating this by wagging their head from side organisations like Polar Bears Alive devoted to to side or standing on their hind legs with their front paws educating people about the polar bear and hanging by their side. Among polar bears, hissing, snorting, a lowered head and ears laid back all signify aggression. A protecting them from being hunted unfairly. “chuffing” sound is a response to stress and mother polar bears scold their cubs with a low growl or a soft cuff.

14 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of the Arctic A Polar Bear Polaroid Activity SPECIES SNAPSHOT Find a snapshot image of a polar bear on the Internet. Print it out and stick it in the space below. Complete the report using the Fact File page and your own library research. 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123

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WebQuester Challenge: Polar Puzzler Surf around the Polar Bears Alive website and find out the five main threats to polar bear survival. www.polarbearsalive.org List them below.

• ______• ______• ______• ______• ______

Ready-Ed Publications 15 Threatened Species of Central Asia Giant Panda

(IUCN Red List) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Scientific Name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca concern Endangered

The cuddly giant panda is usually one of the animal What are the threats to the panda? images that first spring to mind when people talk The panda bear feeds on bamboo only and its forest about endangered species. The panda has become habitat in China is seriously under threat. The pandas a symbol for endangered species all over the world live in a number of small populations scattered and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has around the forest regions. Each of these populations used the panda’s name for its official website is fairly isolated and loss of habitat is the main (www.panda.org) and its image as the official problem facing the pandas. The reasons for the loss WWF symbol since 1961. of habitat include illegal logging operations and clearing of the land for farming. Also, bamboo stands often experience periodic large-scale die offs where no bamboo is available. In the past, pandas would simply migrate to a new area to find bamboo Read More supplies. However, because the panda populations are so Read more about the panda’s isolated, it is now very plight at this site: difficult for the animals to www.un.org/works/ move to new areas to find environment/animalplanet/ suitable food. panda.html Poaching of panda bears has also contributed to their decline ©IMSI over the years. However, this practice is no longer considered a major problem as the majority of the pandas are protected in special reserves. Where does the panda live? Panda pelts were once highly sought after and Once upon a time giant panda populations were poachers could make up to three times their normal found all through southern and northern China, as annual income on the black market selling the pelts. well as in northern Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Unlike the Malayan sun bear, panda body parts are northern Vietnam. Today, the giant panda is only not used in traditional Chinese medicine. Instead, found in the wild in mountainous forest areas in pandas were generally harmed when poachers had Central China, south of the Yellow River. It is set traps meant for deer. believed that there are less than 1600 pandas left Saving the Panda in the wild. The Chinese government has set up more than 30 reserves for the panda bear. While this action does Check Out improve the panda’s chance of survival, it hasn’t Want to know more? stopped the problems of habitat destruction and poaching and it also fails to protect pandas that do nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/ not live in these reserves. Only about 60% of and giant-panda.com/ China’s panda population is under protection. Panda Cam: www.sandiegozoo.org/pandas/ A commercial logging ban was declared at the end pandacam/index.html of 1998 protecting most panda habitats from destruction.

16 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of Central Asia A Pad for a Panda

Activity CONSERVATION AND CAPTIVITY The poor giant panda was once listed as one of the most critically endangered species in the world, but has since been re-classified as “endangered” as a result of some successful breeding programs and conservation efforts. Apart from reserves created in China, successful captive breeding programs are taking place in international zoos such as the San Diego Zoo and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in the United States. To date, only 20 pandas have been born in captivity outside of China. China also has established special research and breeding facilities for giant pandas. DESIGN ACTIVITY Imagine you are the zookeeper at one of the zoos or breeding facilities above. Design an enclosure for a giant panda. You will need to take into consideration many of the panda’s special features and of course their requirements. One of the most difficult things will be working out where to get all the bamboo! Make some notes below to show what your enclosure might involve. Draw a sketch of the enclosure in the space.

Space - How much space will the pandas and their future cubs need to roam around? Water - What water sources will you include? Trees - What vegetation should be present in the enclosure? Light - How much light do pandas require? Food - Where will the bamboo come from and how much will be needed each day? How much do you estimate this will cost? Panda toys: What other things do you need to add to the enclosure to keep the pandas amused? Breeding: What special things will you need to take into consideration to make the breeding program a success? (You will need to research this section carefully.)

Extension: Sometimes giant pandas may give birth to more than one cub. Usually the giant panda will pick one of these cubs to look after and the other cub will be removed and may be cared for by humans or given to a panda that has lost a cub. How do you feel about panda cubs being raised by humans? Write your thoughts on the back of this sheet. WebQuester Challenge: Pandas on Loan What are the names of the two pandas on loan from the China Wildlife Conservation Association? How long are they on loan for?

Ready-Ed Publications 17 Threatened Species Around the World Bats

(IUCN Red List) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Bulmer’s Fruit Bat (Aproteles bulmerae) Critically Scientific Name: Ailuropoda melanoleuca Least Vulnerable Endangered Extinct? Bougainville Monkey-faced Bat (Pteralopex anceps) concern Endangered Convex Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus convexus) Echolocation and many more species. Bats have many special adaptations to their environment Bats are classified as mammals because, like humans and the most interesting is echolocation. This is a way that bats can orient themselves to their surroundings, detect and other mammals, they feed their young milk. obstacles, communicate with others and find food. The They are unique as they are the only mammals that process works as a series of short, high-pitched sounds can fly. These interesting creatures do not have are emitted by the bat. The sound travels out and bounces feathers but their wings are formed from their skin, off objects and surfaces in the bat’s path, creating an echo. which is stretched over their fingers. Bats are The echo returns to the bat giving it a sense of what is in its nocturnal animals, roosting during the day and path. A bat can determine an object’s size, shape, direc- coming out to feed only at night. tion, distance and motion. This echolocation system is very accurate, so much so that bats can detect insects the size of gnats or objects as fine as a human hair.

Bats live all over the Check Out world with the Bat Conservation International: exception of very www.batcon.org/ and remote islands and endangered.fws.gov/bats/ bats.htm Antarctica. They do not live in very cold or Bats 4 Kids: members.aol.com/bats4kids/ very hot climates, preferring warm weather.

©Museum of Natural Biology, USA Bats under threat Bats are helpful to humans! Bats are under threat for a number of reasons, • Bats are considered to be nature’s best pest con- most of which are caused by humans. Widespread trol with a single little brown bat catching up to use of insecticides and chemicals kill the insects 600 mosquitoes in just one hour. that the bats feed on. There has also been a loss of • With bats eating so many insects and other pests, suitable roost sites. Bats often roost in roofs that this means less chemicals and poisons are used are sometimes treated with toxic chemicals, on crops and this is healthier for consumers. leading to poisoning. • Tropical bats are important to rainforests because How can we help to save the bat? they pollinate flowers and spread seeds for many trees and bushes. Flowers that bloom at night We can help save the bat from harm by becoming rely on bats for pollination. more educated about them. We can share this information with families and classmates. Do not • Bat excreta (guano) is one of the world’s best disturb bats where they live and don’t go into caves natural fertilisers available and is believed by or under bridges where they may be found. Bat scientists to contain a bacteria that may be useful losses are occurring at alarming rates worldwide in cleaning lakes and streams from industrial and it is important that everybody makes an effort pollution. to protect bats from extinction.

18 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species Around the World Beneficial Bats Activity Many people associate bats with creepy stories, dark caves and vampires and think that they cause nothing but trouble. In reality, bats are actually an amazing help to humans. Read the endangered bat Fact File and then explain in your own words how bats can benefit humans. • ______

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RAISING THE BAT PROFILE Bats have rabies! Bats suck your blood! Bats are blind! These are just some of the common myths surrounding bats, that aren’t quite true. You’ve been asked by the Bat Society to raise the profile of an endangered bat species around the globe. You may like to choose one of the species listed on the Fact File page or you can choose your own bat species for research. In the space below, create a plan for a poster that draws attention to the problems bats are facing as well as highlighting some of the benefits of bats. Include all the unique features of bats. Use a sheet of A3 paper to create your poster. Illustrate it with drawings or images downloaded from the Internet.

WebQuester Challenge: Bats in Danger Find the common and scientific names of three critically endangered bat species not listed on the Fact File page. (Hint: Check out the IUCN Red List at www.redlist.org) 1. ______2. ______3. ______

Ready-Ed Publications 19 Threatened Species of India/Africa Asian and African Elephants

(IUCN Red List) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Asian Elephant ( ) Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Elephas maximus concern Endangered African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) Appearance Elephants are the largest animals that roam the The different types of elephants vary in appearance earth today. There are two species of these great and size with some types being heavier, having a different mammals with the Asian species consisting of colour skin, different shapes and size of their ears and three types and the African elephant being varying trunk shapes. classified into two types. The different types The elephant is said to be the world’s most versatile cannot be divided into sub species because there herbivore with a trunk that can bend around and pull is some interbreeding between elephants of the up grass, pick up peas and tear off tree limbs. The different types in each continent. elephant’s tusks can also pry bark loose and dig pits, while their rasp-like teeth grind up the toughest grasses, reeds, barks and branches. Elephants are active at all times, usually standing up while they sleep, Check Out although they sometimes lie on one side. They drink and bathe Elephants Under Threat: daily but can go without water www.bornfree.org.uk/ele40.htm for several days if they move Elephant Facts: away from a water source. nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ They love to roll and wallow AsianElephants/elephantfacts.cfm in shallow pools, showering Care for the Wild: themselves by using their trunk. www.careforthewild.org/ After their swim they rub them- elephants.asp ©AfricanElephant, selves against trees and rocks. Corel Corporation To be social, adult elephants will insert the tip of their trunk into the Elephants in Danger mouth of another approaching elephant. All elephant species are endangered or threatened because Mother elephants lavish loving tender care on baby of problems with population growth and uncontrolled elephants, frequently touching them with their trunks hunting. There is a loss of their natural habitat because of and feet. The calf will often follow the mother, forest cutting and poachers kill elephant for their ivory tusks. holding her tail. The mother elephant is always Ivory is a hard, white substance that makes up the tusks of concerned about the safety and well being of her calf, elephants and other mammals such as hippopotamus, walrus lifting it over obstacles and pushing it under her to and mammoth species. It was previously used in the protect it from danger or the hot sun. When bathing, production of billiard balls and piano keys as well as dagger the mother sprays water over the calf and scrubs it handles and other ornaments. The sale and trade of ivory has gently with her trunk. Elephants also love to play, with been banned since 1989 in a bid to save elephant populations. trunk wrestling, shoving and butting being common Angry Elephant among young males. If elephants are Elephants display an interesting variety of behaviours that alarmed, angry or in can signify aggression, submission, social behaviour, play, alarm or pain. pain they will scream and growl An aggressive elephant will stand tall with its tail raised, and if they are in ears spread and its trunk hanging. It may make a rapid danger they will approach and trumpet loudly. form a defensive An elephant that is submissive will flatten its ears, arch its ring around the back and raise its tail. It might also sway, swing its foot or calves. ©Asian Elephant, back up and turn away. Corel Corporation

20 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of India/Africa Tasks About Tusks Activity Poaching has been a significant issue for elephants in both Asia and Africa. Read the Fact File to help you with the following tasks. What does the term “poaching” mean? Give details below. ______TUSK 1 (OOPS – TASK 1) Devise a proposal to increase elephant numbers in dying populations. Provide a decent background to your proposal by explaining how and why your proposal will work. Use your research skills to support your ideas. Remember to reference your work where possible. Write brief notes below and use a separate sheet to create your proposal. ______TASK 2 Make a list of everything that ivory is used for. Think of some other materials that can be used instead. ______TASK 3 Twenty-five years ago, there were approximately 1.4 million elephants in Africa, but now it is estimated that there are about 500 000 left. In Asia, the numbers are even less. Brainstorm to think of some solutions to solving the problem of declining elephant numbers. In the table below, write down some of the advantages of your idea and then include some negative aspects to your plan. An example has been given. PLAN PROS CONS E.g. Guard all elephants with armed forces to Would make it very difficult for poachers to get Would cost a lot of money and use a lot of keep poachers away. near the elephants. government resources.

WebQuester Challenge: Elephants in Emergency List some ways in which elephants in Thailand helped the rescue efforts in the 2004 Asian tsunami disaster. 1. ______2. ______3. ______

Ready-Ed Publications 21 Threatened Species Around the World The Big Cat Family

(IUCN Red List) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population Scientific Name: ) Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? (Family felidae concern Endangered All About Cats Leopard (Panthera pardus) Leopards live in the continents of Asia and Africa and there There are 36 species of wild cat. Each species has a are 20 sub species. They are the widest ranging of the big number of sub species and every continent, except cats living in environments as diverse as deserts to jungles. Australia and Antarctica, has native cats. There are eight endangered sub species of leopards with four of them classified as “critically endangered”. Threats Cats belong to the family Felidae within the order to the leopard include habitat destruction and poaching, Carnivora, a diverse group of meat-eating mammals. however, for an endangered species, this animal is actually All cats are hunters. They have large, forward-facing doing well considering that there are at least 500 000 eyes, excellent hearing, sharp teeth and strong limbs leopards still in the wild in Africa alone. armed with sharp claws for catching their prey. All Jaguar (Panthera onca) cats move silently with unusual grace, The jaguar is the largest cat in the western retract their claws and surprisingly, all hemisphere. It lives throughout Central purr – even the largest of the cat and South America and is abundant in family. the dense forests of Central America and Brazil. Their rosettes are larger Cats have changed little since and set further apart than a they first appeared on Earth leopard’s. They are a threatened over 30 000 years ago. From species in some areas but there the beginning, they were soli- are large numbers in the tary hunters that attacked Amazon Basin rainforests. from ambush with grasping Tiger (Panthera tigris) limbs, sharp claws and knife-like The tiger is listed overall as canine teeth. Most cats hunt at endangered and three sub species dawn or dusk and have excellent have become extinct since 1950. The senses of vision and hearing. They tiger lives in Asia and the largest cat in usually have patterned coats that help ©IMSI the world is the Siberian tiger. The stripes them hide from their prey. Very few cat on a tiger’s body are said to be elongated species are social and most are territorial in spots. Already many tiger sub species have become behaviour. extinct such as: This fierce family of animals has survived so long be- • Javan tiger (Panthera tigris mondaica) - Last specimen seen in 1979 on cause their diet consists of meat. Their food is not the island of Java, Indonesia. Extinct as a result of hunting and habitat found on trees and so the destruction of forests and destruction. wooded areas isn’t a major concern to their survival. • Caspian tiger (Panthera tigris virgata) - Last official sighting in 1968. Nature supplies the cat with the intelligence, courage This tiger was once found roaming Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and speed to become the hunter it needs to be to Russia and Turkey. survive. The similar diet of all cats could explain why the 32 species of the family of cats resemble each • Balinese tiger (Panthera tigris balica) - These tigers, which were only other so closely. ever found on the island of Bali, were hunted to extinction with the last one thought to have been killed in 1937. Lion (Panthera leo) Lions evolved on the savannahs of Africa only 70 000 years Check Out ago. Until very recently, lions existed in most areas including Look at big cats online: www.ecoworld.org/animals/ North and South America, all across Asia, down to India, ecoworld_animals_bigcats.cfm Europe and the British Isles, the Middle East and into Africa. Check out an extinct big cat species: The northern-most lions were enormous and known as www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/mammals/ cave lions, with the longest hair necessary to survive the smilodon/ Ice Age. They have only recently become extinct.

22 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species Around the World Big Cats, Big Hunters Activity Read the Fact File for the Big Cat family and answer the following. 1. Why do you think some species of big cats are more endangered than others? Highlight any patterns you can see to support your answer. ______2. What reasons can you find for big cats being survivors from prehistoric times? ______3. If all endangered big cat species became extinct, what effect might this have on other animals, such as the prey of big cats? ______

CATS IN CAPTIVITY One of the highlights of any trip to a zoo is to check out the big cats. Today in most zoos, cats are no longer housed in cages. Instead, they are usually placed in an enclosure that closely resembles the surroundings of their natural environment in the wild. 5. How do you feel about big cats in captivity? ______6. What solutions do you think will help save endangered big cat species? ______ WebQuester Challenge: Smile, it’s the Smilodon! Search the Internet to find information about an extinct sabre-toothed cat – the smilodon. List four facts about this cat creature that died out over 11 000 years ago. 1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______

Ready-Ed Publications 23 Threatened Species of Africa Black Rhinoceros

(IUCN Red List) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Scientific Name: Diceros Bicornis concern Endangered There are five rhinoceros species left on the planet with the black rhino being the most well known. Rhinoceros The Disappearing Rhinos species have been roaming the globe for over 60 million In the 1970s, half of the rhinos of the world were killed. years. An extinct species of rhino (Balucitherium grangeri) Today there is only 15% of the 1970 population in existence. was once the largest living mammal on Earth, weighing in While the Javan and Sumatran rhinos are facing a serious at 25 tonnes! threat of extinction, many conservation efforts have saved Many rhinoceros species are now extinct, however, thou- them in recent years. sands of years ago, rhinoceros species in all shapes and The black rhino hasn’t been as fortunate and it is estimated sizes existed on nearly every continent. that there are less than 2500 left, spread over African countries including Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia The rate at which the rhino has become endangered is and South Africa. frightening. Usually, the reason for large mammals being classed as threatened or endangered is Rhinoceros species have been hunted for as a result of habitat loss. However, in the hundreds of years because of their horn. rhino’s case, it’s the result of poaching Some people in ancient times believed or illegal hunting. that the horn was able to turn poisons into harmless substances. In Asia, people used the horn in traditional Remaining Rhinos medicines, however, the rhino The other four species: was never in any danger of White Rhino (Ceratotherium extinction during these times. simum) After the elephant, this In the 1970s, the price of oil rose. is the largest living land mammal What has this got to do with today. There are two sub species: rhinos? Well, in an African country The Northern white rhino and the called Yemen, the rising price of oil Southern white rhino. The South- ©IMSI made many people very wealthy as ern white rhino is considered the least oil was facing a world-wide shortage, endangered of the remaining rhinoceros so many oil producers were becoming species, however there are only thought to able to afford precious dagger holders made be about 30 Northern white rhinos left and this from rhino horn. Almost everyone in Yemen was sub species is critically endangered. The white rhino is not white in colour. Its name is thought to be a able to afford them and they became a must-have item. mis-translation of the Dutch word wijde which means Suddenly, Yemen became the largest importer of rhino “wide” and not “white”. horns and with a population of over 6 million, a lot of Indian Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) As a result of rhino rhinos were needed to keep up with the demand. The value conservation programs, this rhino species has been saved of the rhino horns went up and this kept poachers busy. A from near extinction. It is found in Nepal and India and similar story involves elephants being hunted for their ivory current rhino numbers have recovered from less than 200 tusks. When such precious parts can be sold for as much as to around 2400! $50 000 for two, it is too much of a temptation for strug- Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) This is the rarest of gling farmers and hunters to resist. the rhino species with fewer than 60 animals left. There is Conservation Efforts a population in Indonesia and one in Vietnam. Trade in rhino horn – and ivory for that matter – is Sumatran Rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) prohibited, however, there is still a black market that con- This hairy rhino species is probably the most endangered tinues to sell these products. Rhinos are also kept in re- of all rhinoceros species, although it competes with the serves. In the past rhinos were killed in protected regions as Javan rhino for this title. Numbers have declined over 50% due to poaching over the last 15 years. Less than 300 some African governments could not afford to patrol the Sumatran rhinos are left wandering around very small and parks to prevent poaching. Today, because there are so few often isolated populations in South East Asia with Indonesia black rhinos left, they are literally under armed guard. Even and Malaysia being the only significant range states. Their when they go foraging for food, a guard with a rifle goes main threat to survival is poaching. with them. Tragically, there have been armed guards killed by poachers, just so they can get the valuable rhino horn.

24 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of Africa Rhino Recovery Activity RESCUE PLAN RHINO SPECIES There are numerous projects set up around the What are the names of the five rhinoceros species? world aimed at restoring rhino numbers to healthy Write an interesting fact about each one. populations. Check out the work of the national Common Name ______parks below. • Nairobi National Park - www.kws.org/rhino.htm Scientific Name ______• Kruger National Park - www.krugerpark.co.za/ Interesting Fact ______africa_black_rhino.html • Wild Aid - www.wildaid.org (Black Rhino Program) Common Name ______• Garamba National Park - www.rhinos-irf.org/ Scientific Name ______irfprograms/africaprograms/garamba/ (concerned with conservation of white rhinos). Interesting Fact ______• Save the Rhino International - www.savetherhino.org/ Common Name ______After exploring some of the work that the above Scientific Name ______organisations and parks are involved with, create Interesting Fact ______an information package that summarises and promotes the national park or program that you Common Name ______are most interested in. Start your notes by jotting Scientific Name ______down information for each heading below. Present your work in poster format using A3 card. Interesting Fact ______Download rhino images to illustrate your poster.

Common Name ______Location: ______Scientific Name ______Activities: ______Interesting Fact ______What percentage of the world’s rhinoceros population has been wiped out? ______Project goals: ______What are the reasons for the dramatic decline in ______rhinoceros numbers? Future plans: ______Key statistics about rhino types involved in the DID YOU KNOW? program: ______All black rhinos use communal ______dung heaps. Sometimes they scrape their feet in the dung ______heap to leaving a scent as they travel about. Nice one! WebQuester Challenge: Rhinos Down Under Use your research skills to find an answer to this challenge: Find the name of an Australian or New Zealand zoo that has a rhino enclosure. ______

Ready-Ed Publications 25 National Oceanic & Atmospheric Adminstration (NOAA)

Threatened Species of the Oceans Humpback Whale

(IUCN Red List) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae concern Endangered The humpback whale species has suffered a massive decline Humpback Habits over the last 100 years. In the 1870s it was believed that there were around 125 000 whales swimming the world’s • These whales migrate annually from the tropics to polar regions. oceans. However, today it is thought that there are less than • Humpbacks sometimes hunt in packs where several whales will circle a school of fish and blow bubbles to trap them in. This is known as 7000 whales in existence. “bubblenet feeding”. The Specs • Their favourite foods are krill (like tiny prawns) and school fish such as Humpback whales are able to live to around 95 years of age. mackerel and herring. They can weigh up to 65 tonnes and grow to lengths of up to • Humpbacks will eat up to 4000 kilos of fish a day. nearly 15 metres long. Their large front flippers can grow to • Male humpbacks make vocalisations known as “songs”. over 4 metres. • Humpbacks are very well known for leaping out of the water. This action is known as “breaching” and it is thought to be a playful gesture, although it may be related to breeding habits. Scientists are still at sea on that one! Humpback Hardship - Where have they all gone? You can visit the International Whaling Commission website at Many factors have contributed to the www.iwcoffice.org drastic decline in humpback whale populations. The main issues con- Learn more about humpbacks: cern illegal whaling, tangles with www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/ commercial fishing nets and death humpback/ and from marine pollution. www.nwf.org/wildlife/ Commercial whaling was also a major factor in reducing whale humpbackwhale/ numbers and steps were taken to see this industry stopped. The humpback ©IMSI whale, was used a meat source for pet foods. When whaling first started in the 19th century, humpbacks were hunted for their valuable bony plates that were up to two metres long. The International Whaling Commission These plates were known as whalebone or baleen and could be A TIMELINE OF EVENTS – Many other whale species are sold for up to £2000 which was a lot of money at the time. currently classified as endangered. Progress has been made in recent years to stop these species becoming extinct. 1946 The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was Whaling Today established by the major whaling countries of the Unfortunately, commercial whaling is still occurring. world, in an effort to protect the number of whales left in the oceans from over hunting. •Iceland announced its “Scientific Whaling” program in August 2003. In 1989, Iceland had 1972 A vote was held to end commercial whaling with 53 stopped its illegal commercial hunt following countries voting for this decision. However, this did not take effect until 1982 when 25 countries voted worldwide boycotts and economic pressure from for a three-year phase out. other countries. 1979 The Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary was created by • Norway began commercial whaling in 1993 as an the IWC, which banned all commercial hunting of attempt by one of their political parties to gain whales in the Indian Ocean. popularity in northern Norway. 1982 The IWC voted for a moratorium on commercial whaling and this has been in place since 1986. • Japan has conducted an annual whale hunt since 1987 in Antarctic waters which they call 1988 All nations had stopped commercial whaling. “scientific” whaling. 1994 The IWC set up the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary.

26 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of the Oceans Whales in the World’s Waters

Activity CLASSIFICATION The humpback whale is only one of a number of whale species that are threatened. Complete the table below by searching the IUCN Red List database at: www.redlist.org/search/search-basic.php

Classify each of the whale species below as either Endangered, Vulnerable or Least Concern Location of whale Endangered Vulnerable Least Concern Humpback whale ______e.g. All oceans Blue whale ______ Beluga whale ______ Gray whale ______ Antarctic minke whale ______ Southern right whale ______ North Atlantic right whale ______ Killer whale ______ Sperm whale ______ Fin-backed whale ______

SAVING THE WHALE Drastic steps have been taken to increase declining whale populations. The most significant action involved a worldwide ban on commercial whaling. Under the following headings below discuss other factors that have led to the whale’s decline. Include ideas about current solutions. Also include other ideas of your own that could be used in a “Save the Whale” campaign.

Illegal whaling: ______Marine pollution: ______Current solutions: ______Current solutions: ______A possible solution could be: ______A possible solution could be: ______

WebQuester Challenge: A Brainy Question Use your Internet research skills to find an answer to this challenge: Find out how the size of a humpback’s brain compares to that of a human brain. Write your answer below. ______

Ready-Ed Publications 27 Threatened Species of the Western Atlantic Ocean Manatee

(IUCN Red List) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Scientific Name: Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Trichechus manatus concern Endangered These rather ugly, but fascinating, aquatic mammals are thought to have evolved from Where do they live? wading plant eating mammals. They are also closely Manatees are usually found in shallow, slow moving related to elephant species. rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays and coastal areas. They migrate to warm coastal waters during This endangered species of manatee is also related summer months. The West Indian manatee has a to the West African manatee, the dugong (Dugong range from as far north as Virginia in the United dugon), and the extinct Steller’s sea cow, which States and as far south as the north coast of Brazil. was last seen in 1768. BIG Eaters Manatees Under Threat Sadly, manatees could be on the road to extinction. They These massive aquatic creatures are face a number of threats to their survival and herbivores, feeding on marine have a very high mortality rate as well as a vegetation and daily eating as low breeding rate. It is believed that much as 15% of their total there are less than 2600 West Indian body weight. The average manatees left. Threats include: weight of the manatee is Red tide - this is the term given around 450 kilos, so that is when there is a higher than normal a fair amount of food! concentration of marine algae in Manatees spend up to 8 the water. In regions where the hours a day eating, while the manatee populations live, most red rest of the day is spent tides are caused by a micro-algae sleeping or travelling around. (Karenia brevis) that produces a toxin They graze for food along the (brevetoxin) that can poison manatees riverbeds and sometimes rest and other marine life. submerged at the bottom of a shal- ©U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Crab trap and fishing lines - manatees low waterway, coming up to the sur- often get their tails and fins caught up in these nets face to breathe every three to five minutes. in shallow water, causing gashes which easily become infected. They are able to hold their breath for up to fifteen Manatees have also been killed after swallowing fish hooks. minutes while resting. Human related mortalities - accidents in shallow waters Manatees Vs Mermaids involving watercraft (speed boats) have killed many manatees. It is thought that powerboats are one of the main threats to Manatees belong to the order of animals classified manatees. Many surviving manatees display scars from as Sirenia, a Latin word for “siren” or “mermaid”. collisions with boats. It is believed that many early sailors mistook manatees for mythological mermaids. Canal locks - a large number of manatees have been caught Learn more about these intriguing marine beasts: and drowned in canal locks and flood control structures. Habitat loss - residential development along rivers and Check Out waterways has damaged the estuarine seagrass communities that manatees rely on for food. Chemical pollution from  www.bagheera.com/inthewild/ van_anim_manatee.htm - Bagheera: The manatee development has also affected their habitat. www.savethemanatee.org/ - Save the manatee Disease - mass deaths have been traced to a greater risk of disease due to chemical pollution. Toxins build up in the bodies Also check out something more local that is in danger of dying out: of manatees making them more prone to serious diseases that can then lead to an epidemic. Chemical pollution has also www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/ publications/dugong/ - Facts about dugongs been responsible for an increase in disease among dolphins and seals.

28 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of the Western Atlantic Ocean Manatee Mayhem

Activity MANAGING THE MANATEE The manatee is currently facing several threats to its survival. Like most endangered animals, habitat loss plays a key role in the decline of manatee populations in the West Indian region. Create a plan to save the manatee from ALL of the factors that are contributing to this species’ low numbers. In your plan, brainstorm and then explain how you will address each of the following issues. Include how you think each of your ideas will work. Use the Action Plan below to set out your mission! Write in-depth details on an A3 sheet of paper for each of the eight problem areas.

SPEED BOAT RED TIDE CRAB TRAPS DISEASE ACCIDENTS Problem: ______Problem: ______Problem: ______Problem: ______Plan: ______Plan: ______Plan: ______Plan: ______Evaluate the plan: Evaluate the plan: Evaluate the plan: Evaluate the plan: (Will this plan really work? Why / (Will this plan really work? Why / (Will this plan really work? Why / (Will this plan really work? Why / Why not?) Why not?) Why not?) Why not?) ______FISHING LINES, POLLUTION HABITAT LOSS CANAL LOCKS (FROM RESIDENTIAL NETS & HOOKS AREAS) Problem: ______Problem: ______Problem: ______Problem: ______Plan: ______Plan: ______Plan: ______Plan: ______Evaluate the plan: Evaluate the plan: Evaluate the plan: Evaluate the plan: (Will this plan really work? Why / (Will this plan really work? Why / (Will this plan really work? Why / (Will this plan really work? Why / Why not?) Why not?) Why not?) Why not?) ______ Webster Challenge: Disappearing Dugongs The dugong is currently classified as a vulnerable species. It is the only plant-eating marine mammal found in Australian waters. In what locations around Australia are dugongs likely to be found? ______

Ready-Ed Publications 29 Threatened Species of the Oceans Great White Shark

(IUCN Red List) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Scientific Name: Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Carcharodon carcharias concern Endangered Fishing for Food As a young shark, this animal feeds mainly on a variety of fish species. As they grow larger, they prey on sea lions and seals, particularly the elephant seal, which is known as a shark favourite. Strangely enough, one of the ocean’s most A shark’s tooth structure changes as it matures. As a feared predators has been declared a young shark, its teeth are sharp and ideal for gripping onto slippery fish. Later on, shark develops large threatened species in recent years. serrated teeth that are suited to taking large bites out of creatures. A large great white pointer is capable of eating half a sea lion in one gulp! Scary. Check out some great white pointers on the net: Sharks prey onCheck just about anythingOut www.amonline.net.au/ that spends time in the ocean. fishes/fishfacts/fish/ Penguins, dolphins, squid, ccarchar.htm - White shark turtles and even other sharks details ©IMSI are not safe from this deadly www.nationalgeographic.com/ predator. This species is also kids/creature_feature/0206/ known to scavenge food off - Creature Feature dead marine mammals such as www.nationalgeographic.com/ whales. fieldtales/greatwhite/ Interestingly, sharks do not like - Shark Cam the taste of human flesh. Most attacks on humans are usually a result of the shark mistaking a person or Protecting the Pointer surfboard as a seal – especially surfers in dark wet suits! Despite the fact that human deaths are often The Convention on International Trade in Endangered reported, most shark attacks are not fatal. Once the Species (CITES) is calling for greater protection for these shark has taken a bite, it usually realises it does not marine killers. The sharks are being hunted for their teeth want any more and so most shark attack victims and jaws, which are fetching thousands of dollars in illegal trade. Shark fins are also popular ingredients in expensive escape with loss of flesh. The fatalities are usually as a delicacies such as shark-fin soup. result of blood loss from injuries. This species is now protected in all Australian coastal waters (* Department of the Environment and Heritage Shark Specs 2005), despite being responsible for a small number of •sleek, streamlined body human deaths over the years. In 1992, South Africa became the first country to protect this species and was •crescent-shaped tail shortly followed by Namibia, the Maldives, Florida and •black eyes California (U.S.), and then Australia. •long pointed snout It is important to remember that this shark species has a low reproduction rate and therefore is not capable of •very large jaws recovering from low numbers at a fast rate. Female sharks •large triangular teeth with serrated edges do not reproduce until they reach at least five metres in length and even then, they produce a relatively low number •length: up to 6 metres of pups. •weight: up to 3000 kg

30 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of the Oceans Protecting a Predator Activity The great white pointer is classified as a vulnerable species and is currently protected by law from commercial and recreational fishing in Australia. This shark has also been responsible for shark attacks, with some even resulting in death. THE GREAT WHITE DEBATE A debate is a formal argument where two teams put forward cases for and against a topic. Read the statement below. “Great white sharks that attack people should be destroyed.”

Put forward a case for the Affirmative side. Write your ideas and opinions in point form. Remember, the Affirmative team should always support the topic. • ______• ______• ______• ______• ______

Put forward a case for the Negative side. Write your ideas and opinions in point form. Remember, the Negative team should always argue against the topic. • ______• ______• ______• ______• ______

What is your actual opinion on the debate topic above? Discuss your reasons. ______

WebQuester Challenge: Age of Sharks Use your research skills to find an answer to this challenge: If a white pointer measures about 5-6 metres in length, roughly how old would scientists believe it to be? ______

Ready-Ed Publications 31 Threatened Species of the Southern Oceans Leafy Sea Dragon

(Australian Dept.of Fisheries 1991) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Scientific Name: Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Phycodurus eques concern Endangered This unique marine creature comes from the seahorse family and is very closely related to the Threats to the Sea Dragon weedy sea dragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus). Like Many sea dragons are captured for aquarium trade, as they their name suggests, leafy sea dragons’ bodies are are such a rare and beautiful species. Collectors and covered with leaf-like structures and they hobbyists will pay high prices for these delicate but fragile creatures. Many collectors are unable to provide the sea resemble floating pieces of seeweed. These sea dragons with the right food and environment and this dragons can grow up to 35 centimetres long. generally leads to the sea dragon dying soon after capture. The sea dragon’s interesting appearance serves as Sea dragon numbers have also decreased as a result of sea a defence mechanism to ward off predators. By storms. Their bodies are unable to cope with sudden camouflaging themselves among marine plants, changes in water pressure, which can occur in stormy the sea dragons become very difficult weather. Many sea dragons are found washed to find in their natural habitat and as up on the beach after bad weather. a result have very few marine Currently, it is the loss of habitat that predators hunting them. The is causing the biggest concern for sea sea dragon’s camouflage look dragon survival. Many coastal also helps it to prey on habitats are under threat of smaller fish. industrial pollution, and run-off caused by agricultural fertilisers Camouflaged and drains from mainlands. Creatures Pregnant Fathers? These rare species are found Did you know that sea dragons are only in Australia’s temperate one of the few animal species in this coastal waters. There are © IMSI world where it is the job of the male to records of them inhabiting the ©??? give birth to the young? southern coastline from Kangaroo Island to Rottnest Island, off the coast of It’s true – the female sea dragon gives the eggs to the male to carry. She lays 100-250 eggs on a spe- Western Australia. They prefer to live in sand cial patch on the underside of the male’s tail and it is here patches near kelp-covered rocks and rarely that they attach themselves to the tail and are fertilised. venture deeper than 50 metres. They are also found around rocky reefs, seaweed beds and Then, after a period of about 4-6 weeks, the male hatches two batches of eggs. The male literally “gives birth” to the seagrass meadows in shallow coastal waters. tiny sea dragons. Conservation Efforts Amazingly, once a sea dragon is born, it needs no help whatsoever from its parents and is straight away able to Dragon Search (www.dragonsearch.asn.au) fend for itself, eating phytoplankton until it is large enough monitors the numbers of leafy sea dragons and to hunt for small marine creatures. works closely with other marine organisations to help protect this endangered species. It also See Sea Dragons on the Net: encourages community members (e.g. scuba www.fish.wa.gov.au/rec/broc/fishcard/dragon.html divers) to report sightings of the sea dragons, www.amonline.net.au/fishes/students/focus/ seadrag.htm which they can do online at the website above. www.dragonsearch.asn.au/code/dscode.pdf - Scuba This information is very important as it helps marine Diving Code of Conduct biologists know how many leafy sea dragons exist www.deh.gov.au/coasts/mpa/ - Australian Marine within a population and also helps them to develop Protected Areas www.doc.govt.nz/Conservation/Marine-and-Coastal/ a management plan for the species and to find out Marine-Reserves/index.asp - New Zealand Marine Reserves more about their habitat requirements.

32 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of the Southern Oceans Looking out for Leafy Sea Dragons

Activity Read the Leafy Sea Dragon Fact File and complete the following.

SCUBA AND SEA DRAGONS Imagine you are a scuba diver. Find out some information that you think would be helpful for other scuba divers in case they come across sea dragons in their travels. Use the Diving Code of Conduct website on the Fact File as a start. Discuss six points that you should keep in mind should you come across leafy sea dragons in your What are the threats to the leafy sea dragon’s scuba explorations. Be sure to explain why these survival? rules should be followed. E.g. Look but don’t touch! - Important, as ______touching the sea dragons can injure or stress them out! ______

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What are some conservation efforts that are ______taking place? • ______

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WebQuester Challenge: Marine Reserves Find out the name/s of the marine reserve nearest to where you live. If you live inland, choose the nearest coastal area. List some species that are protected within this marine reserve. ______

Ready-Ed Publications 33 Threatened Species of New Zealand Tuatara

(IUCN Red List) Fact File Scientific Name: Status meter Decreasing population

Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Sphenodon punctatus and Sphenodon guntheri concern Endangered The tuatara is the most unique reptile left roaming Location and Habitat the earth. Millions of years ago the tuatara lived Tuatara are found on about 30 small, hard-to-get- side by side with dinosaurs at a time when the to islands off the coast of New Zealand. earth’s continents were joined as one. They also Approximately 1000 years ago, these curious survived the events that led to the dinosaurs lizards were spread out over the mainland but becoming extinct across the globe – many people became extinct before the arrival of European believe that a meteor crash was responsible, settlers. Their habitat is cold and damp with occurring 65 million years ago. temperatures often approaching freezing. Tuatara may have once roamed all over the earth as well, however, today they are found only A Third Eye? in New Zealand. Interestingly, New Yes, it’s true. Tuatara have a “parietal eye” Zealand has no native mammals on the top of their head! This eye contains species and this may well be the a retina and functions in the same way ©Alan Hill reason why tuatara have been that normal eyes do, however, a able to survive in that region. scale grows over the top of the eye when a tuatara reaches adulthood. Tuatara - Ancient Tuatara in Trouble Reptiles Tuatara flourished on mainland These two amazing lizard New Zealand for over 80 million species are the last surviving years. However, several factors members of a reptilian family have since played a part in their that dates back to the rapid decrease in numbers over the Mesozoic Era. This era was last 1000 years. These factors include known as the beginning of the Age natural events such as wildfires, clearing of Reptiles and occurred around 248 of the land for agriculture and industry and million years ago. hunting by introduced mammals such as cats, dogs, rats and even humans. Tuatara are the only living descendents of the There are only about 400 members left of the Sphenodon order of reptiles known as Rhynocephalia. guntheri species, which is facing extinction in the future. Not only are tuatara an ancient species, they can Fortunately, the Sphenodon punctatus species still occurs in also live to a ripe old age – even past 100 years abundant numbers with a large population on Stephen’s old. Now that is ancient! Island in Cook Strait. This island is rat-free and provides a safe habitat for tuataras. Tea Time for the Tuatara In recent years, conservation efforts have included the Tuatara are nocturnal creatures, feeding only at night on foods like insects, creation of “rat-free” islands such as Tiritiri Matanga. These worms, snails and almost anything else they find. islands are unique, as they are teeming with bird life and other wildlife that would normally have become extinct in Tuatara have also been known to eat their own offspring! mainland New Zealand forests. As these islands are also free of other introduced mammals they are rich in plant life Check Out: that supports a whole range of lizard, insect and bird www.terranature.org/tuatara.htm species.  www.panda.org/news_facts/education/ Using such islands as a sanctuary for tuatara and other middle_school/species/tuatara.cfm endangered native species could be the answer to reducing the threat of extinction. www.forestandbird.org.nz/magazines/96feb/ rat_free_islands.asp - Rat-free Islands

34 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species Down Under Ancient Reptile Survivors

Activity ISLAND SANCTUARIES THINK ABOUT IT! One of the main reasons for the decline in tuatara Read the Fact File about this populations was the introduction of various fascinating dinosaur relative. predators. Describe and discuss the “rat free” island concept that is currently set up in New Zealand to address this problem. You may like to conduct some further research on the Internet using the websites listed on the Fact File page. In your response, include your feelings about this project and other things you would like to see occur that will help the plight of the tuatara. What possible reasons can you give for why this ______unique reptile was able to survive the event that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs? ______

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______Describe the changes that have occurred on the “rat-free” island sanctuaries. ______

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WebQuester Challenge: A Cold-blooded Creature Study the websites for information about the tuatara’s blood temperature. Write three related facts below:

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Ready-Ed Publications 35 Threatened Species of South East Asia Komodo Dragon

Fact File Status meter Decreasing population (IUCN Red List)

Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Scientific Name: Varanus komodoensis concern Endangered This fierce reptile is the largest living lizard left on the planet Lizard Locations and is also the world’s heaviest lizard. Growing to over These cold-blooded dragon lizards are found only on the three metres and weighing in at about 70 to 90 kilograms, Indonesian islands of Flores, Komodo, Rinca and the smaller they are actually quite fast moving, given their size. They islands of Gili, Montang and Padar. With the exception of are also adept at climbing trees and are excellent swimmers. Flores, all of these islands are grouped together as Komodo DID YOU KNOW? National Park. The habitat of the dragon is particularly Komodo dragons weren’t known about until a report came harsh. These islands contain arid volcanic regions which in shortly after World War I from a pilot whose aircraft had have steep slopes and hardly any water for most of the gone down. The pilot managed to swim to Komodo Island year. The region usually floods during the brief monsoon where he was confronted by the dragons! season. The dragons choose to live mainly in the forest and savannah regions. Cannibal Dragons Check Out Komodo dragons have a carnivorous diet and are known for eating smaller Creep around these sites for ©John White dragons. They are able to kill very more about these deadly but large prey such as adult water endangered dragons: buffalo, pigs and small deer. They www.zoo.org/educate/ hunt anything that they can over- fact_sheets/kom_dragon/ power and have taken a fancy to komodo.htm - Fact Sheets injured humans in the past! www.isidore-of-seville.com/ The quantities of food that a komodo/ and www.zoo.org/ dragon takes in are phenomenal. For komodo/komo_flash.html example, witnesses have seen a 46 kilogram dragon eat a pig weighing 41 kilograms in less than 20 minutes. If we Quick Facts: compare this to what humans eat, this is like saying that a person weighing 46 kilograms would • Dragons live between 20 and 40 years. need to eat approximately 320 hamburgers – and all in 20 • They are solitary animals and only come together at minutes! breeding season. • Male dragons defend a territory of up to 2 kilometres Dragons Dying Out which they patrol each day. There are less than 5000 dragons left in the wild and these • Occasionally the dragons will swim from island to island dragons are facing a number of threats to their survival. The over long distances. main threats include volcanic activity on the islands that • During breeding season, a female dragon will lay up to they inhabit. Not only does volcanic activity destroy the 30 eggs. Hatchlings are approximately 40 cm long. dragons’ habitat, it also wipes out a lot of the prey that these dragons rely on for food. Other factors that have • Adult dragons have about 60 teeth which they replace played a part in their decline include the poaching of prey regularly. by humans as well as tourism in the area. • They have long forked tongues which they use to detect chemicals in the air, warning them of nearby animals and Tourism has, however, contributed to the survival of the prey. komodo dragons as well. Some travel guidebooks suggest that you bring your own goat for a dragon to eat and • A dragon’s mouth contains very poisonous bacteria, so organisers charge a considerable amount for you to watch even if prey survives an attack, it is almost certain to die the gruesome display of the komodo dragon in action. from an infection shortly after. Money raised from tourism goes towards protecting the • Young dragons live in trees. komodo dragon. Check out Komodo National Park - • Sometimes the dragons are known as “land crocodiles”. www.komodonationalpark.org/

36 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of South East Asia Missing Reptile Report Activity The Komodo dragon is probably one of the most intimidating creatures you are ever likely to encounter. It is capable of tearing apart rather large prey within seconds. One of the Komodo dragons has escaped from the Komodo Park. Read the Fact File and then fill out the missing reptile form below.

Missing: ______Scientific name: ______Last seen: ______(give details of locations) Is likely to be found in areas: ______(give details of habitat) Is known to feed on: ______(give details of diet)

Possesses the following traits: (please tick) Other special features include: Razor sharp teeth Long forked tongues ______Front flippers Warm-blooded ______Carnivorous diet Fast-moving ______Grey scales Skilful climber ______Poisonous bacteria in mouth Walks on two legs ______

This species is threatened due to: ______If you see this reptile: ______

WebQuester Challenge: Komodo Conservation Check out the Fact File for the listed websites and find out what conservation efforts are helping the Komodo dragon. Summarise your findings below. • ______• ______• ______• ______• ______

Ready-Ed Publications 37 Threatened Species of Central America Galapagos Giant Tortoise

(IUCN Red List) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Scientific Name: Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Geochelone elephantopus concern Endangered Many sub species are classified as critically Tortoises Vs Turtles? endangered. Tortoises are turtles that live only on land and have different The Galapagos giant tortoise is the largest species of turtle. features to the turtles that live in the ocean. Their feet are They are only found in the Galapagos Islands, which were more like those of an elephant as they are quite stumpy and discovered in the 1500s by Spanish explorers. This group their shell forms a high dome. The tortoises of the Aldabra of islands lies in the Pacific Ocean about 970 kilometres Islands and the Galapagos Islands are the world’s largest west of Ecuador, a country on the north west coast of land turtles. The may weigh up to 270 kilograms and can South America. The islands are made up of volcanic peaks be up to 1.5 metres long. The African pancake tortoise has and cover an area of nearly 8000 square kilometres. When a flat flexible shell and when facing danger, it can easily the Spanish explored the area in the 16th century, they slide into cracks between rocks to hide. It then takes a found so many giant tortoises that they named the deep breath to inflate its body, which allows it to islands “Galapagos” which in Spanish means wedge itself tightly in the crack. shell and refers to the tortoise shell. At that time of discovery, there were an estimated 250 000 tortoises that inhabited the islands. Sadly, today only about 15 000 remain. Giant tortoises can live Check Out for a very long time. It’s possible that many www.thebigzoo.com/ of these tortoises are Animals/ over 150 years old! Galapagos_Giant_Tortoise.asp

©Corel Corporation ©??? Why have their Different Species numbers decreased? The tortoises are found on most of the Galapagos In the 19th century, sailors used these giant reptiles as a Islands yet their appearance varies from island to island. food supply. The sailors discovered that the animals could Scientists believe that there are several species, maybe live on their backs for months without food or water, providing a source of fresh meat during voyages. Thou- as many as twelve. At least three sub species are sands of tortoises were collected in this way and later killed extinct and another has only one turtle left! Successful for food. efforts to protect the tortoises are underway on some The tortoises have also been prey for introduced animals islands but it is unlikely the tortoise numbers will ever to the area. Rats arrived on sailing ships in the 1500s and return to 250 000. by 1900 there were small settlements on the islands. In 1959, the Charles Darwin Research Centre Human habitation has also threatened the survival of the (www.darwinfoundation.org/) was set up on Santa tortoises. New settlers brought pigs, dogs and cats with Cruz, one of the Galapagos Islands. It is here that them and all of these animals ate the tortoise eggs and tortoise eggs are incubated at the research centre and some baby tortoises, once again reducing numbers. Other hatchlings are raised until they are four or five years introduced animals such as goats and cattle compete with old. This process protects eggs and the newborns from the giant tortoises for food and they are often left with little supplies. Tortoises’ diet consists mainly of nettles, leaves, being eaten by the introduced animals. More than 3500 fruits and berries that they must compete for with giant tortoises have been bred in this way. Laws are introduced animals. currently being passed through the government of Physical threats to survival include fire and the many Ecuador, which will aim to protect the giant tortoises volcanoes on the islands which have erupted over time, in from capture and exportation. the process causing the deaths of many giant tortoises.

38 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of Central America Galapagos Action Plans

Activity TORTOISE TRIVIA Use the Fact File page to help you answer the following.

1. What does “Galapagos” actually mean? CONSERVATION EFFORTS ______List three reasons for the decline in tortoise numbers? ______• ______2. Who named the Galapagos Islands? • ______

______• ______Describe some of the work of the Charles 3. Where exactly are the Galapagos Islands? Use Darwin Research Centre. an atlas and then highlight the Islands’ www.darwinfoundation.org/ approximate location of this map of Latin and South America. ______Mexico CENTRAL AMERICA ______Colombia AN ACTION PLAN

Ecuador Brazil Read about some of the work of the Charles Darwin centre. Then, brainstorm with a partner and outline another possible solution to one of the problems that the giant Galapagos tortoise Pacific Ocean is facing. Explain why you believe your plan will work. ______SOUTH AMERICA ______

______4. What percentage of the original giant Galapagos tortoise population remains today? ______

______

WebQuester Challenge: Mystery Man The Charles Darwin foundation was named after a very important early scientist. Search around the Internet to find out information about this man. Who was he and what was he best known for? ______

Ready-Ed Publications 39 Threatened Species of Central America Harlequin Frog

(IUCN Red List) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Scientific Name: Atelopus varius concern Endangered This uniquely patterned frog is sometimes referred to Back From the Dead! as the Panama golden frog or golden harlequin toad. It There are about 70 other Atelopus frog species, all is found only in Western Panama, Central America, very similar to the harlequin frog. These frogs were and is a national symbol for that country. presumed extinct for many years and the species Because of its isolation and the rarity of this poisonous was only recently rediscovered in a Central American frog species, not much is known about its natural rainforest reserve. history. Scientists do know that these frogs vocalise in The family of Atelopus frogs is only one of a number order to communicate with other frogs, particularly around breeding season. of amphibian families around the world suffering a massive decline in populations. Scientists believe that This frog species feeds on tiny insects and in the last ten years, more than 50% of vertebrates and grows to only five over 70 different Atelopus frog spe- centimetres in length. cies have become extinct. Amphibian Alert! CurrentCheck Threats Out An amphibian is an animal with Presently, the biggest threat to this scaleless skin that lives part of frog species is the chytridiomycosis its life in water and part on fungal disease. land. There are about 4000 different kinds of amphibians Visit this site to find out about the ©Robert Puschendorf chytridiomycosis disease: and they make up one of the www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/ classes of vertebrates. invasive/publications/c-disease/ Amphibians include frogs, toads, salamanders and caecilians. Apart from the usual threats of habi- tat loss through rainforest destruction, This interesting group of animals is trout – fish which have been introduced thought to have evolved from fish to the harlequin frog’s natural habitat – are around 300 million years ago. At that time responsible for preying on a significant number the land had plenty of vegetation and the only of the harlequin tadpoles, having a huge effect on popula- competition amphibians had were insect-like creatures. tion numbers. Amphibians mainly stayed in the water but as they began to compete with each other for food, they Helping the Harlequin developed special features over a long period of time, Harlequin frog research and conservation efforts are slowly which enabled them to live away from the water. improving the future for this endangered amphibian species. Several programs have been involved in building up frog Scientists claim that the world’s amphibians are facing population numbers. a global decline due to environmental threats such as The Rainmaker Conservation Project - loss of habitat, acid rain, thinning of the ozone layer www.rainmakercostarica.com and fungal diseases. The Midwife Toad’s Tale - www.conservation.org/ Official reports suggest that at least 122 amphibian xp/frontlines/species/10260401.xml species have become extinct since 1980 with at least Read more about Global Amphibian Declines - a third of remaining amphibian species facing an www.westernwildlife.com.au/frogs/declines.htm uncertain future. Project Amazonas Inc. - Amphibians have a highly sensitive skin that is easily www.projectamazonas.com/subpages/ affected by environmental changes such as air and water floraandfauna/amphibians.htm - Click on Toads pollution.

40 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of Central America Amphibian Alarm! Activity The beautiful, but poisonous, harlequin frog is found in a rainforest region currently being destroyed. As recently as the early 1980s, over 100 populations were known to exist in Costa Rica where this colourful frog was considered quite common. Fungal disease brought about the death of many of these frogs, as well as that of several other amphibian species in the area. What other threats is this frog species currently facing? ______What are the four main reasons that are thought to be causing the worldwide decline and extinction of amphibian species? 1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______Action for Amphibians Devise a plan to address the four main threats to harlequin frogs or other amphibian species. Write down how your plan will work and what you hope to achieve. Also note down some problems you might experience by putting such a plan into action.

THREAT: ______THREAT: ______Plan: ______Plan: ______Potential outcomes: ______Potential outcomes: ______Potential problems: ______Potential problems: ______

THREAT: ______THREAT: ______Plan: ______Plan: ______Potential outcomes: ______Potential outcomes: ______Potential problems: ______Potential problems: ______

WebQuester Challenge: Rain Maker Project Use your Internet research skills to find out where the Rainmaker Project is based. What is this project concerned with? ______

Ready-Ed Publications 41 Threatened Species of Southern Oceans Humboldt Penguin

(CITES) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Scientific Name: Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Spheniscus humboldti concern Endangered All of the world’s 17 penguin species live in the Humans Vs Humboldts southern hemisphere. Most of these penguin species Sadly, humans are entirely responsible for the decline in are not in any immediate danger of extinction, Humboldt populations. particularly those penguins that inhabit the continent This all began in the mid 1800s when people began to of Antarctica. Amazingly, penguins live in some of the disturb the natural habitat of the Humboldt penguin. harshest conditions experienced on the planet. However, certain penguin species living in more Popular Penguin Poo? northern and more populated areas aren’t so lucky. Strangely enough, penguin faeces – known as guano – The Humboldt penguin is one such species. This became highly popular as fertiliser and people took little penguin, which reaches heights of up to 70 centimetres care when they went to retrieve it. This damaged nesting lives on the Pacific coastal regions of Peru areas, preventing the birth of many new Humboldt and Chile in South America. penguins and greatly reducing penguin numbers. Did You Know? Check Out Palaeontologists who have Learn more about El Niño: studied penguin fossils have www.pbs.org/wgbh/ suggested that penguins that nova/elnino/ lived on earth millions of years ago were able to fly. It is Learn more about Humboldt believed that penguins stopped penguins: www.zoo.org/ flying over 70 to 60 million educate/fact_sheets/ years ago as they preferred a penguin/penguin.htm life in the sea. ©Image courtesy of Chicago Zoological Society Since then, their wings have evolved into flippers that are much more suited to moving around in the water. Many early explorers thought that penguins Oil Spills were some kind of fish or marine mammal rather than a bird! From time to time, a massive tanker in the ocean creates an oil spill that wreaks havoc on penguin Hunting Humboldts populations and other marine species. Thousands Along with other penguin species, these penguins have of penguins have been killed as a result of these oil been hunted for the meat, oil and skins. Sailors in spills. early whaling days, thought of penguins as a tasty meal! Many adult penguins and their chicks have been El Niño captured for zoos and private collectors and a number One environmental factor threatening the humble of people have collected penguin eggs. At one time, Humboldt penguin is El Niño – a warming of East penguin eggs were so popular that some regions had Pacific Ocean seawater temperatures off the special days designated to collecting penguin eggs. western coast of South America that has a huge School children would even be given the day off to impact on weather patterns and living ecosystems. collect the precious eggs. When El Niño occurred in 1982-3, approximately Other factors that have contributed to the bird’s 65% of the Humboldt penguin population living in decline are the fishing nets that have caused many Peru perished. penguin drownings. Commercial fishing has also been responsible for the deaths of penguins and has reduced the availability of prey that penguins depend upon.

42 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of Southern Oceans Humboldt Penguin Activity Read the Fact File about this endangered penguin species and then complete the following. What are the threats to the Humboldt penguin’s What are some possible conservation solutions that survival? List and discuss below all of the problems might help the endangered Humboldt penguin? they are facing. Discuss. • ______• ______e.g. Commercial fishing - Penguins get caught in ______fishing nets and drown. Also, the prey that penguins ______depend on has been reduced through fishing. ______

• ______

• ______ANTARCTIC PENGUINS ______The penguins of Antarctica are still abundant in number. Why do you think these penguin species have continued to flourish while other species have • ______become threatened? ______

• ______

• ______ WebQuester Challenge: El Niño and the Environment Use your Internet research skills to find out more about this interesting phenomenon and its effect on living things. List three facts below. • ______• ______• ______

Ready-Ed Publications 43 Threatened Species of South East Asia Philippine Eagle

(CITES) Fact File Status meter Decreasing population

Scientific Name: Least Vulnerable Endangered Critically Extinct? Pithecophaga jefferyi concern Endangered This extremely rare eagle species is the second largest in the world. (The largest eagle is the harpy Rainforest Ruined eagle in Central and South America.) The Philippine Like so many other endangered species, this eagle was eagle is taller than the harpy though and holds the facing extinction due to a severe loss of habitat. At one world record for wingspan – more than 2.5 time, approximately 94% of the Philippine islands were metres! covered in lush tropical rainforests. Following World War This bird was first thought to be on the road to II, the amount of forested area fell to 40%. Today, extinction around the 1960s. The Philippines are a scientists estimate that only 25% of the forests remain, group of 1700 islands known as the Philippine with some researchers claiming that only 18% of the Archipelago. The eagle is found on only four of rainforest still exists. The rapid decrease in rainforest those islands: Leyte, Samar, Luzor and Mindanao. habitats is rather frightening. Even now, the rainforest It is believed that there are less than 200 areas in the Philippines are being cut at the of these birds left in the wild. rate of 170 000 trees a year, with experts predicting that rainforests may eventually disappear completely, taking the rich and unique animal The Philippine and plant life with them. islands are located above ©Heather Lerner Indonesia. Hunting the Eagle Predatory birds – known as raptors – are hunted all over the world. Humans kill them to protect smaller endangered species, however the eagle has always been a prized hunting trophy. PHILIPPINES Hunting these eagles became a sport and many important people paid a lot of money to participate! Young eagles have also been stolen from their nests by collectors, who hoped to make money by selling the eagles to the highest bidder. Conservation Efforts On the southern island of Mindanao, an organisation known as The Philippine Eagle Foundation The Monkey-eating Eagle (www.philippineeagle.org), was established to The Philippine eagle is classified as a raptor – a bird ensure that the Philippine eagle is protected. This of prey. Other raptors include hawks, falcons, owls group not only protects this magnificent bird, it also and vultures. Raptors are known for their hunting aims to draw attention to other endangered species in skills, seizing their prey with their taloned claws the region. and tearing the meat with their sharp beaks. The Peregrine Fund (www.peregrinefund.org) is the World Centre for Birds of Prey and is involved in The Philippine eagle is famous for its fondness for field research to learn more about this eagle and its eating monkeys. Standing over one metre tall, with environment. Conservation education to develop public a large curved beak and warlike headdress of spiky awareness and understanding of eagles’ natural feathers, it presents a fierce and intimidating environment and captive breeding programs to increase image. Along with monkeys, these eagles will also numbers and populations also assist with these efforts. hunt small mammals such as dogs, pigs and goats. Source: www.dvrconline.org/phileagle.html, They are very skilled at snatching birds from trees. www.bagheera.com

44 Ready-Ed Publications Threatened Species of South East Asia Endangered Bird of Prey Activity The Philippine eagle is one of the rarest birds in the world. Read the Fact File and find out all about the main threat it is facing. RAINFOREST DESTRUCTION What has happened to the rainforest areas in which the Philippine eagle once flourished? ______Describe the changes that have occurred in this region since the end of World War II. ______Why do you think the rainforest is still being destroyed? ______Describe some other threats that the Philippine eagle is facing. ______

WebQuester Challenge: Eagle-Eye Rescue Plans If you have access to the Internet, look up two websites listed on the Fact File page that are helping with conservation efforts. Name each organisation and outline what their main goal is. Try to find information about their specific actions as part of their role in protecting the Philippine eagle. For each one, find out how successful their projects have been.

Name: ______Name: ______Main Aim: ______Main Aim: ______Activities: ______Activities: ______Success so far: ______Success so far: ______

Ready-Ed Publications 45 Other Endangered Species 1 Facing the Future

Activity SAVING AN ENDANGERED SPECIES Choose a threatened species that you have not already studied. Find out as much as you can about this species and complete the ideas chart below by adding information for each heading.

Location Habitat

Species Classification Special features

Threats to survival

SPECIES CONSERVATION Brainstorm to write down everything you know about specific conservation efforts to save this threatened species. Organise your brainstorm into clear headings and use examples where possible. List the effect that these conservation efforts have had on the species.

Conservation Efforts

WebQuester Challenge: Find out what the zoo in your city (or nearest city) is doing in the way of helping endangered or threatened species. On the back of this page, write a summary of what one of their programs is concerned with. Make sure you give details about how successful the program has been.

46 Ready-Ed Publications Other Endangered Species 2 A Wild Zoo Activity

Today, animals in captivity are rarely kept in cages. Instead, they are kept in specially designed enclosures that are based on their natural habitats in the wild. Choose an animal that you are interested in and design an enclosure for this animal at the Wild Zoo. Careful planning will need to take place to ensure that your animal will be able to exist comfortably in this enclosure. Remember, your animal probably wouldn’t choose to live in the zoo, so design your enclosure as close to the animal’s real habitat as you can.

WebQuester Challenge: Build a home for a Siberian Tiger! Before you start check out this cool site: www.nationalgeographic.com/features/97/tigers/maina.html What modifications did you have to make to your tiger’s enclosure before it could be released? ______

DESIGN AN ENCLOSURE Before you set about designing your enclosure, you will need to find out the following pieces of information: (Make brief notes for each section.) Use the back of this sheet for more room. Draw a design of your enclosure in the box below:

Space - How much space will the animal need to roam around? ______Water - Will the animal need a watery environment such as a pond or river? ______Trees - Will the animal need trees to swing or hang from? ______Light - Is the animal nocturnal? ______Food - What will the animal be fed and how often will feeding occur? ______Vegetation - What types of plants need to be placed into the enclosure? ______Building a home: What things do you need to add to the enclosure? ______Making the enclosure safe: What type of barrier will you use to keep the animal inside the enclosure? ______

Ready-Ed Publications 47 Other Endangered Species 3 Comparing Species Activity You are an apprentice zookeeper and have been asked to write a report on two different threatened species. To help clarify your ideas, you’ve decided to use a Venn diagram. Complete the diagram below to show what you have learned. You can pick any two animal species – you might like to choose two species that you know very little about. Research them using some of the links on Page 5 such as the School World Endangered Species Project at www.schoolworld.asn.au/species/species.html

(Name of Species)

(Name of Species)

What is the role of the World Wildlife Fund? (www.worldwildlife.org) WebQuester Describe and evaluate three programs it is concerned with. Challenge: Write your notes on the back of this page.

48 Ready-Ed Publications Other Endangered Species 4 Awareness Campaign Activity There are many groups and non-profit organisations dedicated to helping several endangered species around the globe. Many of these groups you might already be familiar with such as Greenpeace (www.greenpeace.org.au) and the Born Free Foundation (www.bornfree.org.uk). These groups are specifically promoting the awareness of specific animal species: •Peregrine Fund - www.peregrinefund.org •Pacific Whale Foundation - www.pacificwhale.org •Save the Manatee - www.savethemanatee.org •Amphibian Conservation Allowance - www.frogs.org/index.asp •International Rhino Foundation - www.rhinos-irf.org •Save the Elephants - www.save-the-elephants.org Check out more by searching the Yahoo Directory (dir.yahoo.com) for “Wildlife Conservation and Research”. If possible, have a look at these websites and check out the sorts of activities and programs these organisations are involved with. Their main aim is to draw attention to the plight of endangered animals and to educate the public on how they can help save these animal species from extinction. Start Your Own Campaign You may notice that all of the animals above are reasonably well known. Choose a lesser-known endangered species that you are particularly interested in and create your own “Animal Conservation Fund”. You can choose your endangered species by checking out the websites on Page 5 or by going straight to the hot lists at: www.redlist.org/ - International Union for Conservation and Nature Red List (2005). www.deh.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=fauna - Australian List from the Department of the Environment and Heritage, 2005. Plan your new organisation below by completing details for each heading.

Name of campaign: ______Animal species at centre of campaign: ______Your campaign slogan: ______Your campaign’s main aims: ______Ideas on how you will go about creating a public awareness of this animal’s threats to survival: ______Tips for how members of the public can help this animal: ______

Ready-Ed Publications 49 Other Endangered Species 3 Animal Trading Cards Activity

Create four trading cards for endangered animals. Use the templates below and download or draw a picture to illustrate. Swap the cards with your classmates.

Name: Name:

Scientific name: ______Scientific name: ______Habitat: ______Habitat: ______Location: ______Location: ______Predators: ______Predators: ______Reasons for endangerment: ______Reasons for endangerment: ______

Name: Name:

Scientific name: ______Scientific name: ______Habitat: ______Habitat: ______Location: ______Location: ______Predators: ______Predators: ______Reasons for endangerment: ______Reasons for endangerment: ______

50 Ready-Ed Publications Other Endangered Species 4 School World Endangered Species Project

Activity You will need access to the Internet to complete this activity. This unique World Wide Web project allows students from all around the world to publish their reports on endangered species. Over 88 countries are involved, with students from hundreds of primary schools having already uploaded their reports. You can find reports on a range of animals and you can also add your own report. Ask your teacher for more details.

GUIDELINES FOR REPORTS Make sure you check out the guidelines at this site before you start your report. www.schoolworld.asn.au/species/outline.html

YOUR DRAFT REPORT Jot down some ideas for your School World report. You may choose to concentrate on an animal species that you have already studied. Make notes using the following headings. When you have finished, type your report using the computer and if possible find an image that you can use. You may draw a picture of your own or you may like to hunt one down on the Internet. Make sure you gain permission to use the image from the photographer. Subject: ______

______

Description: ______

______

Environment: ______

______

Problems: ______

______

Solutions: ______

______

Summary: ______

______

References: ______

______

Find out from your teacher how you can submit your report to the School World website.

Ready-Ed Publications 51 Other Endangered Species 5 Think Globally, Act Locally Activity

Choose two threatened species and complete the Action Cards below. Brainstorm to think of everything you can do in your community to help this endangered species. Organise your ideas into categories. Even if the animal does not exist in your area, or even in your country, there are still many things you can do to help. Check the Net using the website below to get you started. Draw a picture to illustrate your Action Cards. Websites: www.endangeredspecie.com/Ways_To_Help.htm - Ways You Can Help Name of Species ______

Action

Name of Species ______

Action

52 Ready-Ed Publications Other Endangered Species 5 World National Parks Activity Below is a list of some of the national parks that exist around the world. Using an atlas and Internet sites as a guide, shade and label their locations using the world map below. Number the parks that you can find and then use a key with a different colour for each park. AFRICA AMERICAS ASIA __ Nairobi (Kenya) __ Banff (Canada) __ Chitwan (Nepal __ Kalahari (South Africa) __ Iguacu (Brazil) __ Komodo (Indonesia) __ Kilimanjaro(Tanzania) __ Rocky Mountains (North America __ Kerinci Seblat (Indonesia) __ Baru Volcano Park (Central America) __ Khao Yai (Thailand) EUROPE __ Amazon/Andes (South America-Ecuador) __ Huangou (China) __ Andalucia (Spain) __ Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) __ Rajaji (India) __ Nigula Nature reserve (Estonia) __ Killarney (Ireland) AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND MIDDLE EAST __ Cabrera (Spain) __ Aoraki/Mt. Cook (NZ) __ Judean Desert (Israel) __ Red Rose Forest (UK) __ Kakadu (Aust) __ Sinai (Egypt) __ Plitvicka Josera (Croatia) __ Karajini (Aust) __ Jasmund (Germany) __ Kahurangi (NZ) THE ARCTIC __ Arctic National Park These Internet sites provide a good source of information about worldwide national parks. www.iloveparks.com/international-parks.htm www.atn.com.au/parks/links.htm - World National Park links

KEY (e.g. Nairobi) ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______Choose three national parks for further research. (They do not have to be from the list above) Briefly summarise some features of each of the three national parks you have chosen: 1. ______2. ______3. ______

Ready-Ed Publications 53 Other Endangered Species 6 Word Search Activity EVBPTEFDUNNMHTURVWPJOOHYX ZLKFASV J F JGLCKFCIHEQYNAR I EWTKBHUMPBACKWHALERKBORAH RLMRMF J PHPHI L I PP INEEAGLEY WTAAUNLUUUY TNLDBDMGK L A E B B GXBHNTLHDOF EAGYLWXRNL RQNR ASMSWAKIWJ SFZRFAWLI TADUWO ENQEFETCRERLXERCVXNZWAIOY AALTCCUEAPHOFEUKTEELKENRO CTU I HXML EBOWBN I RUQF I CS FBY PUCHK I L L BORDFTTHAOABOYRDT QG PWV I NDNDA E L UB I T Y L E R FO I M INETGMDRUBUNHRANACCREAGTR GALAPAGOSG I ANTTORTOI S E I FA ZRTEXB JZNCGMZLACADNARLAXF HOGRWVIKASIANELEPHANTLNUI RA IGKPGWYDTTTMWRL I RLYETFL D RMF YNOG A RDODOMOKHDY Z Z PNZ ATEZMGDLLKPFXQS SLMHNSAAWE KAL I VEDNA INAMSATXUFXCGNQL YMEZYBGSMR J Y I JHGNWFGMIDFP ZUT I AXTGL BB EUAF KZTF YFDAYL ISIHSTCQMABEAXFFORHKYUPIV EYPMGPELOQPTAZGDEWTSPANYS HUPLUCNRQFHEYRFWXIMCI SDGL

Tick the animals as your find them.

ASIAN ELEPHANT LEAFY SEA DRAGON BLACK RHINOCEROS LEATHER BACK TURTLE BLUE WHALE MALAYAN SUN BEAR BROWN BEAR MANATEE CHINESE ALLIGATOR MANED WOLF CHUDITCH NUMBAT FRUITBAT PEREGRINE FALCON GALAPAGOS GIANT TORTOISE PHILIPPINE EAGLE GIANT PANDA POLAR BEAR GREAT WHITE SHARK ROCK WALLABY GREEN TURTLE SAUDI GAZELLE HARLEQUIN FROG SUMATRA ORANGUTAN HUMPBACK WHALE TASMANIAN DEVIL IBERIAN LYNX TIGER KOMODO DRAGON TUATARA

54 Ready-Ed Publications ENDANGERED SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD Answers

Note: Answers will vary for most pages. P.23: Big Cat, Big Hunters P.13: Saving the Sun Bear WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: Answers will vary. Check out: Ursus arctos horribilis - Grizzly bear - Northwest  www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/ America; mammals/smilodon/ Ursus maritimus - Polar bear - Southern edge of the Arctic Ice Pack P.25: Rhino Recovery P.15: Polar Bear Polaroid WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: Answers will vary but can include: Weribee Open Range Zoo in Victoria; Taronga and Western Plains Climate change; pollution; drilling and mining; Zoo in New South Wales; Perth Zoo in Western fishing and hunting; other human interaction such Australia and Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch as tourism. (NZ). P.17: A Pad for a Panda WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: P.27: Whales in the World’s Waters Giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are at the Information sourced from IUCN Red List January National Zoo (Smithsonian) in Washington, USA. 2005. They are on loan for ten years. Blue whale All oceans P.19: Beneficial Bats Endangered Beluga whale Arctic Sea, North Atlantic, WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: North Pacific There are at least 31 critically endangered bats Vulnerable species. Check the Red List for details. Gray whale Arctic Sea, North Atlantic, (redlist.org/search/search-basic.php) Search North Pacific for bats and check “Critically Endangered”. Least concern Antarctic Minke whale Oceans surrounding Antarctica P.21: Tusk Tasks least concern

WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: Southern right whale South Atlantic, South Pacific, • Elephants helped transport supplies where cars East and West Indian Ocean, and trucks could not travel due to washed out Antarctica least concern roads and mud. • They acted as bulldozers moving tsunami debris North Atlantic right whale North Atlantic off streets. endangered • Elephants helped to recover victims by lifting Killer whale All oceans heavy debris off the streets. least concern • Elephants in Thailand also ran for the mountains Sperm whale All oceans some time before the tsunamis hit the shores. least concern Their excellent sense of hearing could provide Fin-backed whale vulnerable an early warning system for future tsunami events.

WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: Humpback brains are nine times the size of the human brain, taking into account the proportions of the size of a human brain in comparison to the size of the human body.

Ready-Ed Publications 55 ENDANGERED SPECIES AROUND THE WORLD Answers

P.29: Manatee Mayhem and the San Diego Zoo in California in the United WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: States have supported research and conservation efforts in the field since 2000. Most of the world’s population of dugongs is now found in northern Australian waters between Shark P.39: Galapagos Action Plans Bay in Western Australia and Moreton Bay in Queensland. WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: Charles Darwin (1809-1882), was a British P.31: Protecting a Predator naturalist who became famous for his theories on WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: evolution. Like several other scientists before him, Darwin believed that, through millions of years, all A shark of that length would probably be between species of plants and animals had developed 15 and 25 years old. gradually from a few common ancestors. On the P.37: Missing Reptile Report Galapagos Islands he noticed many variations among plants and animals of the same general type as those WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: in South America. He collected the fossils and other Answers will vary but may include: specimens for future study and decided that the • The Sultan of Bima is known to have ordered animals and plants had adapted to the different protection of Komodo dragons as early as 1915. environments. Darwin’s work supports the theory • The creation in 1980 of Komodo National Park, of evolution. which protects most of the Komodo dragons P.41: Amphibian Alarm! left. Park rangers have been able to stop the poaching of Komodo dragons and reduce the WEBQUESTER CHALLENGE: poaching of their prey within the park. The Rainmaker Project is located in Costa Rica, • Western organisations have provided assistance South America, and is dedicated to the conservation for Komodo research and conservation. and protection of the Fila Chonta mountain range Woodland Park Zoo in the state of Washington, on Costa Rica’s Pacific side. P.54: Word Search EVBPTE FDUNNMHTURVWP JOOHYX ZLKFASVJ F JGLCKFCIHEQYNAR I EWTKBHUMP B ACKWHA L E R KBOR AH RLMRMFJPHPHI LIPP INEEAGLEY WTAAUNLUUUYTNLDBDMGKLAEBB GXBHNTLHDOFEAGYLWXRNLRQNR ASMSWAK IWJ SFZRFAWLI TADUWO ENQEFETCRERLXERCVXNZWAIOY AALTCCUEAPHOFEUKTEE LKENRO CTU I HXMLEBOWBNI RUQF I CS FBY PUCHK I L LBORDFTTHAOABOYRDT QGPWV INDNDAELUB I TYLERFOIM INETGMDRUBUNHRANACCREAGTR GALAPAGOSGI ANTTORTOI SE I FA ZR TEXB J ZNCGMZ L ACADNAR L AX F HOGRWVIKASIANELEPHANTLNUI RAIGKPGWYDTTTMWRL I RLYETFL DRMFYNOGARDODOMOKHDYZZPNZ ATEZMGDLLKPFXQS S LMHNSAAWE KAL I VEDNAINAMSATXUFXCGNQL YMEZYBGSMR J Y I J HGNWFGM I DF P ZUTI AXTGLBBEUAFKZTFYFDAYL ISIHSTCQMABEAXFFORHKYUPIV EYPMGPELOQPTAZGDEWTSPANYS HUP LUCNRQFHE Y R FWX I MC I S DGL

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