LESSON THEME: Poaching

Objectives

1. Understand the differences between horns and antlers.

2. Explore why are poached and how we can bring about come- back stories.

Vocabulary words

Poaching: Illegally and capturing animals Horns: Permanent bony growths projecting from upper part of the head Antlers: A bony branching structure that grows from the head and is cast off and grown anew each year.

Materials

Computer or tablet with Internet access Pen or pencil ACTIVITY # 1 Horn & Antler Matching

Did you know that there’s a difference between antlers and horns? Many animals, such as and rhinos, are poached for their horns/antlers, as some cultures believe they have healing or charm properties. Check out your vocabulary words and the chart below to understand the difference. Then, identify whether the listed animals have antlers or horns.

Antlers Horns Only males have (exception: caribou) Both males and females have

Typically branched Not branched

Grown and shed every year Never shed; continues growing

Made of bone Bony structure covered by keratin

Covered by velvet as they grow Not covered in velvet as they grow

Giant Eland Oryx White-Tailed ACTIVITY # 2 Poaching Comebacks

The Arabian oryx was once on the brink of extinction due to poaching and habitat loss but, with people’s conservation efforts, they made a comeback! Let’s explore the stories of other animals and see how we can make them success stories too.

What kind of charm do some cultures believe the oryx horn is? ______

Why are rhinos poached for their horns? ______

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How does the Act help endangered species? ______

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Do some research on the American alligator. Write a paragraph about its comeback story, including causes of endangerment (hint: there may be more than one cause) and how they came back from possible extinction. ______

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