Conservation of endangered species
In this session you will consider biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on endangered species. Both direct actions (such as poaching and the illegal animal trade) and indirect actions (such as human actions which lead to climate change, or tourism and building works which remove habitat) of humans can impact on animals all over the world.
For these tasks, you will need access to the internet, a pen or pencil, and blank sheets of paper to work on.
Biodiversity
First, watch this short clip explaining what biodiversity is. Then write a 2-3 sentence definition of biodiversity in your own words.
Researching an endangered species
Select one of the following endangered species to investigate: tigers, elephants, polar bears or rhinos. Vote below to indicate the animal you will be researching, and see what other people have chosen!
Resources for each species are provided below. Begin by reading the information summary (Resource 1) about your chosen species. Each webpage also includes further information links you can follow to find out more, within the WWF website. Then look at the fact-files for your species (Resource 2).
You should make detailed notes (approximately one A4 page total) on the following topics:
- Animal facts about your chosen species
- Why is your chosen species important?
- What challenges is your chosen species facing?
- How WWF and conservation teams are helping your chosen species
African Elephants
African Rhinos
Polar bears
Tigers
Once you have read through this information, use your notes to help you test your knowledge! Play the quiz for your species here.
Researching a threat to endangered species
Complete one of the short activity series below, each of which examines a threat to endangered species in more detail. The activity series you will complete is based on the animal you have already researched in detail.
The illegal animal trade
This activity series should be followed if you researched African elephants or African rhinos or tigers.
Illegal poaching is a huge threat to elephants and rhinos. Find out more about the illegal wildlife trade, and how WWF are preventing it here.
One of the best ways to prevent the illegal animal trade is to educate consumers. Read this short summary of how buyers should question their purchases. What are some examples of products that you should never buy, and some examples of products that you should be very careful about buying?
Climate change
This activity series should be followed if you researched polar bears.
Climate change impacts on all of the species highlighted above, particularly polar bears. Read about the effects of climate change on wildlife here. Then, discover your personal carbon foot print by taking the quiz here.
Deforestation
This activity series should be followed if you researched tigers.
Deforestation leads to loss of habitat for the tiger. Read about the effects of climate change on wildlife here.
Then, discover how to reduce your personal impact on the world’s forests here. As an extra activity, you may want to try making one of these planet-friendly recipes.
Create a pamphlet
Once you have completed your short activity series, create a pamphlet to help spread awareness about your chosen species and the threats it faces today. Include detailed information about the threat you have just investigated, and how it impacts on your chosen species.
- Your pamphlet should be A4, and double sided. You can complete this on a computer or manually using paper and pencils.
- Remember, a pamphlet should be both eye-catching and informative!
Share your pamphlet with other people in your household to share what you have learnt with them.
A message of hope
Finally, there are many positive changes that are happening to better protect animals today and in the future. Read this article to discover 10 reasons to feel positive about wildlife conservation in 2020!