Transcript Earth Day Endangered Animals Poster Project

Throughout the history of the Earth, scientists believe there have
been a number of mass extinction events. One example of this
would be the extinction of the dinosaurs. Some scientists believe
we are currently experiencing another mass extinction event.
905 Species have gone extinct since
the year 1500. This only includes the
species that we have identified.
Scientists estimate that 150-200
species of plant, insect, bird and
mammal become extinct every 24
hours.
Extinction on this level has not been
seen since the extinction of the
dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Before
an organism becomes extinct, it is
endangered.
What does it mean to be endangered?
An endangered species is one whose numbers are
so small that it is at risk of extinction.
A species is “endangered” or “threatened” when it
is suffers: damage to its habitat; disease or
predation of the species; and hazards to the
continued life of the species.
Factors that threaten creature on Earth include
deforestation, water scarcity, erosion, pollution,
climate change, overfishing, oil and gas
development, infrastructure, and illegal wildlife
trade.
Habitat destruction
Invasive species
Pollution
Poaching
Overharvesting/overpopulation
Scientists are now considering adding C to
HIPPO for climate change.
Habitia
Humans clear cut forests to create things like housing
developments, golf courses, and farms. This destroys habitats
that may take hundreds of years to develop.
Cutting roads through a forest creates forest edges where there
shouldn’t be . This allows certain species to outcompete others.
An example of this phenomenon is the Brown-headed cow bird.
When a species is brought by humans to an area which it does not
belong, it can cause massive destruction to that environment.
An invasive species may have no natural predators and may have
many food sources with little competition.
Kudzu is a plant from Japan
introduced to North America. It
is an invasive species that has
no natural predators and can
outcompete other plants. It
spreads at a rate of 150,000
acres per year.
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into a natural environment
that causes instability, disorder, harm, or discomfort to the ecosystem.
Pollution represents a drastic change in the environment that organisms
have adapted to. It may cause the death of a number of species that can’t
survive under these new conditions.
Types of pollution
Air pollution
Light pollution
Littering
Noise pollution
Radioactive contamination
Water pollution
Thermal pollution
Poaching involves hunting and killing endangered species, using illegal
weapons or vehicles, or using inhumane methods.
Often these animals are killed for profit. Examples of this are ivory from
elephants, horns from rhinos, or skins from leopards. Some groups also
kill endangered species as a cultural ritual.
Plant poaching is also on the rise. Ginseng poaching in Yosemite national
park is common.
The increasing human population is a global concern. Humans are a
species that spreads all over the world, continually increases in
number, and consumes more resources per individual than any other
organism.
• Every 20 minutes, the human
population grows by about 3,000.
• If fertility remains at current levels, the
population will reach 296 billion in just
150 years.
• Each year 83 million babies are born.
• There are over 7 billion people on
Earth. In another 50 years, that
number is expected to double.
Humans consume resources at a
astounding rate. Creating
mountains of garbage, using gallons
of water, and draining fossil fuels (a
resource that would take millions of
years to replace).
One American's consumption of
resources is equivalent to that of 35
people living in India.
The world's annual consumption of plastic
materials is nearly 100 million tonnes today.
Between the years 2000 and 2005 around 10
million acres of forests were lost per year in
South America. The land is cleared primarily
for cattle ranches and soybean plantations.
The average 10 minute shower uses
anywhere from 20 to 40 gallons of water.
More fish are caught each year than are born. This is causing a depletion of
fish species. Methods used in modern fishing an also cause the unintended
death of many other sea animals
The Food and Agriculture Organization, an international body affiliated with
the UN, has estimated that over 70 percent of the world’s fish species are
either depleted or “fully-exploited.”
Assignment: Create a poster for an endangered
animal that includes:
 The name of your animal
 Why is it endangered
 Where it lives
 What is being done to
save it
 A conservation message
Step 1. Find out: What causes an animal to become
endangered.
STEP 2: Learn about a specific endangered species.
Step 3: Present the information
Step 4: Take Action!
You might feel overwhelmed that you can’t do
anything to help. A major way to help endangered
animals is to spread awareness. Students can take part
in this by making posters and hanging them in school
hallways, the public library, or even hanging in their
rooms to show their friends—sharing what they’ve
learned with everyone who walks by!