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Environmental Education. Endangered Species. Content. What is meant by “ endangerment of species ” ? How many species are endangered today? What are the causes of endangerment? Why do we need to save the endangered species? What should be done to solve the problem?.
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Environmental Education Endangered Species
Content • What is meant by “endangerment of species”? • How many species are endangered today? • What are the causes of endangerment? • Why do we need to save the endangered species? • What should be done to solve the problem?
Endangerment of Species • more than 1,000 animal species are endangered worldwide today. • Extinct: • a species is extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. • Critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable: • species which face high risk of extinction in wild in the near future, with decreasing risk level from critically endangered to vulnerable.
Factors affecting Risk Level of Endangerment • Population size of the species, • Size of habitats, • Number of mature individuals,
Causes of Endangerment • Destruction of habitats • Pollution • Deforestation • Urbanization • Disease and limited distribution • Introduction of exotic species • Over-exploitation and illegal hunting
Over-exploitation In order to get timber for paper, furniture and building materials, a lot of trees are cut down. This destroys the woodland habitat.
Hunting Hunting
Why do we need to save endangered species? [1] Humans depend on ecosystems. The nature provides us water and air.
Why do we need to save endangered species? [2] • Ecosystem will become unstable • Loss of valuable natural resources • Loss of employment • Species have rights to survive
What should be done? • Pollution control • Reduce the use / recycle natural resources • Ban or restrict activities that cause harm to the nature, e.g. hunting • Act of Endangered Species
Discussion • If dinosaurs were still alive in the world, should we conserve them? • For endangered species that threaten our life, should we conserve them? How to judge, decide and make a balance? • “Human is selfish for exploiting the life of so many species”, do you agree?
Discussion • Keeping animals in zoo is one way to protect and keep valuable species. What are its advantages and disadvantages? • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses body parts of animals to cure illnesses. How do you feel? What could be done? • If the protection of endangered species will cause unemployment and hardship of the people in the developing country, what should be done?
Relevant Websites [1] • Endangered Species Program, U.S. Fish & wildlife Service (http://endangered.fws.gov) • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora – CITES (http://www.cites.org) • Endangered Species on EE-Link Endangered Species (http://eelink.net/EndSpp) • A SeaWorld Education Department Resource (http://www.seaworld.org) • Endangered Species (http://www.seaworld.org/endangered_species/escont.html)
Relevant Websites [2] • Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (http://www.afcd.gov.hk) • Conservation (http://www.afcd.gov.hk/con_new/chinese/homepage.htm) • Example of endangered species that could be used in Traditional Chinese Medicines (http://www.afcd.gov.hk/web/chinese/conservation/conserv/annex3.htm) • Examples of plant species included in the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (http://www.afcd.gov.hk/web/chinese/conservation/conserv/annex4.htm)