Exploration Station. Endangered Species May 2018

Transcription

1 Exploration Station Endangered Species May 2018 At a glance We will explore the factors that threaten the survival of many plants and animals as well as the action steps one can take to slow down this sixth mass extinction. Materials All materials can be found in the bin located in the various locations. See following pages for exactly what each individual activity requires. Goal(s) To learn that without certain animals, entire ecosystems could become drastically different or cease to exist altogether. Objectives 1. Participants will be able to define an endangered species. 2. Participants will be able to identify multiple examples of endangered species. 3. Explore the various causes of biodiversity loss. 4. Investigate the active role of Maryland Zoo in current conservation efforts. 5. Participants will be able to learn how they can help right here in Maryland. Theme Endangered species of wildlife and plants are of ecological value, and are a part of the complex web of life that supports other species, including us. Sub-theme(s) 1. Biodiversity maintains the overall health of the planet. 2. By focusing conservation efforts around one particular animal, we can make a difference on other plant and animal species. 1

2 Background An endangered species is a species that has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as likely to become extinct. In 2012, the IUCN Red List featured 3,079 animal and 2,655 plant species as endangered worldwide-that is over 40% of the world s species. Many factors are considered when assessing the conservation status of a species. These include the number remaining, the overall increase or decrease of the population overtime, breeding success rates and known threats. (If you would like to know the exact criteria read more here: Because a lot of this information is often difficult to collect, many species are labeled DD or Data Deficient. If a species has been labeled as endangered, it then has a chance of being protected by law- leading to the creation of reserves, restrictions on development, and bans on hunting. Although extinction occurs naturally, and will continue to do so, there is growing scientific evidence showing that the current rate of extinction is much higher than the natural rate of the past. The current rate and extent of species loss can be directly attributed to human activities. The biggest threats to biodiversity can best be remembered by using the acronym H.I.P.P.O.: Habitat Loss, Invasive Species, Pollution, Human Population, and Overharvesting. (For further reading on these: A Species Survival Plan (SSP) serves as a vital mode to maintain and preserve specific endangered and threatened species through captive breeding efforts. In addition to maintaining a captive population, SSP recommendations aim to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population. With over 450 plans, these programs have been imperative in saving critically endangered species from the brink of extinction. Success stories include the Przewalski s horse, California condor, Black-Footed ferret and more. This hope continues outside of captivity: conservation actions carried out in the United States under the Endangered Species Act (1973) have been successful in preventing extinction for 99% of the species that are listed as endangered or threatened, including the Bald Eagle (U.S. Fish and Wildlife). The following are a series of activities, all of which support the zoo s mission to inspire and educate people to join the active support and conservation of wildlife and wild places. Engage people with the wonder of the living world through personal encounters that foster lifelong harmonious relationships with nature. We want people to care! Vocabulary Climate change- gradual changes in all of the interconnected weather elements on our planet Deforestation- destruction or removal of forests and their undergrowth Pollution- introduction of harmful materials into the environment Endemic species- a species that naturally occurs in only one area or region Introduced species- a species that does not naturally occur in an area (aka invasive species) Endangered- a species seriously at risk of extinction Threatened- an organism that may soon become endangered Extinct- no longer existing Biodiversity- all of the different kinds of living organisms within a given area Habitat- environment where an organism lives throughout the year or for shorter periods of time Niche- role and space of a species within an ecosystem Conservation- management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction or neglect Domino effect- situation in which one event causes another, which causes yet another, until an entire system is changed 2

3 Activities Polar Bear Watch Hunt Like a Polar Bear Objective: To discover why an icy habitat is essential for a polar bear s survival. Background: Polar bears are perfectly adapted for life on the sea ice, and use it for both hunting and mating. Seals are the main prey that they hunt for on the ice. Polar bears especially like to eat seal blubber because it has a high fat content. They will sometimes eat walruses or whales trapped at holes in the ice, but seals are their most important food source. Some adaptations that help polar hunt on the ice include foot pads covered in papillae, or small black bumps, that help to provide traction on the ice. Their long, curved claws are effective for grabbing their prey and to grip the ice while walking. A polar bear s sense of smell is most acute and can detect a seal s breathing hole under three feet of snow and ice from more than half a mile away. A polar bear can also smell a seal on land from over 3 miles away. All of these adaptations make them perfect predators on the ice. - Clear Tub with foam board ice pack and ocean - Wooden dowels with string and magnet - Pictures of arctic marine animals - Bio facts polar bear skull Level 1 (all ages, younger children might need to be guided) Explain to participants that polar bears mainly eat seals, walrus, and beluga whales in the wild. Have participants use the wooden dowel with the string and magnet like a fishing rod. They should start by trying to catch each of the animals in the open water. Participants should then try to capture seals and walruses off the ice pack and/or whales out of the water at air holes in the ice. Level 2 (all ages, younger children might need to be guided) Ask participants which of the areas (ice or water) was easier to catch the animals? Polar bears will find their prey on the ice and in the air holes will be easier to catch than those out in the water. What do participants think would happen to polar bears if their ice were to disappear? Level 3 (all ages) Using the polar bear skull show how the polar bear is well-adapted for hunting large prey items while on the ice. Can the participant see which sense is the polar bear s best by observing the skull? The large nose helps the polar bear to smell seals from over 3 miles away. Their large teeth are perfect for getting into the fat-rich prey. Conservation Ask: We can help out polar bears by decreasing our carbon emissions. Encourage kids to continue the three R s-reduce, reuse, recycle- but to also help out their parents by turning of light switches and pulling plugs when not in use. Having a reusable water bottle is another easy way to help out the polar bear! 3

4 Penguin Coast Penguin Oil Feather Cleaning Objective: To explore the important work that our conservation partners do for the rehabilitation and release of endangered African penguins. Background: Unlike some of the Antarctic and sub-antarctic penguin species, African penguins live in the shadow of modern urbanized areas with economies based on petroleum fueled technologies. Oil tankers frequently pass by the island and mainland nesting colonies of African penguins, and several oil spills have affected penguin populations in the area. Oiled birds lose the ability to thermoregulate because the oil interferes with the feathers ability to trap an insulating layer of air. The ingestion of the oil will also cause mortality in the birds. The South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) specializes in mitigating the effects of oil spills on marine sea birds. They have responded to several large spills and have been successful with help from other penguin specialists in improving techniques for cleaning, caring for and releasing massive numbers of oiled sea birds including penguins, gannets and cormorants. This activity allows visitors to try their hand at cleaning a feather and in performing simple experiments that show the effects of oil on the operation of a feather. - Vinyl Gloves (if needed) - Brushes - Cloth - Craft Feathers - Vegetable oil - Dawn Dishwashing Liquid - Plastic Graduated Beakers - Water - Two water tubs - Penguin oil spill pictures - Bio fact Penguin Feathers Procedures: Level 1 (all ages) Start off by having participants touch and look closely at a couple of penguin feathers. Explain to participants that the soft fluffy feathers trap and hold air underneath them. A penguin has around 70 feathers per square inch on their body and their feathers act like a wet suit keeping them warm in cold water. Level 2 (can be done with all ages, younger children might need to be guided) Show participants the penguin oil spill pictures. Explain that when a penguin gets oil on its feathers their feathers are no longer fluffy and able to keep them warm. Level 3 (can be done with all ages, younger children might need to be guided or just have to watch the activity being done) - Using a clean craft feather, show participants how the feather is soft and fluffy looking even when placed in the water. Then dip the feather in the cup of oil and return it to the water. The feather should no longer be fluffy looking. How is the oiled feather and regular feather different when placed into water environment? Explain to participants that one of the best methods that have been found to help clean an animal that has oil on its body is Dawn dish soap. Place the oiled feather into the tub with soapy water and 4

5 use the brush to help scrub the feather. Once the feather has been cleaned return it to the regular water tub. The feather should once again be fluffy looking. Conservation Ask: There are things we can all do to help save endangered wildlife! Just by coming to the zoo today you are helping to support our conservation partner SANCCOB. Finding the Ideal Penguin Habitat Objective: Discover why African penguins are endangered how humans are part of the solution. Background: African penguin populations have undergone a steep decline in the past century, decreasing by over 98% and are now listed by the IUCN as Endangered. At the beginning of the 20 th century it was believed that breeding pairs may have numbered near a million. By the 1950s, the total population had fallen to about 141,000 breeding pairs, and now only about 25,000 pairs remain. Human disturbance of nesting sites used to pose the greatest threat. African penguin eggs were harvested in the millions for human consumption and collection of guano for fertilizer destroyed many nesting sites, leading to the almost near-extinction. Currently, although a better protected species, mortality from oil spills and food shortages are this species greatest threat. Competition with commercial fishermen has led to massive declines in prey population. - Island cover board - Laminated data sheet + marker - Bio fact: penguin egg Level 1 (all ages, younger children might need to be guided) Explain to participants that they will be looking at different penguin island habitats. Participants will have to count the number of penguins on each habitat and record numbers on the laminated data sheet like scientists do. Discuss why there might be more penguins in one habitat versus another. 1. Penguin island habitat #1: Penguins are facing human encroachment. Nesting sites are being overrun with trash, foot traffic, and automobile traffic. 2. Penguin island habitat #2: Penguins do not have to face human encroachment or huge presence of predators. Ideal nesting habitat for penguins. Use the penguin egg to show how we can tell a habitat is healthy: presence of young. 3. Penguin island habitat # 3: Penguins are faced with a variety of invasive predators, like feral cats and dogs, which will prey upon chicks as well as adult penguins. 4. Penguin island habitat #4: Habitat is overrun with oil that has spilled from passing ships. Level 2 (older participants) After finding the ideal habitat, discuss how humans can help fix the islands to make them penguin-friendly again. Island 1: Pick up trash, recycle, and stay on designated paths. Island 2: The nesting grounds are good, but feeding grounds are not; buy sustainable seafood so that African penguins still have prey to eat. Island 3: Spay and neuter pets. Island 4: Support SANCCOB and other rehabilitation organizations (can do that here at the Zoo!) Are any of these actions we can also do in Maryland to help local animals? Conservation Ask: There are things we can all do to help save endangered wildlife! Try to organize a community waterway clean-up! By cleaning our water ways and being smart with our water usage, we can ensure a healthy habitat for the wildlife around us. 5

6 Maryland Wilderness Bog Turtle Puzzle Objective: Actions that we do everyday can help the critically endangered bog turtles in our state! Background: Found in isolated colonies along the eastern seaboard of the United States ranging from New York to Georgia, bog turtles are listed as Critically Endangered. About onethird of all bog turtles live in Maryland, but few people have ever seen them in the wild. This is because bog turtles tend to inhabit inaccessible wetlands, are well camouflaged, and spend nearly half the year buried in the mud (brumation). Bog turtle populations have decreased by as much as 90% over the last century. Factors that have hastened this decline include collection for the pet trade. Habitat fragmentation and degradation is the largest threat, with suitable habitat having decreased by about 80% in the last century. - Puzzle board - Puzzle pieces - Bio fact turtle shell Level 1 (all ages) - Have participants look at the puzzle board and point to all the things that are harmful to a bog turtle habitat. Participants can then put the puzzle back together and explain how the things they are putting back are improving the habitat. Level 2 (all ages) Use a turtle shell to show how well-protected turtles are in their habitat. Depending on the shell you can point out the spine still attached to the carapace (or top half of the shell). If the shell is flat it may indicate a turtle that spends time in the water, a domed shell belongs to a land tortoise. The bog turtle is mostly dark brown with spots of yellow to help in blend into its muddy habitat. It s small size and camouflage is one of the reasons why they are so hard to study and see in the wild. This means that even if we cannot see animals in their habitat, they are there and we should treat the environment with care. Conservation Ask: The best thing that you can do for turtles is to leave them and their habitat undisturbed. If you visit wetlands, tread lightly and stay on designated paths. Never touch or relocate any species of turtle in the wild, and never remove a turtle from the wild. Prairie Dog Key Stone Species Block Activity Objective: The conservation of a keystone species can have a positive domino effect on the ecosystem. Background: Prairie dogs play an important role in the ecosystem that they live in and are considered a keystone species. A keystone species is a species that has a major influence on the way an ecosystem works; the disappearance of a keystone species would lead to a domino effect in which other species would also start disappearing from their habitat. Prairie dog towns create islands of habitat that benefits approximately 150 other species, ranging from harvester ants to the American bison. Prairie dogs even help aerate and fertilize the soil, allowing a greater diversity of plants to thrive. Prairie dogs will also eat the plants that other animals avoid; this allows other plants more chances to grow, which in turns provides food for other 6

7 herbivores. Many animals use the burrows of the prairie dog to hide in, while other animals use them for their homes, such as black footed ferrets and tiger salamanders. Prairie dogs also serve as an important food source for many predators such as coyotes, eagles, badgers, and black-footed ferrets. Unfortunately, conflict with farmers and ranchers has led to a severe decline in prairie dog numbers. Over the past 150 years populations have been reduced by over 95%. This is why it is so crucial to teach about and encourage guests to conserve this keystone species blocks - Bio fact prairie dog skull (fragile- please use a single-finger scientific touch) Level 1 Show the participant the prairie dog skull: what sort of food do they think prairie dogs eat? Like other rodents, their large, chisel-like incisors are great for gnawing and tearing tough grasses and roots. The molars in the back of the mouth are used to grind and mash plant material. Do they think herbivores can play an important role in their habitat? They do! Explain to participants that they will be learning about the prairie dog as a keystone species, and about all of the other organisms that rely on them. Level 2 (all ages) - Have participants stack the blocks up starting with the prairie dog block on the bottom. Participants may then stack the rest of the blocks in any order. You can guide the building by asking for animals that would share the burrows (yellow blocks: tiger salamander, prairie rattlesnake, and burrowing owl), those depend on the prairie dogs as a steady food source (green blocks: American badger, coyote, and golden eagle), keeps population diverse by eating them (plants), constant digging in the soil affects the cycling of water and nutrients through the soil helps who (insects and arachnids). Level 3 (all ages, younger children might need to be guided) Once all the blocks are stacked have participants remove one of the prairie dog blocks from the bottom. Ask participants what they think will happen when one of the blocks was removed? What other species were affected by that one prairie dog? This is why the conservation of prairie dogs is so important-they help to keep their habitat stable. Conservation Ask: There are things we can all do to help save endangered wildlife! Just by coming to the zoo is a great way to help support prairie dog conservation. We can help a keystone species in our backyards- the bee! By planting wildflowers we can provide a healthy ecosystem for these important pollinators. Select Feeder Activity Objective: Learn how the prairie dog s extreme eating habits are able to shape an entire ecosystem. Background: Prairie dogs are considered a keynote species in the ecosystems that they occupy because they have such tremendous impact on so many other plants and animal species. In their own choice of food and in the way that they graze they greatly impact plant life, which in turn influences the presence and survival of other species. Their foraging retains water in the soil and forces fresh new grasses to continually grow. Young grasses have more nutrients, which species such as bison and elk prefer to eat. By keeping the grasses growth under control, other plant species have the chance to grow. Prairie dogs are also an important food source to 7

8 many animals and their colonies attract many predators. Other species also positively benefit from the presence of prairie dogs in other ways, ranging from harvester ants to American bison. - Different plant and grass cut outs - Prairie dog habitat board - Bio facts prairie dog skull Level 1 Show the participant the prairie dog skull: what sort of food do they think prairie dogs eat? Like other rodents, their large, chisel-like incisors are great for gnawing and tearing tough grasses and roots. The molars in the back of the mouth are used to grind and mash plant material. Do they think herbivores can play an important role in their habitat? They do Level 2 (all ages) - Explain to participants that prairie dogs are select feeders, meaning that they only like to eat one type of plant. Prairie dogs prefer to eat grass and will leave all the other plants, including crops. By keeping the grasses growth under control, prairie dogs are allowing all the other plants a chance to grow. Have participants help place all the grass and plant cut out onto the prairie dog habitat broad. Then explain to the participant that prairie dogs will only eat the grass in their habitat and have them remove only the grasses from the board. Level 3 (all ages, younger children might need to be guided) - What other plants were left in the habitat? Is there now more room for them to grow? How does the prairie being a select feeder help other animals in the prairie? Level 4 (older participants) Explain the importance of keystone species and how focused conservation efforts around a singular species can have a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem. Try to end on a positive note! There are things we can all do to help save endangered wildlife! Just by coming to the zoo is a great way to help support prairie dog conservation. African Journey Umbrella Species Objective: To learn what an umbrella species is and the conservation of one can save an ecosystem. Background: The rhino is what s called an umbrella species. Like an umbrella protects you from the rain, conservation of an umbrella species can indirectly protect many other species including other mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and even plants. Umbrella species are typically large and require a large range; by protecting this larger area, other species are protected as well. Umbrella species also generally have the following characteristics: biology is well-known, easily observed or sampled, migratory, and have a long lifespan. Rhinos are very important apex consumers whose grazing habits maintain savannah ecosystem biodiversity and function. With increased plant diversity, other smaller herbivores, such as zebra, gazelle and antelope are able graze as well. Because there are millions of species of conservation concern and the resources available for conservation are limited, it can be useful to use umbrella species to make conservation decisions. In summary, when you save a rhino, you save an ecosystem! - Poster of savannah and attached watering hole - Pictures of other savannah animals - Biofact- rhino tail hair 8

9 Level 1 Show the participant the rhino tail hair, which from which animal in the Watering Hole do they think it came from? While rhinos do not appear particularly hairy, they still need hair on their tail to keep biting bugs away from their skin. Level 2 (All ages, younger children might need to be guided) Ask participants why they think we have multiple species sharing the African Watering Hole- they would share the same habitat out on the savannah. Have participants build their ideal savannah habitat using the materials provided (try to encourage placing the white rhinos in various locations, spreading them across the board while other species tend to stick with their own. Female rhinos generally form loose groups with their offspring, whereas the males are typically solitary). Explain that a wellfunctioning ecosystem needs healthy biodiversity: can they find any mammals? Birds? A reptile? An insect? Plants? Any non-living things? (Rocks and water). Level 3 (all ages, younger children will need to be guided) - Next, present an unfortunate situation: humans have started expanding onto the savannah building houses and farms. The locals are willing to set up reserves, but are unsure where to set the boundaries. Conservationists now have a dilemma: we have to decide which species get priority- not an easy decision! Ask the kids which animal they would invest their resources in to study- how they use the range will dictate where the reserve boundaries will go. Once the participant chooses the animal, they will use their hands as a way to measure space/habitat use from the animal s spot on the board. If they choose the savannah monitor (lizard) or dung beetle, they can use a fist; any animal within that fist is saved. (The monitor is only a fist because reptiles are ectothermic and needs to conserve energy and therefore do not travel as far. Although the dung beetle s range is similar to that of a rhino, its short lifespan and size can make it difficult to study and track.) Ostrich, crane, zebra and gazelle will be one hand (medium-sized herbivore that does move around, but not as much as the rhino). Cheetah will be one hand plus a fist (as a carnivore, cheetahs typically move to get their food, but will rest for long periods of time to save their energy). Rhino two hands (two hands from every rhino on the board, so it is important that there are at least two groups of rhinos on different parts of the board for this to work). The rhino should be the only animal that encompasses the entire board and saves all the animals, because their range overlaps all. Explain what an umbrella species is: by focusing conservation efforts around one (large, charismatic, wide-ranging, easy-to-study) species we can save others! Conservation Ask: There are things we can all do to help save endangered wildlife! Just by coming to the zoo is a great way to help support white rhino conservation. Addra Gazelle Jenga Objective: To investigate the causes of the Critically Endangered Addra gazelle s population decline and to learn about the ongoing conservation efforts. Background: Addra gazelles (aka Dama gazelle) are listed by the IUCN as critically endangered, with less than 500 individuals left in the wild. They are also listed under CITES appendix 1, which heavily limits the trade of this species. Poaching and overhunting for horns and meat have driven the species nearly to extinction. Habitat destruction brought on by natural desertification and overgrazing of domestic livestock also poses a major threat to them. Social unrest in range countries is a challenge for conservation efforts and legislation. Most, if not all, 9

10 of remaining wild breeding populations are heavily dependent on wildlife preserves. The Maryland Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which aims to establish a genetically diverse breeding population in cooperating institutions. There have been successful introductions of offspring from captive breeding programs into national parks in Senegal and Tunisia. - Jenga set - Addra gazelle cards - Bio facts addra gazelle skull Level 1 Show the participant the addra gazelle skull. What does the guest think it eats- look at the grinding teeth, it s an herbivore! Does the skull belong to a predator or a prey? The position of the eyes tells us it s a prey: Eyes on the side likes to hide, eyes on the front likes to hunt. As an herbivore and prey they play an important role in maintaining ecosystem processes. They prevent plants (acacia tree) from dominating the land by stripping and eating the plants. They are also a major food source for many predators. Level 2 (all ages, younger children might need to be guided) - Set up the Jenga blocks on a level surface and explain to participants that the point of the game is to remove the blocks without knocking any of the others down. If the blocks fall down, that means that the addra gazelle population has fallen down as well. This is not good for the ecosystem as addra gazelle play an important role as an herbivore and prey. Level 3 (all ages, younger children will need to be guided) - Have participants read a playing card and follow the directions given on the card. *Helpful hint: put the cards you deem most important for the guests to learn at the top of the pile, so those participants with a short attention span are walking away with the most relevant information.* Participants should only take blocks from below the top three rows and place blocks that they have pulled back on top of the tower. Conservation Ask: There are things we can all do to help save endangered wildlife! Just coming to the zoo today is helping the addra gazelles. Chimp Forest Coquerel s Sifaka Deforestation Objective: To learn about how habitat loss is affecting lemur species and what we can do to help. Background: Coquerel s sifaka are classified as endangered. Native to the southeastern coast of Madagascar, Coquerel s sifakas prefer the dry, deciduous forests. They are now found in only two protected areas of northwestern Madagascar. As an arboreal animal, sifakas spend most of their time in the trees. They spend half of their waking hours foraging for food, which is mostly leaves, but they can also eat buds, flowers, bark, dead wood and some fruit. At night, they sleep high up in the trees to avoid any predators. Habitat loss due to deforestation is the leading threat to Coquerel s sifaka, as is the case with many species of lemur. Therefore, it is critical that we make smart building choices in lemur habitat. 10

11 - Magnetic board - Magnetic trees with lemurs - Magnetic roads/buildings - Bio facts lemur skull (very fragile) Level 1 (all ages, younger children might need to be guided) - Ask participants if they know what endangered means. Explain that Sifaka are a type of lemur. Lemurs live in the forests on an island called Madagascar and are endangered, mainly because of deforestation. Use the lemur jaw to ask the guest what they think the lemurs like to eat. Their back grinding teeth show that they specialize in eating plants; they are mainly folivores (eat leaves) but will also eat flowers, fruits, bark and dead wood. Lemurs play an important role in maintaining the rainforest as seed dispersers. Level 2 (all ages, younger children might need to be guided) - Set up the magnetic board (the island of Madagascar) with only trees on it and ask the participants what happens if people want to build a road, school, house, office, etc. Each time we build something, we have to take away some of the trees, which is where the lemurs live. Ask participants where the lemurs can go if we take away all the trees they have nowhere to go because they live on an island! Encourage guests to design their city without creating fragmented habitats. Conservation Ask: Try to end on a positive note! There are things we can all do to help save endangered wildlife! By making environmentally responsible lifestyle decisions (conserve energy, reduce litter and pollution) we can help to conserve habitat. Panamanian Golden Frog Jenga Objective: Guests will observe how fragile amphibian populations can be, and how we have the power to make a positive change. Background: Panamanian golden frogs are native to the wet rainforests and dry cloud forests of the Cordilleran Mountains that run like a spine through western-central Panama in Central America. While they are listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered, PGFs have not been seen in the wild since Birds, snakes, and fish are traditional frog predators, and they have preyed on their fair share of Panamanian golden frogs and tadpoles. A much more lethal predator arrived on the scene in recent times: the amphibian chytrid fungus, otherwise known as Batrachochytrium. Habitat loss remains the most serious threat, but pollution, disease, climate change, and over-collection for the pet trade are also significant. - Jenga set - PGF playing cards - Bio facts frog life stages - Example toad abode Level 1 (all ages) - Set up the Jenga blocks on a level surface and explain to participants that the point of the game is to remove the blocks without knocking any of the others down. If the blocks fall down, that means that the PGF population has fallen down as well. Have participants read a playing card from the black card pile and follow the directions given on the card. 11

12 *Helpful hint: put the cards you deem most important for the guests to learn at the top of the pile, so those participants with a short attention span are walking away with the most relevant information.* Participants should only take blocks from below the top three rows and place blocks that they have pulled back on top of the tower. Use the frog life stages biofact if they are confused what a tadpole, froglet, adults etc. is. Level 2 (all ages) - Once the tower falls down, switch to the blue set of playing cards. As they pull cards, they will be creating a second population here in Maryland! Explain that although PGFs are extinct in the wild, the captive population being maintained here ensures that there will always be a chance of reintroduction! Direct guests attention to the example toad abode. Amphibians right here in Maryland can use our help, and putting a toad abode in your backyard is an easy way to help. Try to end on a positive note! There are things we can all do to help save endangered wildlife! Just coming to the zoo today is helping the PGFs - the Maryland Zoo is involved with Project Golden Frog, a conservation consortium among scientific, educational, and zoological institutions in the Republic of Panama and the United States to research ways to eradicate the fungus that has greatly affected their populations. Farmyard Pollution Solutions Objective: To help participants feel empowered to make eco-friendly choices and to provide actions steps for all ages. Background: With all of the doom and gloom talk surrounding the status of the earth, kids often disheartened when it comes to saving the planet. However, there are many things that even our youngest zoo visitors can do to make a positive impact on the environment. We need transportation, electricity, food, clothing and other goods, but how we choose to use these can make a difference. - Problem cards - Solution cards - Example of a homemade mason bee house - DIY mason bee house directions Level 1 (all ages, younger children will need to be guided)- Point out some of the problems that are currently plaguing the earth, and how these things happen. Then direct them to the solution cards, assure the participants that there is something that we can do to help lessen the effects of all. Level 2 (all ages, younger children will need to be guided) - See if the participant can match up the problems with the solutions. Are there some solutions that help multiple problems? We provided a mason bee house example to show how they can help put local pollinators. Mason bees are great to have in your backyard because they rarely sting! Once all are matched up, have them think about any other ways they can help out the environment. Do they already do some of these eco-friendly things? Congratulate and thank them if they do! Ask them if there is anything that they want to try now after this activity! 12

13 Conservation Ask: There are things we can all do to help save endangered wildlife! Encourage local pollinators to visit your backyard garden by either building or buying a mason bee house. You can help keep tally of the bees that visit your house for citizen science: Checkerspot Butterfly Garden Objective: To investigate the needs of the checkerspot butterfly throughout its entire lifecycle. Background: Over the past few decades, Maryland populations of Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies have experienced significant declines. The State of Maryland currently lists the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly on its Conservation Watch List. This list highlights species that, if their numbers continue to decline, may become threatened or endangered in the state. It should be noted that there are stable populations of the Baltimore Checkerspot elsewhere within their range, which comprises most of the eastern half of the U.S. and southern Canada. Checkerspot caterpillars prefer to feed on white turtlehead. This plant typically grows in wet areas. The caterpillars also favor the moist air typical of wetlands. Turtlehead, and other lessfavored food plants like beardtongue, false foxglove and English plantain tolerate drier conditions, but marshes, wet meadows, stream banks, intermittent wetlands and pond edges provide the optimum conditions for caterpillar survival. Like most species experiencing population declines, the Baltimore Checkerspot has endured drastic alterations to their habitat: - The continuous development of wetlands reduces the amount of wetland habitat available for checkerspot breeding. - White-tailed deer, heavily overpopulated in many parts of the eastern United States, often out-compete Checkerspot caterpillars for turtlehead leaves. Their depredations on turtlehead plants severely limit the food available to the growing caterpillars. - All-terrain vehicle operators crush caterpillar food sources as they motor through suitable, but often fragile habitat. Other destructive land uses such as indiscriminant mowing and grazing may have similar impacts. - Pesticides, designed to combat gypsy moth and other insect pest infestations, take their toll on similar but beneficial insect species like the Baltimore Checkerspot. - Two foam bases - Two plastic plates - Various items on popsicle sticks (fruits, vegetables, turtlehead, sand, mud, etc.) - Laminated dead leaves - Pictures of checkerspot butterflies and caterpillars - Bio facts meadow insect display Level 1 - Set up the plates and foam bases next to each other. One base will be for things that a Checkerspot caterpillar needs. The other will be for things that a Checkerspot butterfly needs. Level 2 (all ages, younger children might need to be guided) - Go through the pictures on popsicle stick with the kids and ask what types of things should be in an ideal garden for a caterpillar and butterfly. Have the kids stick the popsicle sticks in the appropriate garden. Some pictures won t belong in either garden. For instance, native plants and fruits would be beneficial, but things like mangos and pineapples aren t naturally found in Maryland. The two 13

14 gardens will have differences. The caterpillar garden needs the turtlehead plant and dead leaves for the caterpillar to hibernate in. The adult butterfly garden will have native fruits (apples, tomatoes, and blackberries) instead. The gardens will also have things in common: sun, rain, and mud are essential to both caterpillars and butterflies. Things like lemons, mangos, and bottled water won t be utilized in either garden plot. Level 3 (older participants) - One the gardens are built, discuss the difference between them. Why do they have some differences? What do they have in common? Why were some pictures not used in either garden? Conservation Ask: Tell guests that we can help native insect species by planting native plants in our yards, using fewer pesticides, and not overdeveloping. Use the meadow insect display to show the different types of insects that we would also be helping by planting native plants (or letting a portion of our yard go wild. ) Further Reading On choosing which animals to save: Birds and the Endangered Species Act: 14