July 2002
The parrot at the local pet shop may be entertaining but do you really know where it came from? Many tropical birds and other exotic animals and plants are part of the illegal pet and wildlife trade that the World Wildlife Fund says is second in size only to the illegal trade in drugs. July's LAND, SEA & AIR MAIL looks into this activity that threatens many species.
This month’s newsletter contains activities developed at our Busch Gardens Tampa Park for K-3, 4-8 and 9-12 students. Young learners are introduced to new vocabulary and regulations that govern wildlife trade. Middle school students build on this information with a matching game and identifying endangered or threatened species in their neighborhoods. High schoolers create a fictitious species and write a bill to protect it, then debate the legislation in a mock session of congress.
For more background information on endangered species, see our Endangered Species information booklet.
The ocean’s largest sea turtle, the leatherback, faces an uncertain future. With a worldwide population of less than 25,000, the sea turtle is close to extinction in its Pacific Ocean range. Students at Carl Sandburg Middle School in Levittown, Penn., decided to help. Their project “Leatherbacks Under the Care of International Ambassadors (L.U.C.I.A)” earned them a $10,000 award from the Ocean Conservancy under the Anheuser-Busch Environmental Excellence Awards. Read about their project and learn more about this sea turtle on The Leatherback Trust Web site.
Teaching about the environment is not always easy. Do you know a teacher who’s figured out a unique way to inspire students, communicate concepts, or encourage exploration? What about a school that has dedicated itself to a project? We want to hear about them. Use our easy entry form to nominate your favorite school or teacher.
Julie's Journal
Julie offers some tips and tidbits about helping injured wildlife in your area.Conservation Partners: National Wildlife Federation
As the nation’s largest member-supported conservation group, NWF unites individuals, organizations, businesses, and government to protect wildlife, wild places, and the environment upon which we all depend. NWF has a great page on endangered wild cats.
Do you have a question about an endangered species? This Web site lists the top 10 questions most people ask and gives links to other Web sites that have the answer. The home page for this site can be a great starting point when you are searching for information and news about endangered species worldwide.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also has a great Web page with information and links. Test your knowledge with the “Risky Critters” guessing game. Play with a friend!
The World Wildlife Fund’s pages on wildlife trade gives an introduction to TRAFFIC, the world’s largest wildlife trade monitoring program.
- Learn the endangered and threatened species in your area. Go to the Threatened and Endangered Species System (TESS) to find the plants and animals listed in your state.
- Visit your local zoos and aquariums and watch wildlife programs on TV to learn more about animals worldwide. Spread the word by sharing your information with friends and family.
- If you travel, know what animals or plants are protected and illegal to buy. Check out the World Wildlife Fund site “Buyer Beware” for a virtual shopping spree to identify and learn about illegal animal and plant products.
- Support organizations that regulate or monitor wildlife traffic. Some of the more active organizations are the World Wildlife Fund and the National Wildlife Federation. Government and international organizations include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
|
COMING
NEXT MONTH
|
 |
SeaWorld/Busch
Gardens Animal Information Database
http://www.seaworld.org/
/ http://www.buschgardens.org/
©2003 Busch Entertainment Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.