Endangered Species

SUMMARY:	Learn more about the efforts to save the California Condor and write a report about another endangered species and the efforts being made to save it. This lesson is part of a series. Select this text to learn more about the series and how to extend its usefulness.
OBJECTIVES:	Become aware of the problems endangered species face.
SUBJECTS:	Science and Language Arts
GRADES:	4 - 8
LENGTH:	Series

Background: Many animals, including the California Condor are on the endangered species list. Efforts are being made to increase the populations of these animals and to protect their habitats from further encroachment. But there is still a lot that needs to be done. Back in 1987 all California Condors were captured from the wild and brought into captivity at the LA Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park. They were part of a captive breeding program that would release their offspring back into the wilderness. Since the first release in 1991 there has been an increase in condor populations, yet the offspring that have been released are still very vulnerable to environmental poisons and other hazards.

Materials: Endangered species list, paper, and pencil. You can get endangered species lists on-line at http://www.endangeredspecie.com or http://www.fws.gov/r9endspp/endspp.html

How to:

1. Have students pick one endangered bird species that lives in California.
2. Allow time to do research.
3. Students should write a report on their species discussing the reasons why it is endangered and the steps we are taking to preserve it.