Forestry and Natural Resources
Unit 12: Managing Predators and Non-game Species
Unit 12: Managing Predators and Non-game Species
Lesson 2: Endangered Species
Duration: 2 Hours
Students will be able to:
1. Discuss the 1973 Endangered Species Act.
2. List possible causes of extinction.
3. Discuss obstacles to restoring an endangered or threatened species.
Suggested Activities:
12.2A Endangered Species: Students select a plant or animal from the list of protected species
and research the factors that caused it to be listed. They then prepare a written or oral
report in which they validate the listing and recommend future management.
Teaching Outline
I. 1973 Endangered Species Act
A. Endangered Species: any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a
significant portion of its range
1. Does not have to be endangered world wide
2. Can be protected only locally
B. Threatened Species: any species which is likely to become an endangered species within
the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range
II. Deciding which is an endangered animal
A. Federal level
1. The decision is made by the Secretary's of Interior & Commerce consulting with the
following agencies:
a. The state where the plant or animal lives
b. Interested persons and organizations
c. U.S. Department of State if a foreign nation is involved
2. Secretary of the Interior
a. Responsible for territorial and freshwater species
b. Authority is delegated to the Directors of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
3. Secretary of Commerce
a. Responsible for marine species
b. Authority is delegated to National Marine Fisheries Service
B. State Level - California Department of Fish and Game has the authority to designate a
fish/wildlife species endangered in the state.
III. Causes of extinction
A. Activities of humans
B. Destruction of habitat by natural change
C. Disease and predation
D. Inadequate laws and regulations
E. Lack of animal adaptability
4012.4
Forestry and Natural Resources
Unit 12: Managing Predators and Non-game Species
IV.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Obstacles to Restoration
Some animals have been reduced to such low numbers that a management program is
extremely difficult
1. Difficult to forecast results
2. Natural disease and injury reduce numbers
3. Predators
Natural change in migratory habits
Reduction of habitat caused by urbanization, agricultural development, logging
operations, and industry
Some species require absolute isolation
Some species have to travel great distances between nesting and wintering grounds
Value of fur or other body parts encourages poachers
4012.5