Kids With H.E.A.R.T.

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Kids With H.E.A.R.T.
Images appears courtesy of ImageAnimals at
http//www.imageanimals.com
Helping Endangered Animals Resist Threat
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Have you ever wondered?

• What is the difference between extinct,
  endangered, and threatened?
• Why are animals endangered?
• What makes some animals more at risk than others?
• What is being done to help save endangered
  species?
• How can I help?

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Extinct

• Species that are gone forever

Stellar Sea Cows were hunted to extinction by
people. They were enormous sea mammals that could
be 20 to 30 feet long and weighed about 8,500
pounds. Stellar Sea Cows were killed for food.
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Endangered

• Endangered animals are still living today but are
  in immediate danger of extinction.

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Threatened

• A species that is likely to become endangered if
  it is not protected.

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Why are Animals Endangered?

• Natural Causes
• Human-Induced Causes

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Why are Animals Endangered?
Natural Causes

• Natural Catastrophes
• Earthquakes
• Volcanoes
• Climatic changes
• Forest fires
• Severe weather

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Why are Animals Endangered?
Natural Causes

• Failure to Adapt
• Survival of the fittest
• Inability to compete for food
• Inability to compete for territory
• Failure to protect its young

Disease
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Why are Animals Endangered?
Human-Induced Causes

• Loss of Habitat
• Human over population
• Human need for housing, industry, farming, cities

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Why are Animals Endangered?
Human Induced Causes

• Break in the Food Chain
• Creates an in balance
• Food competition

All living things are connected to each other.
It is like a web. When we remove anything in
nature, something else is affected.
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Why are Animals Endangered?
Human Induced Causes

• Hunting and Trapping
• Illegal poaching for fur, tusk, and body parts
• Trapped for zoos

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Why are Animals Endangered?
Human Induced Causes

• Pollution
• Litter
• Contaminated water
• Pesticides

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What Makes Some Animals More at Risk Than Others?
Risky Business

• Some animals are more likely to become endangered
  than others because they
• Interfere in some way with peoples activities
• Are very sensitive to changes
• Have very specific food or nesting requirements
• Are naturally rare
• Have small broods and long gestation periods
• Migrate

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What is Being Done to Help Save Endangered
Species?
Endangered Species Act

• In 1973 the Endangered Species Act was passed by
  the US government to protect animals.
• According to the act, it is illegal to import,
  export, or sell protected animals.
• To harm, harass, or kill a protected animal is
  against the law.
• A fine of up to 200,000 and/or a year in jail is
  the penalty for breaking this law.
• It is the responsibility of the US Fish and
  Wildlife Service to protect endangered species
  and their habitats.

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What is Being Done to Help Save Endangered
Species?
National Wildlife Refuge System

• Their goal is to preserve, restore, and enhance
  in their natural ecosystems all species of
  animals that are endangered.
• Over 92 million acres of land and water have been
  set aside for the conservation of fish and
  wildlife.

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How Can I Help?

• Dont litter.
• Be respectful of the land and animals.
• Urge your parents to use natural pesticides on
  garden plants and crops.
• Cut plastic rings on six-packs before discarding
  them so birds dont get caught in them.
• Write to your representatives and let them know
  that you support the Endangered Species Act.
• Read all you can about endangered animals.
• Tell your parents to vote for laws that protect
  endangered species and their habitats.
• Adopt an endangered animal.
• Make an informational poster on an endangered
  animal and display it at your school library.
• Design a bumper sticker to make others aware of
  the plight of an endangered animal.
• Invite a guest speaker to present information
  about endangered animals in your area.