Talk about Tigers

The first animal consevation class was a basic overview of animals in general, including classification and characteristics of groups of animals. We touched on the idea of conservation, which many of the kids didn't know much about. We discussed what it meant for a species to be engandered or extinct, and we talked about what types of issues promote threats to animals. Such issues include habitat destruction, illness, and poaching, to name a few as an overview. In anitcipation for the next class, we breafly touched on the the effects of palm oil plantations in Southeast Asia which are putting threats on the populations of animals such as sun bears and orangutans that are living there.

In general, I've found it helpful to interact with the kids as much as possible while teaching the class. I do believe that the best way to learn is by discussion and interaction. During the classes, we find a nice place on the grass, sit in a circle together, and discuss whatever we are talking about on a given day. Sometimes I start out by having the kids look at the handouts and asking them if they've ever seen these animals before and, if so, where did the see them. This is something that gets them involved and excited for the class. I also generally teach by asking questions about the animals, and I will admit, I have learned things about the animals that I did not previously know. And of course, to sooth their restless feet, we always play some form of running game at the end of the class.

For the second animal conservation class, we discussed a broad category of things which included tigers, sun bears, and primates. As for tigers and sun bears, we discussed their range (and how to read a range map), special adaptations they have, and their conservation status, which for both species is endangered. One thing that amazed the kids was the tiger's range map. I included in the handout a map that shows both the historic range and the present range. As you can see in the map to the right, the range has significantly decreased. This is due to several factors which include poaching and habitat destruction. In addition, tiger body parts are used in some parts of Asia for medicinal purposes, but one of the main problem causing the endangerement of tigers is keeping them in captivity. I don't only mean zoos, as many zoos actually rescue tigers from harmful environments in captivity. What I mean is, there are more tigers in captivity (not including zoos) than there are living in the wild. These tigers often live in peoples homes as pets, in cement cages, as viewing attractions, as well as in other harmful environments. Tigers, wild animals, are not meant to live in captivity, especially in the harsh conditions which many are in. Though it is illegal in many states, often the laws just aren't enforced, and people always find ways to get around them. Many laws are put in place protecting pure bread Siberian Tigers, or pure bread Bengal Tigers, but what about the mixes? In many places it is legal to have a tiger in your home as a pet, just as long as it is not a pure Siberian or Bengal Tiger. It is important that we recognize the severity of this situation before we are able to do anything about it.