Conservationalist/Environmentalist Group
If you are a member of the conservationists and environmentalists group, you realize that although the causes of Hawaiian species' decline are numerous and complicated, the most significant threat to native rain forest species today is the feral pig. In search of grubs and worms, the pigs uproot shrubs and rototill the soil with their snouts. They knock over plants, even large tree ferns, and eat them. The delicate plants have no defenses against the pigs. These pigs also sow the seeds of alien plants in their droppings. Conservationists know that the survival of hundreds of endangered species depends on human intervention, which includes killing and eradicating the feral pigs in order to restore and maintain Hawaii's healthy ecosystems.
Use the resource links listed below to research the perspectives of a Conservationalist/Environmentalist on the survival of Native Hawaiian plant and animal species. While you should gather as much support for your position as possible, use these questions to organize your research.
Create a ten minute presentation which will explain and defend your specific point of view to your group. You may create your presentation as a multimedia presentation, such as a PowerPoint or a Claris Works slide show, or you can create a poster board, an advertising brochure, or other means of presenting your viewpoint.
Group members will share their presentations. Each member will have ten minutes to share their findings with their group. Individuals should clearly present the problem, reason(s) for the problem, and a solution or a goal for Hawaii regarding the environment.
Thirty minutes will be allocated for a debate and resolution period. In this time group members can clarify their positions and will reach a group position on the issue. When your group has determined what position you will take as a whole you, must determine what action will be taken as a group for your Final Project. For guidelines on the Final Group Project, click here.
Here are some online links to get you started researching the perspectives of the Conservationalists/Environmentalists:
Hawaii's Endangered Species Websites Hawaii Ecosystems at Risk (HEAR) project
Hawaii chapter of the Sierra Club The Hawaii Ecoregion Environmental WebSites of Interest
ECONET Endangered Species Resources Wildlife Conservation Society
American Museum of Natural History Hawaii's Endangered Species
Alien Invaders in Hawaii Hawaii's Feral Pig Policy
Alien Species in Hawaii Hawaii Animal Imports
EE Link Endangered Species Endangered! Exploring a World at Risk
Endangered Species Page (has laws & agencies protecting animals)