Diverse wildlife populations are valuable from many standpoints, as indicators of a healthy ecosystem, for recreation, and for aesthetics. Understanding a species’ requirements and habits is the first step in ensuring the continuing existence of that particular animal. Proper protection and management of an animal’s habitat will encourage optimum populations.

ENVIROTHON Students will be able to:

Identify common wildlife species from silhouettes, mounted specimens,
or pictures. (Part of an animal may be shown instead of the whole animal.)
Keys will be used for more extensive identification

Identify common wildlife species based on wildlife sign.
Sign can include animal fur, hair, feathers, gnawings, rubbings, pellets, and scat

Answer questions concerning the natural history of wildlife species occurring in Delaware

Identify wildlife species from natural history information

Identify basic wildlife survival needs

Describe specific adaptions of wildlife to their environment and role in the ecosystem

Describe food chains and food webs and be able to identify examples

Describe predator/prey relationships and be able to identify examples

Describe factors that limit or enhance population growth

Identify habitat requirement for specific species

Evaluate a given habitat and select or list species most likely to live there

Describe ways habitat can be improved for specific species by knowing their requirements

Discuss concepts of carrying capacity and limiting factors

Discuss how forestry practices can enhance or impact wildlife habitat

Answer questions concerning hunting regulations and how they pertain to wildlife management

Describe various ways people can help in the protection, conservation, management, and enhancement of wildlife populations

Identify agencies responsible for providing the protection and management of wildlife resources

Identify wildlife species that are listed as endangered or threatened and describe the main causes that have led to the depleted populations

Describe major consequences of wetland destruction on wildlife

Identify non-native wildlife species that have been introduced into Delaware accidentally and purposely

Identify the most common carriers of rabies and lyme disease

Describe the cause, transmission, and symptom of rabies and lyme disease in people and wildlife