Over the last 50 years, North America has lost 3 billion birds. One billion crabs disappeared over the last 2 years from the Bering Sea. Puerto Rico reported a 98% decline in ground insects over 35 years. Populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, sharks, and reef-building corals continue to collapse around the world. 

We are losing biodiversity and some species are being lost before they can even be described. There are more than 41,000 known species of plants and animals that are currently at risk of extinction. Many of these species are small populations in remote locations. 

Many of us will never have an opportunity to visit the forests of Indonesia to see the Javan Rhinoceros, or the Blue-throated Macaw flying wild through Bolivia. The purpose of this class is to give students an opportunity to learn about these animals before they disappear and to foster a love for biodiversity. 

Each class will introduce an at-risk animal species from all over the world. We look at all animal groups from corals to mammals. Students will learn about their life history, interesting facts, threats, and any conservation management plans for the species listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered. Occasionally we also look at the success stories of animals that have been previously on the endangered list but have since been de-listed. 

This class is ongoing and students are welcome to join at any time. 

Class Schedule
Aug 11 - Aug 17	Tasmanian Devil
Aug 18 - Aug 24	Pink River Dolphin
Aug 25 - Aug 31	Kipunji
Sep 1 - Sep 7  	Sumatran Orangutan
Sep 8 - Sep 14	Regent Honeyeater
Sep 15 - Sep 21	Canterbury Knobbled Weevil
Sep 22 - Sep 28	Orange-bellied Parrot
Sep 29 - Oct 5	Eastern Quoll
Oct 6 - Oct 12	Aye-Aye


More animals will be listed as we go. Feel free to suggest an animal you'd like to see in class!