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
Sep 15 - Sep 21	Canterbury knobbled weevil
Sep 22 - Sep 28	Houston toad
Sep 29 - Oct 5	New Zealand long-tailed bat
Oct 6 - Oct 12	Striped rabbitfish
Oct 13 - Oct 19	Witch flounder
Oct 20 - Oct 26	Peacock Tarantula
Oct 27 - Nov 2	Halloween darter
Nov 3 - Nov 9	Eastern Quoll
Nov 10 - Nov 16	Black abalone
Nov 17 - Nov 23	African penguin
Nov 24 - Nov 30	Indochinese box turtle
Dec 1 - Dec 7	        North Atlantic right whale
Dec 8 - Dec 14	Saint Lucia racer
Dec 15 - Dec 21	Indian Vulture


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