Think Like a Conservationist

Before the meeting:

1. Print a copy of the Think Like a Conservationist worksheet for each Cub Scout.
2. Communicate to Cub Scouts’ parents or legal guardians that they’ll be using the internet to research their animal.
3. Understand the difference between animals that are threatened and animals that are endangered.
   • An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. Endangered species may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, and invasive species.
   • Threatened species are any species which are vulnerable to extinction in the near future. Species that are threatened are sometimes characterized by the population dynamics measure of critical depensation, a mathematical measure of biomass related to population growth rate.

During the meeting:

1. Explain to Cub Scouts that they’re going to research the animal chosen in requirement 2 by reviewing websites such as The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species or Animal Welfare Institute .
2. Explain the differences between threatened and endangered.
3. Allow Cub Scouts to take turns using the computer or smart device. Make sure an adult is monitoring their activities.
4. Have Cub Scouts fill out their worksheet for their animal and identify if their animal is threatened or endangered