Native Species Restoration and its
Impact on Local Populations
Grade Level: 9-12

Summary: This lesson addresses the complexities of native species reintroduction. Students will learn that the carrying capacity of an ecosystem depends on a variety of limiting factors, of which, predators are just one. In fact, the presence of predators can help control the growth of prey species for a more balanced ecosystem.

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View the Content Standards

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Student Instructions Handout

Activity 1:
Extinction and Endangered Species: What Can You Do?

This activity introduces students to the concept of Endangered Species and Native Species Reintroduction as a method to help species.

Featured video clips in this activity:

Protecting the San Pedro River Watershed In an attempt to protect the entire ecosystem of the river, parts of the San Pedro River Valley have been designated as a 'national conservation area.'

Return of the Wolf The United States government enlisted the assistance of the Nez Perce Indians to help reestablish wolves in Idaho.

Activity 2:

Oh Deer, Here Come the Wolves
Students will plot and analyze graphs of animal populations to understand the concepts of carrying capacity, population explosion, and limiting factors.

Activity 3:

The Reintroduction of the Bighorn Sheep
Student's examine value and and effects of efforts to reintroduce a native species to an ecosystem.

Featured video clips in this activity:

Reestablishing Bighorn Sheep in Oregon Oregon wildlife officials take extensive measures to capture and reintroduce once-plentiful bighorn sheep into Oregon mountains.