Almost gone ... hope not!

Guest post series 'Almost gone ...' by Scott Bright (@Speciesguy)

Hi kids, parents and all. Today I wanted share of some positive things that people are doing to make a difference for endangered species. When you watch these videos, you'll want to thank these people. Hey, I’m doing my best here, I wish I could write like Richard Bach, but I try to make it interesting.

Lions Get To Live

In Africa, the lions were eating the farmers’ cattle, so the farmers did the only thing they thought would solve the problem, which was to take out as many of them as possible. So, fewer and fewer lions were to being seen. Hey, if they were my cows, I would do the same thing. Lions are professionals at running to catch something to eat.

Well, a group of people who called Conservation org. learned that this was happening, and sent some people to talk with the farmers. Check out the solution. Now the farmers let the lions live! Yahoo! See video. It’s a great video of people helping in a tough situation. Just Google some good things for endangered species, and you’ll find some good things happening.

Raising Shark Awareness

Here’s another person I read about. Here name is Lesley Rochat from South Africa. Boy, does she care about sharks and other marine life. She has a cool video about Maxine the shark. This is a great video! She was a friend with a ragged toothed shark for ten years, and this shark became a star! And with all of our support, will put an end to shark finning.

Parents, she has other videos, but you'll have to use your discretion. They are the best videos made to stop shark finning.

Breeding Species In Captivity

When a species home gets smaller and smaller, animals get in a lot of trouble as far as survival is concerned. Now some caring people take animals from where they live and breed them. It’s called, “breeding in captivity.” It just means that they make other species away from where they live. If people did not do this, the animal would go extinct.

I can’t wait to share this with you! On an island called, “Madagascar, they have some of the strangest animals on our planet. The thing is, species like the fossa, the leaf tailed gecko, and aye-aye only exist on this island. And a lot of their forests are being cut down. People are trying to change that too. So for now, some people learned that a lot of the animals were in trouble there and sprung into action.

Way To Go Duke

Yes indeed, Duke University came to the rescue! Take a look at this video. One of the animals they breed is the aye-aye. Just say eye, eye, and you will had said their name right. My hats are off to the people at the Duke Lemur Center because they are breeding a bunch of species that would have gone extinct.

Look how cute the aye-aye’s are. And it’s the only place on earth where they live. Ok, I found one other video about Dr. Kathy Williams and what she does. Thank you Duke!

To Wrap Up For Today

What I’m suggesting is we learn about what’s happening with different animals, and get enthused about the value of a species! When we learn why a species is important, that is valuable information to share with your teachers, and with your parents help, you can write a leader. Way to go! Thanks kid, parents and all, I hope you enjoyed me sharing what some wonderful people are doing to make a difference. What species will we look at next week? Stay tuned.

Please check out the books on my site, if we educate our kids with books, DVDs, and write a leader, we can be part of the solution to lower the endangered species rate. And I have cool bamboo items for the home. Check my site, I have other fun videos, plus blogs and books for your learning. Remember, education is what can turn this around.

I also post some funny looking species on Twitpic.

Kids Books For Endangered Species

SpeciesHelp.com

And I'm Speciesguy on Twitter. Come say hi.

Almost gone ... Thylacine

Guest post series 'Almost gone ...' by Scott Bright (@Speciesguy)

Meet the Thylacine

Well hello to you, and welcome. What species can open it's mouth like a crocodile, has stripes like a Zebra, and a tail of that came from who knows where? Oh wait, one other feature, it has a pouch like a Kangaroo! Give up? Well, it's called the Thylacine, or,"wolf headed pouch dog” if you look it up in Latin. But it went extinct back around 1939. Or did it? Read on.

There are a number of articles that have been written about this animal. Why? First, it's a flat out interesting topic to read and write about. And second, a certain someone offered a great deal of money for real time footage of one; 1.25 million dollars to be exact of someone that can show real footage of this species.

Did this species go extinct?

It will have to be listed as one of the most endangered species. This snap shot above is from the Hobart Zoo in 1936. That's when they supposedly went extinct. But hold the phone. Extinct? Do you think they still exist? You be the careful investigator and find out! See an interactive map of all the reported sightings in Australia. How in the world did this species evolve? Who did it propagate with to get its shape? Australia is famous for animals that came out strange from the species assembly line!

How about the Southern Hairy nosed Wombat from Australia? It's a bear. Wait, no, it's got the nose of a rabbit. No, wait, I know, how about a pig? And my favourite characteristic, its pouch is upside down! Hey, if you dug as much as they did, and you were the baby, you'd love that feature to keep your pouch home dirt free. Yes, having a pouch upside down is weird and smart at the same time, and, not to mention, a lot of years of evolution.

Back to the Thylacine

I was shocked, as I'm sure you are too, with how wide a Thylacine can open its jaw! I mean wider than a lion, leopard, grizzly bear, just fill in the blank. The first thing that came to my mind was a crocodile. Why did it develop this way? What did it need to grab hold of that it required that kind of function? Maybe there's an expert on here that could answer some of these stirring questions. And where in the world did it get its stripes? Just a portion of its backsides has stripes; how weird is that?

Lessons from extinction?

Why did the Thylacines numbers go way south? Well, livestock was being threatened and farmers exterminated them. And just what can be learned from this? Well, as you might know, a similar kind of situation is happening in the United States right this moment with the wolves. It's happening with the Gray Wolf and the livestock there. But the awareness level is way high with this endangered species. Environmental organizations are in court to change rulings for the benefit of the wolf. It's this kind of awareness and petitions for people to sign would keep the Thylacine around. It makes for good checks and ensures balance.

Environmental organizations are making a difference.

One final point I'd like to make. There are solutions that mankind can create for endangered species if we would just put to use our eighteen billion brain cells. Here is an example how man stepped in and created a solution to an endangered species situation in Africa. Conservation International is one such group. Some farmers in Africa were seeing the cheetah was killing their livestock, so they started exterminating them. Well, if I was a farmer, and my cows were disappearing, that would seem like the course of action to take. Anyways, an environmental organization learned that this was happening and came up with a brilliant solution! They started paying the farmers for the livestock the cheetahs were eating. And the result? Now the farmers let the cheetahs live!

To Sum Up

As you are aware, there are many more species that need this kind of protection, the wolf, the sharks, and the polar bears to name a few. According to the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), 16,928 species are endangered at this time. Don't get me started! It's all up on my web site. If you have kids that love wild animals, they will have fun on my site. I write about the value of each species, and why they're important.

I really hope the Thylacine is discovered again, because there are lessons to be learned from the crazy method called "extermination”. Well, for those of you that dream of a land where no species are endangered, I created a web site for kids and all to learn some fun wild animal facts about species around the world. Click below. I can't wait to hear from kids. Plus, come say Hi on Twitter.

Let's stop extinction in its tracks with kid's learning. Because when kids get enthused, there' is no stopping them. They can share with their friends and even write to a leader!

http://www.specieshelp.com/

Kids Books For Endangered Species
Twitter.com/speciesguy

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Almost gone ... Southern Cassowary

Guest post series 'Almost gone ...' by Scott Bright (@Speciesguy)

The Cassowary Has A Great Purpose!

One day, I became fascinated, and I'm sure you will to, with exploring different parts of the world. And as fate would have it, I clicked on one of the strangest places on earth as far as animals go, "Australia!" The species that captivated my attention was a bird called the Southern Cassowary. They weigh in at one hundred and fifty pounds or more! That's right, you read correctly. Just take a peek at one! And man do they look prehistoric! I found a great video for you to see one up close.

Here is what's so valuable with this bird. It's called a keystone specie. Just what does that mean in layman's terms? Well, it's responsible for replenishing rain forest. Just how can a bird be so responsible for that task? Good question. I have 800+ books for your child and you to explore! What Is your favorites species kids? Just type them in and explore. Click here to start your child's learning.

Boy, Can They Eat Fruit!

This bird can eat fruit whole and then run all over the forest and drop the seeds whole. The result? Trees happen in a matter of weeks! I'm telling you, don't try this at home, this bird is a professional.

Just One To Four Thousand Left

So why does anyone need to be concerned about this species? If this bird goes extinct, what's to happen with the forest? I'm sure you can put 2 and 2 together. Other animals count on the cassowary. This species' forest habitat is becoming fragmented. Some caring people of Australia have put up signs for cars to slow for cassowary traffic; if only the people in the cars will slow down.

True Story

My journey began when I pulled up to my computer and read about this large bird. Hours went by and i got more and more passionate about the cause of saving it from extinction. Yeah, a global awareness had to be developed. So here's the deal. We are all in this together to make a difference. If you see an organization online that wants to preserve Cassowaries, make a donation to their precious cause.

I know if the people of world take an interest in the 16,000 species on the verge of extinction, we can turn this around. As for myself, I'm picking another part of the world to focus on. After all, the animals of Africa need to have the spot light on them too. I've written other interesting things to read about to make a difference. Once again, it's all part of the tapestry my friend. This and all other species truly are in a race against time, and it will have to be all of us working together if we're going to turn things around.

http://www.specieshelp.com/

Kids Books For Endangered Species

Twitter.com/speciesguy

Related articles by Zemanta

• Farmland birds continue to decline (telegraph.co.uk)
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How the Cassowary Got Its Helmet

Ostriches, Emus, Rheas, Kiwis and Cassowaries (Zoo Books (Mankato, Minn.).)

Be wary, cassowary. (bird from New Guinea): An article from: U.S. Kids

Almost gone ... Aye-aye

Guest post series 'Almost gone ...' by Scott Bright (@Speciesguy)

The aye- aye needs our help

I recently discovered a species from an island located at the bottom right of South Africa, Madagascar, called the Aye Aye. Isn’t that a strange name for an animal? It’s a nocturnal lemur that eats seeds and grubs. I felt quite moved to share about what’s going on with them. The only place on earth that they exist is on is on this isolated island of Madagascar. The species needs some worldwide focus at this time.

Folklore

The people of Madagascar have some strong folklore in place. It depends which people you talk with on the island. Because some people there think it is a good omen to see one. But some believe that if an aye- aye points at you with its middle finger, you will die. So, they are killed at sight. Come on! It’s only a seed and grub eating nocturnal lemur.

Foraging method is ingenious

Their method of foraging food is pretty amazing. Their middle finger is three inches longer than the other fingers and it taps quite rapidly on trees to look for grubs. Hey, someone has to be assigned to the task. I wonder how many years of evolution did it take for them to figure out this behavior? A Woodpecker does the same thing, only with their beak. Personally, I think they have the un kept hair of Einstein, so they have that going for them! Lets try to do our best to share information about this rare animal.

No beauty contests

As you can plainly see from the picture, the only beauty contest they you could consider entering them in would be in October. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

They are being bred

Whew! This is good news. I’m glad there are people out there that know the time to breed this animal is now. Else they will be lost to us forever!

Aye-aye in the media

I found a video of a baby aye-aye that has been bred in the U.K. Its name is Kintana (meaning star in Malagasy). The aye-ayes are also flourishing at the Duke Lemur Centre in the US. More cool videos about various endangered species that I handpicked plus some interesting and informative blogs are showcased on my website.

Launch Passion For Endangered Species

I’ve started a cause for endangered species on Facebook. It’s a place for kids to learn plus dialog with each other. Please share this with your kids. I just started the cause and am asking for your help. Come on kids!

Thanks for taking the time to read.

http://www.specieshelp.com/
Kids Books For Endangered Species
Twitter.com/speciesguy

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Almost gone ... Sharks

Guest post series 'Almost gone ...' by Scott Bright (@Speciesguy)

About five months ago I learned about shark fin soup. Over one hundred million sharks are being removed out of the ocean every year to this soup and long lining. The kids of the world have a right to know what's going on with the shark, they are, after all, are going to be the next stewards of this blue sphere. Parents, please share this with your kids so they can take action.

I studied about a number of different sharks and discovered that each species has great purpose. Ironically, what's being removed is what makes them so profoundly unique. I learned so much about the value of this species while writing the blog which is written for kids and all. So parents, please share this important information with your kids. I learned recently that sharks have been around for four hundred million years. They are such an evolved species, they can detect electrical signals under the sand, and lunch is served. But they will be gone in five if a billion of us don't join together and say enough is enough. My heart goes out to the shark at this time. More than ever before in their history of being on our humble planet, they need people to speak for them.

Cool information about sharks

There is nothing quite like a kid that is passionate about something. When you and your kids learn why the sharks have immense value, they can share that with their friends, and maybe even a leader! And if a lot of kids get enthused, the sharks will be around for a long to come.

Check this out! This is amazing. Sharks have different kinds of tails because they are assigned different jobs in the ocean. This is the Tiger Shark. It needs to move slowly for cruising, and sudden burst of power and speed. This shark has to do a lot of twist and turns.

Why is that so important?

Well, lets look at what they eat: Fish, seals, birds, and smaller sharks. Oh, and don't forget squids and turtles. Turtles! Yeah, I know I love the guys just as much as you. If the turtle is not eaten, then there will be too many of them. It is all part of the balance my friend.

The tail makes the difference

Kids, the design of the tail are why the tiger shark is great at catching these ocean critters. I also read that this shark will eat pretty much anything, like tires and car license plates. And this guy can grow to 11 to 17 feet and weigh as much as 1700 lbs. That is huge!

Share this one with your dentist

Some sharks replace their teeth, up to 30,000 in their life- time! They have a conveyor belt of them. If only we had that feature, because we would be able to say, look mom, no cavities!

Yes indeed, sharks eat things

They are what are referred to as a keystone species. If you've read my stuff, I mention this a lot. The sharks eat things, and they are the professionals. But each shark is assigned to eating specific things in the ocean. Can you see why ALL sharks are important?

Different tails for different jobs

This is the Short fin Mako Shark. It can swim at speeds of thirty plus miles an hour! That is fast underwater. Why do they swim so fast? Well, I'm sure they eat things that swim at that speed. Yep, they eat things that swim fast like tuna, mackerel, and the great swordfish. But they also eat porpoises, sea turtles and seabirds. Remember, it's all about balance. Plus, they have a way of keeping they're body warmer with the use of some red muscle that's located near the centre of its body. And this generates heat. If they didn't have this feature, they could not swim, catch and eat what it is made to do.

Can you see the value of each shark in the ocean? To learn more, look at the books I have on my site, and buy the DVD called, "Shark Water." This series says that sharks are not the monsters of the sea that we have all been taught to fear. I have a place on my humble site where kids and all can write to the President of the United States, and the Minister of Environmental Protection of China. Hey, if just one kid shares with passion why they are speaking for sharks, shark fin soup will be a thing of the past! I know fisherman make a hefty profit for the fins, but to have the entire species go extinct is unconscionable!

Bottom Line

Please sign this petition to write to the minister of environmental protection in China, Mr. Zhou Shengxian. This is one of the most important letters your kids or you could write. 100 million sharks leave the ocean for good every year to shark fin soup. And don't forget to include long lining. Come to my site and write to President Obama. Just click the cute moving blue bird at RaceToSaveTheRaces.com. Think about it. The shark has been around for four hundred million years, and will be gone forever in five if we don't act!

http://www.specieshelp.com/
Kids Books For Endangered Species
Twitter.com/speciesguy

‘Almost gone’ introduction

There is a very high number of species on this planet that are about to go extinct in near future. As the scientists have indicated, we’re in the middle of the sixth mass extinction. However, this one is different from the earlier ones in that it is caused and accelerated by one of the numerous species themselves, homo sapiens. And therefore I believe it is our responsibility that we should acknowledge our role and try to salvage as many of them as possible. There's is hope to be found. Where? It's going to be the people that are inheriting this gorgeous blue planet, the children. It is important that our children learn about the importance of each of them in the ecosystem. Every species has a role to play on this planet. None, absolutely none, is here without a purpose. If our children understand their purpose they will understand their value. And only then there is a chance that the future homo sapiens will not make the same mistakes as their ancestors.

Few days back I came across Scott Bright (@Speciesguy) on Twitter who has a passion for teaching kids about various endangered species. About a year ago Scott saw some statistics online that said 16,928 species are endangered of extinction at this time. He was shocked to learn this and decided that he had to do something to make a difference! Since then Scott has been doing his best at writing for and about endangered species. His main focus is on sharing the information in a fun way for kids (and their parents) to discover why each species is unique, the value of each species and what roles they play in our biosphere. His website also provides a place where your child can write to a leader with your help. One of the ways Scott is making a difference is showing where people can adopt an animal on line. Zoos and other places have become a safe haven for preserving endangered species, like Texas!

After I browsed through his two websites, links to which are at the end of this post, I got in touch with Scott and requested him if he would want to guest post on my blog. And Scott has graciously agreed to share, not one, but a number of posts with us. So we’re starting a new series called ‘Almost gone’ for every Saturday. Each post will focus on one species. He and I sincerely hope that you will share them with your kids. If Scott’s posts here pique your kids’ interest, head over to his website. There you’ll find a treasure trove of books, CDs, DVDs and more about endangered species to further stoke you child's enthusiasm. And your purchase only helps promote awareness about endangered species.

Remember, it's the kids that are a powerful resource for saving endangered species. And education is the fastest way of getting the endangered species, like sharks, polar bears, wolves and rhinos to name a few, out of their current status. Looking forward to you and your kids’ company on here.

http://kidsbooksforendangeredspecies.com/

http://www.specieshelp.com/

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