How Can We Save Bonobos  From Extinction ?

A WebQuest for Computers

Designed by

Mrs. Rose Ferguson
[email protected]

Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page


Introduction

Your help is needed to prevent the extinction of the Bonobos, an endangered species.
Bonobos are as species of the Great Ape and live in peaceful harmony in the Congo River Basin in central Africa.
Bonobos are endangered because of their environment. About 10,000 bonobos remain in the wild. They have been on the CITES list since 1975. CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna.
What can be done to save these wonderful animals? You could provide the solution . Good luck!
 
 


The Task

You will be assigned to a group of researchers consisting of a student, a zoo biologist, and a gamekeeper/biologist from the Congo Basin. You will research the Bonobo from your viewpoint. Your team will brainstorm the problem of extinction, suggest imaginative solutions, and decide on the best solution. You can use the Internet sites provided or find some of your own. The work sheets will help you decide your best solution. You will present your thinking and suggestions to the class using the overhead projector.





The Process
  1. Your group will choose who will be the student, the zoo biologist, or the Congo gamekeeper.
  2. You will research the problem of the extinction of Bonobos and answer the questions in you area of interest. You can use the Internet sites in Resources or find your own.
    1. Student
      1. What is a bonobo? What is their family life?
      2. Why are they facing extinction?
      3. Where do they live?
      4. What is generic diversity and why is this a problem with endangered species?
      5. link
      6. link2
      7. link3
      8. encyclopedia
    2. Zoo Biologist
      1. What is C.I.T.E.S.?
      2. What effect does this group have on bonobos?
      3. How are zoos aiding conservation with SSPs or Species Survival Plans?
      4. What are the zoos doing?
      5. What about frozen zoos or cryopreservation?
      6. Link1
      7. Link2
      8. encyclopedia
    3. Congo Basin Gamekeeper
      1. What are  the reasons the bonobos' habitat is shrinking?
      2. Why are they hunted for food?
      3. What effect does the war in Rwanda have on the bonobos?
      4. Is it reasonable for other countries like the USA to tell the Congo people what to do?
      5. Link1
      6. Link2
      7. encyclopedia
  3. Your group should meet and decide on the problem. You should begin using the sheets provided. Click on the links, choose "save to a disc" and choose "desktop". Minimize your webquest and click on the sheet first and then the table when you need it.
    1. Downloadable Word worksheet: sheet2.doc
    2. HTML version of the worksheet
    3. Downloadable Word table: table.doc
  4. You should save the sheet and table on your disk. You may also print them if it's easier.
  5. Your team should decide how you are going to present your thinking process and final solution on the overhead. The sheet and table will be on your disk for your presentation.



Evaluation

Self Evaluation. Have you finished the assignment? Have you done your best work?
 

Conclusion
  • Along the way to forming a solution for the extinction of bonobos, you should have gotten to know some of the issues involved with endangered species, their loss of habitat, the role of zoos and concerned groups. Continue your interest in these issues and become involved in the survival of these wonderful animals. You also could:
    • Compare your solution to what is being done in zoos today.
    • Find out about the Species Survival Plan for your favorite endangered species.
    • Find a solution to the survival of your favorite  endangered animal.
    • Visit the Columbus Zoo and see their great family of Bonobos.



Credits & References

Thanks to Dr. Cyrus Smith, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee for the problem solving model: L. Cieslik, Environmental Resources workshop, Milwaukee County Zoo for information on the bonobos. 

Last updated on August 15, 1999. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page