Visit the World Wildlife Fund website (www.worldwildlife.org). Start your exploration of the site by selecting the “What We Do” menu and reading the overview under the “Protect Wildlife” menu; note the conservation approach that WWF takes using flagship species as representatives of ecosystems.
Evaluate the website and work with the information to answer the following questions:
From the Protect Wildlife page, click on the “Flagship Species” link
What is the difference between a flagship species, a priority species, an indicator species, and a keystone species?
Does WWF provide evidence that its flagship species approach works?
What scientific evidence does the organization provide?
Does it mention any alternative conservation approaches?
Do you agree with WWF’s approach to species conservation?
How would you approach conservation?
Do you think the WWF could get as many donations if it did not use charismatic species?
Select the “Conserve Places” menu and choose a conservation region to read about.
What species are used to represent this region?
What are the main threats to diversity in this region?
What strategy is the WWF using to conserve the region?
Would you do anything differently? Why or why not?