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Thinking about Changes to Environments
1.
How do beavers change their environment?
2.
What organisms benefit when beavers dam a stream? What
organisms suffer?
3
. What caused the riparian brush rabbit to become endangered?
4
. Is there an organism in your region that is endangered? Find out
about the organism and what is being done to protect it.
In 2000, the riparian brush rabbit was listed as endangered. That means
it is in danger of dying out. There was only one
population
living in a
state park. When the park flooded in 1997, the rabbits were nearly wiped
out. Wildlife
biologists
figured out that something must be done to
provide a suitable environment for the brush rabbits. If not, all the rabbits
could die.
Something is being done. The US Fish and Wildlife Service, the
California State University Stanislaus, and a private ranch have joined
forces. These three groups are working together to provide a good
environment for brush rabbits. A small group of adult rabbits was released
at the ranch by the San Joaquin River. The brush is thick. The environment
is good for riparian brush rabbits. Everyone is hoping that the released
rabbits will have offspring, increase in number, and start a new population.
A riparian brush
rabbit in its
environment
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