Counting Critters

Method
Students inventory wildlife and investigate their neighborhoods for "cause and effect" relationships affecting wildlife; develop and use Wildlife Observation Record sheets; and recommend actions to improve and/or maintain the quality of wildlife habitat in their community.

Background
Virginia is home to more than 10,000 species of wildlife which are found in every corner of the landscape: in backyards, schoolyards, and throughout communities. You don't need to travel to the Commonwealth's forests, mountains, rivers, or bay to see a variety of wildlife. They live right in your own backyard!

Since wild animals share our neighborhoods, we have a direct impact on their numbers (populations), the diversity of a particular ecosystem, and the general health of their habitats (homes). For the purpose of this activity remind students that "wildlife" also includes insects, spiders, reptiles, and all other forms of non-domesticated animals.

Careful management of such a wide spectrum of wildlife requires extensive surveys and inventories across the state. This activity introduces the concept of inventorying various types of wildlife found within a student's neighborhood, determining the effects that a student and others have on such wildlife, and comparing student observations with those of the Fish and Wildlife Information Service (FWIS), found on the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries web page: Click on wildlife information online. The FWIS is a database that uses a geographic information system (a digitized system) to store and retrieve information on wildlife and their related habitats. Schools may download a list of species that are known or likely to occur within a 3-mile radius of their property. The species list will note whether the species has been confirmed in the search area with a "yes" or "no" in the confirmed column. Therefore, students involved in the WildlifeMapping program can actually help supply data on specific locations of wildlife species and help to keep common species common.

Once students have completed their inventory, they may become motivated to enhance wildlife habitat on their school grounds. The WILD School Sites program at the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries can provide additional information on how to get started.

Procedure
With your students, brainstorm the types of wildlife and habitats you might see within your community. Post this preliminary list on the bulletin board or blackboard. For a one-week period, ask students to look for wildlife or evidence that wild animals exist in their communities. Students should also look for clues about how wildlife are affected by human actions. Ask each student to bring in at least one example to share with the class each day.

Results can be written on the "Wildlife Observation Record" individually or in small groups.

Discuss what was found each day. Encourage students to explain their basis for identifying "cause and effect" relationships. Consider the following:

• What were some of the most surprising observations you made?
• How does this list compared to the preliminary list made at the beginning of the week?
• Which species may be [more] affected by actions of people in the community?
• What kinds of actions are people taking that directly affect wildlife?
• Which actions harm, help, or have no effect on wildlife?

Have students compare their list of species with the list on the FWIS database. How many additional species were they able to confirm from their observations? Plan some action that will enhance wildlife habitat on the school grounds. [See resources for ideas.] Set aside time each week to check on the enhanced habitat site. Keep a record of the types of wildlife that visit the habitat throughout the year.

Assessment
Identify and describe three types of habitat in the community and list at least three species that may live in that habitat. List any actions that may impact those species in a positive or negative way.

Grade Levels: 3 - 6

Science SOLs: 3.10, 4.8, 6l1

Materials Needed:

• Copies of Wildlife Observation
  Record (back side)
• FWIS on-line database

Objectives:
Students will be able to:
1. Conduct a wildlife inventory of their community;
2. Describe cause and effect relationships that help and hinder wildlife in their community; and
3. Recommend changes in their community that could benefit wildlife.

Vocabulary Words:
geographic information system
habitat
Wildlife Mapping