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Think about this. There are an estimated 7.7 million species of animals on Earth. But those
are the ones that have been discovered. Some scientists estimate that there are millions more
that have not been discovered and classified. And unfortunately, between 0.01% and 0.1% of
those species will go extinct this year. That’s between 77,000 and 770,000 species each year!
You have probably read a lot about global warming and climate change and other envi-
ronmental ills in the world. Water pollution, air pollution, greenhouse gases. These are all real
environmental concerns. And there is much out there describing how this affects our lives and
future. Our lives as human beings. But what about the animals in the world? How are these
climatic changes and environmental issues affecting them? Perhaps in ways we aren’t thinking
enough about.
Here’s one last activity for you to try. Do a quick Internet search about the impact of some
of the larger oil spills have historically had on the wildlife in the area. You will be sure to find
photographs of sea birds covered in sticky, black oil. Of particular danger from these spills are
diving birds, like the laughing gull, brown pelican, and northern gannet. In fact, these species
were most affected by the 2011 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
So, what happens to the birds when they are exposed to the oil? And what can be done
about it? Try this activity to find out what happens to their feathers. Collect a bird feather from
a chicken or a pet bird. Examine it with a magnifying glass or under a microscope. Notice how
Oil spills can cause great damage to birds caught in the goo.