Lesson Three: Preservation of the Buffalo
Focus Questions:
• Why did the buffalo nearly become extinct? (millions were killed for hides and tongues)
• Name two South Dakota men important in saving the buffalo. What did they do? (Dupree saved five calves in 1883. Philip bought the herd and fenced it in.)
Imbedded Information in the Student Lesson:
Worksheet:
Classroom Activity:
By 1890, buffalo were nearly extinct when some people realized they needed to be preserved. Today, other species that once thrived in South Dakota are endangered, such as the bald eagle, black-footed ferret, and whooping crane. Have student groups research current endangered species. Information can be found at the library or on the Environmental Protection Association website at http://www.epa.gov/espp/poster/. Have students determine what caused a species to become endangered and what steps have been taken to conserve it.
