Merit Badges > Digital Resource Guides > Environmental Science > Requirement 6 (B)
Do research on one species that was endangered or threatened but that has now recovered. Learn about how the species recovered and what its new status is. Prepare a 100-word report on the species and include a drawing or photo. Present your report to your patrol or troop.
Organizations like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, and the World Wildlife Fund have played a key role in helping endangered and threatened species recover. They work by protecting natural habitats, regulating hunting and trade, and running captive breeding and reintroduction programs. For example, the whooping crane and the California condor were once on the brink of extinction, but thanks to these conservation efforts, their populations have grown, and they are now considered recovered or less at risk. These organizations continue to monitor species to ensure their long-term survival.
A species is listed as critically endangered (CR) when it faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Borneo
Sumatran orangutans are highly intelligent and use tools such as sticks to extract insects or seeds, showing advanced problem-solving skills.
Russia & China
The Amur leopard is the rarest big cat in the world, with fewer than 150 individuals estimated to live in the wild.
Tropical Oceans
Hawksbill turtles have a unique narrow, pointed beak that allows them to reach and eat sponges in coral reefs, making them important for reef health.
Watch this video to find out how to plan, structure, and write your report. The video uses examples that include the rainforest and elephant poaching.
Tips for Your Report Presentation
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