Expert: Stephen Vantassel - 4/25/2003

Question
Good day,
My name is Leah and I am working on a project for my Information Technology class.  I was hoping that you might help me.  My research question is: “What can we do about endangered species?” Part of my research involves finding experts on the Internet.  I would really appreciate you answering a few questions for me.  I will take the information you provide me, compare it with what others have said and with other research findings, make some conclusions about my question, and then create a Web site.  
You need to be aware that I may be using any information you provide me on my Web site, but that I will keep your name confidential.  My Web site should be published by the middle of June and will be available on our school Web site (www.cmsweb.ca or www.courtenaymiddleschool.com ).
Here are my questions:
·   How should we today try to make a better future for the animals?
·   Why should the people care?
·   What is the most endangered animal / species at this time?
My email address is 17858@courtmid.sd71.bc.ca. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me with my research.
Leah
A note from my Information Technology teacher:
Please know that by helping this student you will be helping with research and not doing the student's homework for her.  I have structured this project to include research by emailing experts.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at Luxenburg@sd71.bc.ca .
Avi Luxenburg
(Leah's Teacher)


Answer
Your paper topic is a little outside my expertise. So let me give you a couple of ideas.
Here are somethings we must do to protect endangered species:
First, protect habitat. Without habitat it is impossible to maintain the species.
Second, raise the value of wildlife in the minds of people who would seek to destroy the species.
Third, raise the economic level of people who are poor. For if a person is hungry, he doesn't care if the bird is endangered or not.
Fourth, encourage responsible hunting and trapping etc. For if people don't value nature and derive economic and social benefits from the land, then the species is doomed.
Your paper topic is a little outside my expertise. So let me give you a couple of ideas.