A Model of the Middle Rio Grande Valley
River of Change: Who Lives Where?
Bosque Animals
Description: Students
place animals into the proper habitat
on the bosque model and then change
the model with human alteration to
see which animals thrive and which
do not.
Objective: Students will:
-
Become familiar with some animals that live in the bosque;
-
Infer the animal's current status; and
-
Predict the future of animals in the changing bosque environment.
Extension:
1. Combine this activity with
"Who Grows Where";
in this chapter to compare plants and animals. Look
for opportunities to place animals on the model with the plants
that provide their habitat.
2. Use the animal cards and plant cards from the "Who Grows Where?" activity to do "The Web" activity in this guide.
3. Use the overview of "Introduced and Non-native Species" at the end of this activity to further discuss the current situation in the bosque. What animals are being, or have been, displaced by these introduced species?
4. Oral history extension: send animal pictures home with students to ask elders about local names and stories about them.
Summary:
Introduced and nonnative species have
had, and continue to have, a great
impact on the native plants and animals
of the Middle Rio Grande bosque. Many
of these introductions happened years
ago. The people releasing the animals
or bringing in the plants did not
know the effects they would have.
It is with hindsight that we wish
some of these species had not been
brought here. Today, we should not
repeat the mistakes of the past. Do
not release unwanted pets into the
bosque. An unwanted kitten or puppy
should be taken to Animal Control
or the Humane Society. Don't vacation
in another state and bring home a
wild animal, such as a turtle for
a pet, then let it go in the bosque
when you can't take care of it any
more. We have a rich and diverse population
of plants and animals particularly
adapted to the Middle Rio Grande Valley.
We should work hard at learning about
the natural ecosystem and keeping
our native species with us.
View a PDF list of animals
of the Rio Bravo and their Scientific Name
View a PDF list of animals
of the Rio Manso and their Scientific Name
