Summary

This adventure game allows users to help make conservation decisions in a fictitious reserve in central China. Users are guided by the “4Cs” of Conservation: Core Areas, Corridors, Carnivores, and Communities. Users draw on the “4Cs” to make decisions that will affect the people, animals, and plants living in and around the reserve.

“Core Areas” are the main habitat areas for plants and animals. Use binoculars and collect plant samples to help designate a core area in the reserve.

Count “Carnivores” to assess habitat health. Photograph wildlife and identify animal tracks to count the carnivores in the reserve.

“Corridors” are tracts of land that connect core areas, allowing animal movement between core areas. Use a camera trap and identify animal sounds to help pick the best habitat corridor for the reserve.

“Communities” are an important part of the equation. Help balance the needs of animals and people who live in and around the reserve. Identify valuable plants and set up a beehive for an alternative income source.

Select Links

Explore these World Wildlife Fund (WWF) descriptions of ecoregions where the plants and animals you just learned about live:

Southwest China Temperate Forests http://www.panda.org/resources/programmes/global200/pages/regions/region070.htm

Hengduan Shan Coniferous Forests http://www.panda.org/resources/programmes/global200/pages/regions/region080.htm

Teacher Resource
/education/conservationcentral/pdfs/Module 5.pdf 875k PDF
Download the Finding Common Ground curriculum lesson plan for this activity.

Family Resource
Family Learning Activity: Simple Things You Can Do to Conserve the Environment
/education/conservationcentral/pdfs/familyactionplan.pdf 100k PDF
Take these easy steps to live more sustainably and conserve resources. Check off the steps you take each day and use the template to develop your own Family Conservation Action Plan!