Ethics in conservation science
In this activity, students consider the conservation of native frogs from a number of different perspectives.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
examine the conservation of native frogs from a range of different value perspectives
use their growing science knowledge to make an informed decision on a New Zealand conservation issue
give reasons for the decline in the number of native frogs
describe some of the methods used in species recovery in New Zealand.
Translocating animals
Associate Professor Alison Cree, from the University of Otago, talks about the importance of translocation for the conservation of our native species. In New Zealand, the Department of Conservation has the authority to approve translocation proposals. They do this in consultation with Māori as well as species experts.
Point of interest
Discuss other conservation methods you may have heard of. Are any of these methods linked to translocation?
Download the Word file (see below) for:
introduction/background notes
instructions on what you need and what to do
discussion questions
ideas for extending your students
PMI worksheets.
Activity ideas
The Ethics thinking tool uses common ethical frameworks to help you explore ethical decision-making and judgements with your students. You may want to use a ‘Consequentialism’ or ‘Multiple perspectives’ approach to explore the issue of saving our native reptiles and amphibians.
Useful link
Visit the Department of Conservation website for more information on species conservation in New Zealand.
