We're going to GREFA!

On Wednesday, June 1st, we are going to visit GREFA, the wildlife rehabilitation centre. It's a hospital for wild animals!   We afre going to learn about the work they do, what kind of animals they help, and lots more.

Here is a link to their website.

 
What do you think this animal is?  Why is it a problem?


Topillo campesino  Common vole

It is a species that has invaded the northern meseta (Castilla Leon),  creating problems for farmers. The population grew very quickly, so to control it, poison was used. But, this had some bad effects on other animals, too.


GREFA has helped to control the problem using natural predators:








 You can read about it here.

While we are there, think about:

--Were any of the animals there affected by changes to their environment?  What type?

Natural changes: seasonal changes, naturally-caused fires in the chaparral ecosystem….

Changes due to human activity: pollution, overfishing, forest fires, deforestation….

--What ecosystems and habitats do we learn about?

--What do the animals eat? Where do they fit on a food chain?

The Black vulture (buitre negro) is an animal that is in danger of extinction. Humans crowded it out of its habitat.   The population of this animal is very low, but GREFA is working to protect it.

What other endangered animals are being helped?

How can we help wild animals?