Classroom Resources / "Student Article"
Student Article
Eleven of the Rarest Animals in the World at Risk of Extinction
By: Debbie Graham
Originally Published in Discover Wildlife
Discover some of the world's rarest animals and the threats they face, from eagles to porpoises.
The article "Eleven of the Rarest Animals in the World at Risk of Extinction" from BBC's Discover Wildlife highlights critically endangered species, including the vaquita porpoise and the black and chestnut eagle. It explores conservation efforts and the urgent need to protect these species from habitat loss, pollution, and poaching.
Student Article Info
BBC's Discover Wildlife brings you closer to nature with expert advice, conservation news, the best nature writing and stunning wildlife photography. Learn more about subscriptions here.
© Getty
Student Article Info
BBC's Discover Wildlife brings you closer to nature with expert advice, conservation news, the best nature writing and stunning wildlife photography. Learn more about subscriptions here.
Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.
Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.
Share:
More Like This
Student Article
Manatees: Gentle Sea Cows of Rivers and OceansThe article "Manatees: Gentle Sea Cows of Rivers and Oceans" from BBC's Discover Wildlife is a guide to these slow-moving aquatic mammals. It explains the different types of manatees, their habitats, diet, size, and how they reproduce. It also highlights the threats they face and the conservation efforts underway to protect them from extinction.
Student Article
The Dangers of Shark Finning: Why It’s Harmful to Sharks and the OceansThe article "The Dangers of Shark Finning: Why It’s Harmful to Sharks and the Oceans" from BBC's Discover Wildlife discusses the severe impact of shark finning, a practice where sharks are killed for their fins and used in shark fin soup. The demand for this luxury dish, mostly in China, is rapidly growing, pushing many shark species to the brink of extinction.
Student Article
A Cougar-Like Predator Is Attacking Lemurs in Madagascar — Both Are in Jeopardy and Scientists Don't Know What to DoThe article "A Cougar-Like Predator Is Attacking Lemurs in Madagascar — Both Are in Jeopardy and Scientists Don't Know What to Do" from BBC's Discover Wildlife Magazine explains how researchers in Madagascar discovered that the fossa, a vulnerable predator, is targeting diademed sifaka lemurs, which are critically endangered. Both species urgently need protection, making the situation a complex issue for conservationists.
Student Article
Komodo Dragons: Nature’s Giant Venomous PredatorsThe article "Komodo Dragons: Nature’s Giant Venomous Predators" from BBC's Discover Wildlife delves into the biology and ecology of the world's largest lizard. It covers their impressive size, unique venomous bite, dietary habits, reproductive strategies, and the threats leading to their endangered status, including habitat loss and climate change.
Student Article
Manatees: Gentle Sea Cows of Rivers and OceansThe article "Manatees: Gentle Sea Cows of Rivers and Oceans" from BBC's Discover Wildlife is a guide to these slow-moving aquatic mammals. It explains the different types of manatees, their habitats, diet, size, and how they reproduce. It also highlights the threats they face and the conservation efforts underway to protect them from extinction.
Student Article
The Dangers of Shark Finning: Why It’s Harmful to Sharks and the OceansThe article "The Dangers of Shark Finning: Why It’s Harmful to Sharks and the Oceans" from BBC's Discover Wildlife discusses the severe impact of shark finning, a practice where sharks are killed for their fins and used in shark fin soup. The demand for this luxury dish, mostly in China, is rapidly growing, pushing many shark species to the brink of extinction.
Student Article
A Cougar-Like Predator Is Attacking Lemurs in Madagascar — Both Are in Jeopardy and Scientists Don't Know What to DoThe article "A Cougar-Like Predator Is Attacking Lemurs in Madagascar — Both Are in Jeopardy and Scientists Don't Know What to Do" from BBC's Discover Wildlife Magazine explains how researchers in Madagascar discovered that the fossa, a vulnerable predator, is targeting diademed sifaka lemurs, which are critically endangered. Both species urgently need protection, making the situation a complex issue for conservationists.
Student Article
Komodo Dragons: Nature’s Giant Venomous PredatorsThe article "Komodo Dragons: Nature’s Giant Venomous Predators" from BBC's Discover Wildlife delves into the biology and ecology of the world's largest lizard. It covers their impressive size, unique venomous bite, dietary habits, reproductive strategies, and the threats leading to their endangered status, including habitat loss and climate change.