101. A Question of Sanctuary: The Black Rhinos of Mkomazi
Every African black rhino has a price on its head. In some parts of the world the rhino's horn is worth more than double its weight in gold. The horn is prized as a carving medium, and even as an exotic folk medicine in powdered form. It is hard to believe that this magnificent animal roamed the earth for 60 million years before being brought to the edge of extinction by its only predator...humans.
Discover how the black rhino was returned to Mkomazi and what steps must be taken to provide sanctuary to these huge, yet vulnerable, animals.
102. A Question of Health: The Wild Dog of Mkomazi
The African wild dog is a vanishing, fugitive species. Tragically, respect for these nomadic hunters may have come too late to save many packs from being hunted and poisoned to extinction. It is hoped that the captive breeding and veterinary program at Mkomazi Game Preserve in East Africa will help ensure the survival of this critically endangered species. Learn how scientists must protect a group of captive wild dogs from the dangers of disease and inbreeding.
103. A Question of Breeding: The Peregrine Falcons of Yukon-Charley Rivers
Peregrine falcons are finally making a comeback. Discover how this predator, an end-of-food chain species (like humans), became endangered by "persistent pesticides" and habitat disturbances, such as loud noise.
Learn about the consequences of using toxic chemicals that persist in the environment for many years, and the impact that human actions have had on this species.
104. A Question of Food: The Bears of Yellowstone
In 1970, the National Park Service initiated an intensive bear management program to restore grizzly and black bear populations to subsistence on natural forage and reduce bear-caused human injuries. Now, rules and regulations, including those prohibiting feeding bears, are strictly enforced. Discover how wild bears adapt to the fluctuating natural food sources in the park.
105. A Question of Space: The Piping Plover of Assateague Island
These tiny shorebirds keep island residents and visitors on their toes. Declared an endangered species in 1986, the Piping Plovers are competing for nesting space and resources during prime beach season on the East Coast.
Discover how the plover's nesting grounds are being protected and how a delicate balance between conservation and recreation on Assateague Island is being achieved.
106. A Question of Balance: The Wolves of Yellowstone
Amid much controversy, the grey wolf was reintroduced in Yellowstone National Park in 1996. Wolf packs once roamed the region, but were despised by ranchers who lost livestock to these efficient canine predators. By the 1930s, wolves had been completely wiped out in Yellowstone by hunters and trappers. Discover how the ecosystem of the park was affected first by their disappearance and now, after the successful return of the wolves.
