Welcome the Week with Big Cats

‘Tis the season to celebrate our favorite fabulous felines! That’s right: Next weekend is Big Cat Weekend here at National Geographic! Big cats include lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, and snow leopards. These extraordinary creatures, which play an incredibly important role in their ecosystems, cannot be replaced. If they are not at the top of the food chain, the delicate balance of trophic relationships will be … Continue reading Welcome the Week with Big Cats

What does the Endangered Species Listing Mean for Lions?

ENVIRONMENT Lions are now protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. But what does the listing really mean for lion conservation? (Nat Geo Voices blog) How can you get involved in lion conservation in the U.S.? Join the Big Cats Initiative Sister School Program. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Late last year, lions were … Continue reading What does the Endangered Species Listing Mean for Lions?

Mascots and College Students Team Up to Save Big Cats

Guest bloggers Dr. Alex Oberle and Mollie Ullestad represent the Geographic Alliance of Iowa (GAI), a National Geographic-supported organization that works to advance geography education in Iowa. Alex is an Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Northern Iowa and the Coordinator for the GAI. Mollie is a Geography Education student at the University of Northern Iowa and the Undergraduate Research Assistant for the … Continue reading Mascots and College Students Team Up to Save Big Cats

Photo of students courtesy of Josie Herbert, Alta Vista Elementary School

Hang Out with Big Cats Explorers from National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative!

Who better to learn from about lions, leopards, tigers, and other big cats than National Geographic Big Cats Explorers themselves? Big cats in the wild are disappearing at an alarming rate. In fact, within your lifetime, lions in the wild could disappear forever. Since 2009, National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative has worked to reverse this decline through on‐the‐ground conservation and education projects. Don’t miss this … Continue reading Hang Out with Big Cats Explorers from National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative!

Big Cats, College Mascots, and Iowa Schools

Celebrate Big Cat Week with National Geographic beginning November 28th! Written by guest bloggers Dr. Alex Oberle and Mollie Ullestad representing the Geographic Alliance of Iowa (GAI), a National Geographic supported organization that works to advance geography education in Iowa. In between the high fives, pawshakes, furry hugs, and other mascot antics, I’m trying to remember exactly why I dragged our Undergraduate and Administrative Assistants out to take … Continue reading Big Cats, College Mascots, and Iowa Schools