Lesson Plan: Ecological Niches and Biogeography: Mountain Gorillas, Bamboo and Climate

Here is a step-by-step guide to using this lesson plan in the classroom/laboratory. We have suggested these steps as a possible plan of action. You may customize the lesson plan according to your preferences and requirements.

Step 1: Topic introduction and discussion (Go to the Reading)

1. Use this reading, ‘Ecological niches’ by Britannica.com, to define the ecological niche of a species, describe its characteristics and explain the factors involved in defining it.
2. Use the examples given in the text to explain how natural selection works on the physical and biological constraints of a species in a given environment, and thereby determines the ‘niche’ that it occupies within elaborate ecosystems.
3. Discuss how this ‘niche’ cannot be shared with another species competing for the same resources.
4. Further, discuss how the biodiversity of a region is defined by these ecological niches that permit a wide variety of species to coexist with a finite set of resources.

5. Navigate to the section on ‘Biogeographic aspects of biodiversity’ and use it to define the biogeography of a species.
6. Use the embedded link to help explain ‘island biogeography’ and to describe the factors involved in the colonization of this controlled area of study, by different species of flora and fauna.
7. Explain how isolated land areas like mountaintops and fragmented forests also follow the rules of island biogeography for species colonization.
8. Discuss the examples given in the text to support this theory.

 

Step 2: Develop the topic further to discuss the influence of climate change on the biodiversity of Uganda

(Go to the Reading) page 10, 11,12, section 2.2 & 2.3

1. Use section 2.2, page 10 and 11, of the reading, ‘Climate Change and Biodiversity in Uganda’ by Climatelinks (USAID), to discuss how a changing climate is likely to influence the natural ecosystems of Uganda.
   1. Use the points enumerated to describe different scenarios of climate change and the subsequent disruptions in the ecological balance between species and the flora and fauna distribution in Uganda.
   2. Discuss how these disturbances could affect the ecological niches occupied by various species and their abilities to adapt to such changes within a short span of time.

2. Use section 2.3, page 12, of the same reading to also describe the possible effects of non-climatic (anthropogenic) factors on Uganda’s biodiversity and ecosystems.

3. Explain how the effect of these factors may be exacerbated by climate related factors: for example, droughts leading to exploitation and agricultural expansion into forest habitats.

Step 3: Discuss the case study of the effect of climate change on Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

(Go to the Reading )Page 21, Box 5

1. Use the reading, ‘Box 5: Mountain gorillas in the Virunga mountains face new threats as their habitat changes’ on page 21 from ‘Wildlife in a changing climate’ by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), to discuss the case study of how climate change and anthropogenic activities are affecting the natural habitat and range distribution of Mountain Gorillas in Africa.
2. They are geographically isolated in two populations in the Bwindi and the Mgahinga National Parks and are restricted to the higher reaches of the volcanic mountaintops. Surrounded by rural communities that are heavily dependent on forest resources at the lower altitudes, these gorilla populations are an ‘archipelago of ecological islands’ and therefore, highly vulnerable to ecological disturbances. They occupy different ecological niches in these forest ecosystems. Bamboo stands are highly sought after by the Virunga Gorillas for their tender shoots and high protein content while the Bwindi Gorillas eat more fruit and are arboreal. In season, Bamboo forms nearly 90% of the Mountain Gorilla’s diet. Nevertheless, Mountain Gorillas feed across a wide variety of plants that helps towards the rich biodiversity and maintenance of healthy ecosystems in these regions (For more information on their habits, feeding and ranging patterns, check the additional resources section of this lesson plan). However, warmer temperatures and change in precipitation patterns affect the vegetation and thus, the habits of these mammals.
3. Apply the understanding from the previous section to explain how climate and non-climate stressors can affect the ecological balance and thus, the natural feeding and ranging patterns of the Mountain Gorillas.
4. Explain that increased temperatures may move the growth of vegetation to higher altitudes and force them to inhabit higher areas. However, due to the tapering nature of the mountaintops, Gorilla habitat gets further restricted.
5. Discuss how climate induced shifting bamboo cover not only adversely affects food availability for the Gorillas but also resource availability for people dependent on it thus, bringing them in direct conflict with each other.
6. Further, explain that changing climatic conditions and heavy reliance on forest resources by humans has resulted in large scale habitat degradation putting further constraints on the physical and biological well-being of the species, making them more vulnerable to climate change.

 

Step 4: Improve understanding of the Mountain Gorillas’ habitat degradation due to climate related factors (Go to the Reading) page 45, 46 & 47, section 9.8

1. Use the reading, ‘Case #8 Mountain Gorillas, Ecosystem Services and Local Livelihoods in Rwanda, Uganda and DRC’, section 9.8, pages 45-47 of the report, ‘BIODIVERSITY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT- HARNESSING SYNERGIES AND CELEBRATING SUCCESSES’ by Guy Midgley et al, provided by UNFCC, to discuss the implications of climate change on Mountain Gorillas and the livelihoods of local communities in the Virunga region.
2. Initiate classroom discussions on the findings of the report that mainly point towards restoration of Gorilla habitat through reforestation efforts for Gorilla conservation.
3. Also, explain how the burden on forest resources due to human activity, can be reduced by using alternative resources like fast growing renewable Bamboo plants that can be creatively harnessed for sustainable living and for providing livelihoods in local communities.
4. Finally, discuss how large-scale Bamboo planting could not only provide adequate food for Gorillas but also help restore degraded forest ecosystems and thus, be an effective climate adaptation strategy.

 

Step 5: Extend the understanding of the benefits of Bamboo as a natural resource

Report  Bamboo can help to “combat climate change" and Associated Audio File

1. Use this brief news report ‘Bamboo can help to “combat climate change" and the associated audio file (interview of the Director General of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), Hans Friedrich), by UN News to explain the benefits of growing Bamboo as a fast-growing renewable natural resource to offset the adverse effects of climate change.
2. Use this tool to explain how Bamboo is highly effective in reforestation and preventing soil erosion.
3. Further, discuss the different ways in which Bamboo can be used in sustainable living and for providing economically viable livelihoods.
4. Finally, discuss how restoration of disturbed natural ecosystems and the provision of new resources and livelihoods by Bamboo planting can reduce the burden on other forest resources, prevent further habitat degradation and thereby, aid Mountain Gorilla conservation.
5. Read about the potential benefits of Bamboo by exploring item 3 and about an extensive Bamboo planting programme in Africa- Bamboo For Good (B4G)- by exploring item 4, in the additional resources section of this lesson plan.

Suggested questions/assignments for learning evaluation :

1. What is an ecological niche? Describe the factors affecting it.
2. What is the biogeography of a species? Explain how it can be affected by climate related factors.
3. Describe the ecological niche occupied by Mountain Gorillas in Central Africa.
4. How can the Mountain Gorillas of Central Africa be affected by climate change?
5. Explain how extensive planting of Bamboo in Uganda can contribute towards Mountain Gorilla Conservation in Africa.
6. Using the example of integrated Bamboo planting as a supplement to natural resources, explain how a scientifically well-planned program could help achieve the United Nations defined Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs).

The tools in this lesson plan will enable students to:

1. learn about ecological niches and the biogeography of a species
2. describe the effects of climate related factors on natural ecosystems and biodiversity of a region
3. discuss the possible impacts of climate change on the Mountain Gorillas of Central Africa
4. explain the importance of growing Bamboo in Africa to restore degraded natural habitats, provide a renewable natural resource, and help conserve Mountain Gorillas.

If you or your students would like to explore the topic further, these additional resources will be useful.

1	Video	A video, ‘Baby Gorilla Bamboo Feast: Mountain Gorilla’ by BBC Earth, showing Mountain Gorillas feeding on the tender shoots of Bamboo and other plants to meet their dietary requirements. Go to the Video
2	Reading	A reading, ‘3.0 Mountain Gorilla Conservation and Climate Change’ from pages 22-26 of ‘The Implications of Global Climate Change for Mountain Gorilla Conservation in the Albertine Rift’ by the African Wildlife Foundation, the International Gorilla Conservation Programme and EcoAdapt, to learn more about the taxonomy and distribution, ecology, diet, and the ranging pattern of Mountain Gorillas. Go to the Reading
3	Reading	A report, ‘Bamboo: Africa’s untapped potential’ by Zipporah Musau, Department of Global Communications, United Nations on the potential of planting and utilization of Bamboo as a fast-growing and renewable natural resource across a wide variety of goods and services in Africa. Go to the Reading
4	Website	A website of Bamboo For Good (B4G)- by Pacific Bamboo Resources- organization of international partners that work together to mobilize bamboo resources for good across East Africa and beyond. Bamboo for Good

   

1	Reading, “Ecological niches”	Provided by Encyclopaedia Britannica.
2	Reading, “Climate Change and Biodiversity in Uganda”	Report by Climatelinks (USAID).
3	Reading, “Wildlife in a changing climate”	Report by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
4	Reading, “BIODIVERSITY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT- HARNESSING SYNERGIES AND CELEBRATING SUCCESSES”	Report by Guy Midgley1, Sarshen Marais2, Mandy Barnett1, and Katinka Wagsaether3 (1: South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2: Conservation South Africa, 3: Indigo Development and Change), provided by United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCC).
5	Audio File and Associated Reading	News report and the associated audio file (interview of the Director General of the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), Hans Friedrich), by UN News.
6	Additional Resources	A video, ‘Baby Gorilla Bamboo Feast: Mountain Gorilla’ by BBC Earth. A report, ‘The Implications of Global Climate Change for Mountain Gorilla Conservation in the Albertine Rift’, by African Wildlife Foundation, the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, and Ecoadapt. A report, ‘Bamboo: Africa’s untapped potential’ by Zipporah Musau, Department of Global Communications, United Nations. A website of Bamboo For Good (B4G)- by Pacific Bamboo Resources.
7	Image	Open source