This program delves into the dangers of non-native (or "exotic") animals being introduced into the habitat of native animals. Lessons include details about geography, habitat protection, how exotics are introduced, what native animals are threatened and what can be done to protect against this. Biology covered include habitat adaptations, prey and predator relationships, the scientific method, migration and male and female dimorphism.
For a video link of our Exotic Invasive program performance, please click here. Thanks to Harding Academy for taking video of NHECM's most recent visit to their school!
Vietnamese Pot-Bellied pig These now popular "pets" were first introduced in this country as recently as 1985 from Vietnam. These pigs are cousins to wild boars and other European relatives that now run rampant throughout farm land and destroy millions of acres of crops a year. Pigs known habits of eating everything in sight make them very destructive. However, these pets are incredible intelligent and easy to train (motivated mainly by food!)
Nine-banded Armadillo This animal is originally from South America and has gradually increased its habitat from the desert Southwest into the mid section of the country. The nine-banded armadillo's main defense is to jump into the air when surprised, which is why many are killed by cars. Its relative, the three-banded armadillo, rolls into a ball when scared. Armadillos have large burrowing claws and eats insects and worms.
Chinese Ring-necked pheasant This bird was native to China and first introduced to the United States as a game bird. It is one of the most hunted game birds around and is the official state bird of South Dakota. It also thrives in farm and pasture land and by doing so, pushes out many other native species of animals. The males have beautiful bright feathers but the females are a dull brownish-gray color which helps them hide and protect a nest. This bird is believed to have existed for thousands of years.
Norwegian (a.k.a. Brown) Rat These rats were once believed to have "stowed away" on ships from Norway, but were later determined to be native to Asia. They made their way throughout Europe and England (and undoubtedly America) primarily with the shipping trade several hundred years ago. In England they were known to have caused the Bubonic plague, carrying the disease throughout the human population. They are nocturnal, excellent swimmers and have a very keen sense of smell. They are very adaptive to their environment and pose a substantial threat as the carriers of disease and as a household pest. However, this breed of rats also make great pets, which is what our exhibit animals are!
New Feature: Links to schools we've recently visited with our Exotic Invasive program:
Vietnamese Pot-Bellied pig These now popular "pets" were first introduced in this country as recently as 1985 from Vietnam. These pigs are cousins to wild boars and other European relatives that now run rampant throughout farm land and destroy millions of acres of crops a year. Pigs known habits of eating everything in sight make them very destructive. However, these pets are incredible intelligent and easy to train (motivated mainly by food!) 
Nine-banded Armadillo This animal is originally from South America and has gradually increased its habitat from the desert Southwest into the mid section of the country. The nine-banded armadillo's main defense is to jump into the air when surprised, which is why many are killed by cars. Its relative, the three-banded armadillo, rolls into a ball when scared. Armadillos have large burrowing claws and eats insects and worms. 
Chinese Ring-necked pheasant This bird was native to China and first introduced to the United States as a game bird. It is one of the most hunted game birds around and is the official state bird of South Dakota. It also thrives in farm and pasture land and by doing so, pushes out many other native species of animals. The males have beautiful bright feathers but the females are a dull brownish-gray color which helps them hide and protect a nest. This bird is believed to have existed for thousands of years. 
Norwegian (a.k.a. Brown) Rat These rats were once believed to have "stowed away" on ships from Norway, but were later determined to be native to Asia. They made their way throughout Europe and England (and undoubtedly America) primarily with the shipping trade several hundred years ago. In England they were known to have caused the Bubonic plague, carrying the disease throughout the human population. They are nocturnal, excellent swimmers and have a very keen sense of smell. They are very adaptive to their environment and pose a substantial threat as the carriers of disease and as a household pest. However, this breed of rats also make great pets, which is what our exhibit animals are! 