The children are shocked to discover how poor the people in the villages really are and that sources of protein are scarce.
This has led the villagers to catch and eat bats which are an endangered species.
The Food Dilemma: in a place where protein is hard to find is it right that people endanger wildlife? Or should people find out if the wildlife they are eating provides greater advantages than being an easy meal? Would you eat them?
Eight children are sent to visit the exotic island of Madagascar to discover how people and animals are able to survive there together.
We see images of people selling brightly coloured clothes at the side of the road and women carrying large amounts of food on their heads to sell.
This clip is from the series Deadly Dilemmas.
Teacher Notes
Could be used to start a discussion for and against eating endangered species just to survive.
The class could be split into research teams and prepare to argue their case in mock court.
The children could research into what the cultural significance is to people that might eat things we wouldn’t choose to and what other ways this might affect the ecosystem.
The group could provide a list of reasons for eating creatures which we otherwise would not.
The other team could find examples where endangered species are not being eaten and this is helping the human population or environment like the bats.
Are other cultures eating endangered species out of necessity or are they considered delicacies?
Teams could argue their case in front of a ‘judge’ with the help of a ‘jury’ made up of children from another class or children who are undecided.
Curriculum Notes
This clip will be relevant for teaching Geography at KS3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 3rd and 4th Level in Scotland.
More from Deadly Dilemmas:
The balance between tourism and conservation in Madagascar. video
The children ask whether Madagascar would be better without tourism. They work with local people to make whale souvenirs and consider links between economy and conservation.
How fishing on the coral reef in Madagascar causes habitat destruction. video
Children in Madagascar consider if it is acceptable to allow people to feed their families by fishing on the reef even though it causes habitat destruction.
How deforestation in Madagascar is threatening animal habitats. video
Children are sent to Madagascar to investigate protecting lemur's natural habitats whilst allowing local people to farm, even if that causes deforestation.
Protecting endangered species in Madagascar. video
The children learn that several species of animal may become extinct in their lifetimes and go in search of a Fusa but are unable to find one in the wild.
