Videos: The Power of One

The Power of One was created as an Education Center exhibit that illustrates how one species impacts an ecosystem with far-reaching and long-lasting affects, whether alien species introduced into foreign ecosystems, the loss of a species endemic to an ecosystem, or the species that are suffering from either one of the two previous conditions. This video series both supports the exhibits and stands on its own for outreach programs, presentations, events, and lesson plan kits. We offer two views of how a single species, through its loss or unnatural introduction, results in ecological balance, and conversely how ecological imbalance threatens each species. Each and every species is vital to ecological balance.

The following slideshows are small-sized low resolution videos for the web. High resolution full-screen videos are used for lesson plan packets, Education Center exhibits and presentations, outreach presentations, and events. Any compromised clarity found in the lower resolution versions is not a problem in the higher resolution full screen versions.

Enjoy!

Series 1: Threatened Native Species

This series explores the impact of the loss of a native species on its environment and/ or the loss of habitat on the stability of a species. Representing threatened species are:

Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf - Inside Yellowstone National Park This is an important story about the myriad affects of planned extinction followed by species reintroduction to right resulting ecological imbalance followed by planned slaughter to control inconvenient populations. It leaves one to wonder: who do we think we are?

Time: 10:00

Thylacine - This is a story of recent extinction. The thylacine, also called the Tasmanian Tiger or the Tasmanian Wolf, met its end just 70-years ago. This is a lesson in how fragile any species can be in the face of competition with humans for real estate and food.

Time: 06:59

Passenger Pigeon - Once the most abundant birds in the world, this is a poignant story of their extinction throughout 19th century and into the early 20th century, when hunting and deforestation devastated the species in less than 100 years. A lesson that we must all heed.

Time: 06:01

Golden Lion Tamarin - A tiny forest monkey, the golden lion tamarin is one of the rarest animals in the world. Strong collaborations between conservationists and zoos worldwide keep the Golden Lion Tamarin from extinction, but they remain critically endangered. What is most dramatic in this video is how loss of habitat is driving the extinction of this beautiful little monkey.

Time: 05:28

Zebra - Zebras are an amazing example of nature's camouflage. They mow and fertilize Africa's plains and grasslands. They feed the large prey animals, as well as all scavengers. Yet they have every natural survival advantage. So why are 3 or the 4 zebra species facing extinction, with numbers of all declining? How many guesses do you need?

Time: 08:37

Series 2: Invasive Species

This series explores the impact of one invasive species on its native and non-native environments. Representing invasive species are:

Mute Swan - These majestic swans may be wreaking havoc on the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystem. Some say they are scapegoats for the environmental impacts of local industry. Introduced into the US in the 1800's as symbols of European cultural status, we love the mute swan's beauty and grace in our ponds and parks, but, as with all invasive species, there is a price to pay.

Time: 06:28

Nine-Banded Armadillo - Although the environmental impact of the armadillo is neither as dramatic as some of the other species nor as widespread as its own migration, its unique adaptability enables it to live in surprising habitats. This little production is chock full of surprises, the greatest of which is the impact that the nine-banded armadillo has on the delicate sea turtle nesting sites in Florida.

Time: 07:03

European Rabbit - You won't believe what adorable bunnies have done to the Australian ecosystem!

Time: 07:53

Coqui - In this video, we illustrate the value of the coqui in its home ecosystem in Puerto Rico and contrast that to its invasion in Hawaii in fewer than 20 years. Hold onto your startle reflex for when the coqui calls kick in!

Time: 06:46

No videos or other materials belonging to New England Primate Sanctuary may be used without permission.