WHEP Practice Resources
These practice resources are intended to supplement the WHEP handbook and Wildlife O-Rama study guides. Additional images and resources can be found by searching the internet for examples. Be sure to use reputable sources such as the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Audubon Society, Smithsonium, universities, Bat Conservation International, North American Bluebird Society, etc.
1. Wildlife Identification
BIrds
Cornell Lab of Ornithology video series
- Inside Birding: Size and Shape (video link)
- Inside Birding: Color Pattern (video link)
- Inside Birding: Understanding Behavior (video link)
- Inside Birding: Habitat (video link)
Waterfowl: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
All About Birds website
Urban species (links to each bird):
- American robin
- common nighthawk
- eastern bluebird
- European starling
- house finch
- house sparrow
- house wren
- northern flicker
- peregrine falcon
- rock pigeon
- ruby-throated hummingbird
- song sparrow
Wetland species (links to each bird):
- American bittern
- Canada goose
- mallard
- northern pintail
- redhead
- spotted sandpiper
- Virginia rail
- Wilson’s snipe
Mississippi Alluvial Plain species:
Find these at the All About Birds website.
Mammals
Urban
big brown bat
coyote
eastern gray squirrel
raccoon
white-tailed deer
Wetlands
common muskrat
mink
raccoon
river otter
Reptiles, Amphibians & Fish
Wetlands
Herps and Fishes video by Lori Monday, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (2021)
Herps of Arkansas website:
2. Wildlife Foods and Concepts
Ecological Principles Activities, Senior level, Environmental Education for teachers in Wisconsin
3. Interpreting Satellite Imagery
How to Interpret a Satellite Image, NASA website
4. Wildlife Habitat Management Practices
Native Plants and Pollinators video by Virginia McDaniel, U.S. Forest Service (2021)
Wildlife Habitat Management for Arkansas Landowners (PDF) by University of Arkansas Extension
5. Writing a Wildlife Management Plan
Wildlife Management Plan Help Sheet
Scenarios for past Wildlife Management Plans in Arkansas. Change the species and use these to practice for the contest.
Additional Resources
For Sale Publications
Wildlife Science Curriculum & WHEP resources (Purdue Extension's The Education Store)