There are over 213 endangered animals in Massachusetts, 11 of which reside in Marion says naturalist and animal advocate Jennifer Carlino.

On March 21,  Carlino spoke on endangered wildlife as part of the Marion Natural History Museum’s after school program.

“Children are little sponges so we try to teach them as much about the environment as we can,” said Carlino.

With around 20 kids in attendance, she explained the classifications for rare species, which are divided into endangered, threatened, special concern and watch list.

Carlino, a conservation agent for the town of Norton, said that Massachusetts has 213 animals on its endangered species list.

Many of the children were already familiar with the endangered roseate tern and common tern, both of which nest on Bird Island.

Carlino emphasized how changes to habitat can affect species and gave the kids practical examples they could watch out for in their own communities.

Animals like the colorful eastern box turtle have become endangered, in part, because they often cross roadways to reach their nesting grounds, said Carlino.

Museum director Elizabeth Leidhold said she wants kids to know about animals like the ringtailed boghaunter, a type of dragonfly.

“They do us a service,” Leidhold said.

“Hopefully, the children will realize that endangered species are important to our ecosystem.”