Eco-warriors restoring birdsong on the Kepler Track
Restoring the melodious chirping of birds
Hear ye, hear ye! Step right up and join the young crusaders on a thrilling mission: reinstating the sweet melodies of feathery songsters to the enchanting forested trails of the Kepler Track.
Bringing back the melody
An enticing piece penned for the 2017 level 2 "Connected" magazine, published by the New Zealand Ministry of Education, captures the inspiring tale of eager youth collaborating with the Department of Conservation and Fiordland Conservation Trust to bolster Fiordland's endemic avian populations.
2017 Connected level 2: Taking Action
Peering at the captivating cover of the 2017 level 2 "Connected" magazine, you'll encounter articles like "Down the drain," "Bringing back the birdsong," and "Gardening in the living room."
Photo of kakapos © Paul Sorrel
Rights:
Swing by your school resources area, download the article from the 2017 level 2 "Connected" magazine as a Google slide presentation on Tāhūrangi, or snag a hard copy from the Ministry of Education.
Related content:
Birds in my backyard is a handy, cross-curriculum teaching resource utilizing the Connected article, "The Takeaway Table." This educational resource features a customizable Word worksheet designed to cater to the unique needs of students and their lessons.
The activity ideas take their inspiration from the Science Learning Hub's Predator Free 2050 resources and cover the ecosystem, conservation, ecology, and birds topics.
The Science Learning Hub has collaborated with the Department of Conservation to present a series of informative webinars engaging students in environmental action, encompassing the PLD session "Pest detectives."
The article "1080 - an overview" compiles a multitude of resources concerning 1080 and pest control on the Hub. The thought-provoking article "1080 - a wicked problem" offers insights on employing this issue to cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in young minds.
Check out our extensive reservoir of Connected articles right here. We've curated them according to topic and concepts for your browsing convenience.
Discover a fascinating case of scientists deploying artificial scents to deter predators from snatching endangered birds.
Related collection:
The dedicated team at the Science Learning Hub has crafted an introductory collection of resources aimed at educating about bird conservation. By registering for a free account at the Science Learning Hub, you can personalize this collection for your use, share it with peers, and collaborate with fellow educators—just click on the copy icon. Sign up with your email address or Google account to create your account with ease. Look for the Sign up button at the top of each page.
Useful link:
The electrifying 2011 Connected article "It seemed like a good idea at the time" recounts the questionable decision to introduce ferrets, stoats, and weasels into New Zealand.
The Connected journals are exclusively available to Ministry-approved education providers. To learn about accessing these resources, contact the Down the Back of the Chair customer service team on 0800 660 662 or email [email protected].
Acknowledgement:
The Connected series is published annually by the New Zealand Ministry of Education.
Enrichment Data:
Making a Difference: Students' Role in Bird Conservation
Empower the future generations as they take on crucial roles preserving the melodies of our native avian treasures by participating in various initiatives and organizations. Here's how they can contribute:
- Collaboration and Community Projects: Groups like WWF-New Zealand offer support and funding for community-driven conservation projects. Teach students to collaborate with local groups, fostering a thirst for learning about conservation firsthand.
- Environmental Education: Equip students with knowledge about conservation and biodiversity through resources provided by WWF-New Zealand. By igniting their passion for conservation, they'll embrace efforts to protect native species in the Kepler region and beyond.
- Research and Further Studies: Universities in New Zealand offer courses and research opportunities focusing on wildlife conservation. Encourage students to pursue their academic interests and contribute to conservation efforts through their studies.
- Grants and Research Support: Organizations like Birds New Zealand support ornithological research projects, including those centering on threatened bird species. Encourage students to seek funding opportunities or collaborate on research projects for hands-on conservation experiences.
Introduced Pests and Their Grim Toll on Native Bird Populations
Menacing introduced pests pose a significant threat to our native bird populations, manifesting themselves in devastating ways such as:
- Predation: Introduced predators—like rats, stoats, and possums—prey on native birds, resulting in their decline. These pests may also compete with birds for resources.
- Habitat Alterations: Some invasive species, like possums and deer, can destroy vegetation and distort habitats, making them unsuitable for native birds.
- Disease Spread: Introduced species often carry diseases that can infect native birds, precipitating the decline of their populations.
Characteristically, conservation endeavors in the Kepler region revolve around controlling these nuisance species to boost the numbers of our beloved native birds. Encourage students to contribute by joining pest control campaigns or investigating the ecological impacts of introduced species as part of their academic ventures.
Engage in lifelong learning and embrace the environmental-science aspect of education and self-development by delving into articles such as "Making a Difference: Students' Role in Bird Conservation" and "Introduced Pests and Their Grim Toll on Native Bird Populations" from the Connected series, which offer valuable insights into conservation efforts and the devastating impact of introduced pests on native bird populations. Enrich your understanding of climate-change and its effects on the environment, and consider collaborating with organizations like WWF-New Zealand to contribute to conservation projects, foster a passion for conservation, and pursue academic studies centered on wildlife conservation. Remember, the Science Learning Hub offers various resources, webinars, and teaching materials to facilitate learning in this field.
