Banksia Woodland ecosystems are unique and important places that need to be protected.
Natural vegetation areas provide food, shelter and protection for many plants and animals. These areas also have non-living elements, such as light, air, soil, temperature, water, nutrients and rocks. Plants and animals constantly interact with both living and non-living things and depend on them for survival. All these elements combined are referred to as an ecosystem.
If one small part of an ecosystem is damaged or disappears, all the living elements living in that ecosystem are affected.
The South West of Western Australia is listed as a biodiversity hotspot. In 1988, Norman Myers identified two strict criteria in classifying a biodiversity hotspot: it must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics and have lost at least 70% of its original native vegetation.
Knowledge
Meet Dr Alison Ritchie, a Research Scientist in Restoration Ecology and Conservation Genetics, here at Kings Park Science. Her current project aims to develop and implement innovative seed enhancement technologies, such as seed coating and extruded pelleting, to overcome barriers to native plant establishment for the ecological restoration of an international biodiversity hotspot.
Watch 'Restoration Ecology' video on YouTube
To find out about other issues affecting the environment and actions being taken in Australia, head to Australian Conservation Foundation website.
Action
You can do it!
In the 1960s, rainbow lorikeets were introduced to Perth. There are now thousands of them. The feral rainbow lorikeets are aggressive around nesting hollows, preventing native birds from nesting in their tree hollows.
Mission
Create plans to make a nesting box for a native bird using easy to find materials. Consider what materials you would use, how you will build it and where you will install the nesting box.
Record your steps and take note of changes you make to your plan during construction.
Email us photos of your nesting box via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We would love to see your creations.
Citizen
With your new skills and knowledge visit a site near your school to participate in a citizen science program.
ClimateWatch Australia - Citizen Science App
Look out for the Great Cocky Count, an annual census of black cockatoos in the South West of WA. It has taken place for the last decade in early April. The data is essential for planning for the protection of these vulnerable species.
Cultural
Watch this short movie presented by Kings Park Education Officer Rickeeta Walley. Rickeeta is a proud Whadjuk Noongar yok (woman) with connections to seven of the 14 Noongar nations. She has a passion for Aboriginal language preservation and education.
Watch 'Ngalang Boodja' video on YouTube
Connection
We would love to hear from you and your class. Share your photos and findings with us via social media using the hashtag #STEMActionInKingsPark.
If your students have any questions email us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
View our other Primary School Bites activities and check out the other education programs we run here in Kings Park.