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Threatened Species Art Competition Teacher Resources The Macarthur region is home to a wide diversity of native flora and fauna. Many of these species are at risk from a range of threatening processes such as habitat loss and fragmentation, competition with and predation by introduced species and disease. The populations of some of these species have significantly declined to the point that they are at risk of extinction in the immediate to long-term future, these species are referred to as threatened species. The Threatened Species Art Competition aims to increase awareness about local threatened species, local biodiversity and threats to wildlife. The competition is now in its sixth year and has been met with significant success in terms of community participation and the environmental education outcomes it delivers. The competition is targeted at children aged 5-12 and encourages them to learn about a local threatened species and represent it in a piece of artwork. Individual prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each age category. In addition, the school with the highest participation rate will receive a prize pack of environmental resources valued at $400. The runner up school will also receive a $250 prize pack. How the Competition works: 1. Schools receive a Teachers Resources document (lesson material) and entry form. 2. Teachers use lesson material to teach students about local threatened species. 3. Students create artworks depicting a local threatened species. 4. Schools return artworks with attached entry forms to council. Schools may decide to run a school competition first to determine the best entries per class. Entries close Thursday 5th September, 2013 5. Entries will judged by an expert panel week beginning 9th September. 6. Competition entries will be displayed in regional libraries during September to celebrate Biodiversity Month. All entries will be returned to schools at the end of the competition. For more information contact your council’s environment unit: Campbelltown City Council 4645 4601 Camden Council 4645 5007 Wollondilly Shire Council 4677 1122 Background Information What are threatened species? Australia is home to many unique habitats and wildlife. Since European settlement more than 100 species of plants and animals have become extinct. More mammals have become extinct in Australia than any other country. Habitat destruction is the main reason for a species to become threatened or extinct. Human activities such as land clearing, urban expansion, introduced pests and environmental pollution all contribute to habitat threat and destruction. In NSW, over 850 species are under threat of extinction, along with a range of ecological communities that provide habitat. The Threatened Species Act 1995 was put into place to protect these and other species into the future. It outlines four categories of threatened species, populations or ecological communities. The rich mixture of species that makes up our local ecosystem is called biodiversity Biodiversity is important for maintaining a healthy environment, not only for the plants and animals that live within it, but also for the humans that share it with them. After all, biodiversity is what fuels many of the processes we rely on, like those that clean the air, filter the water and nurture the soil. Species Presumed Extinct – there has been no record in its known or expected habitat in NSW for a period of time relevant to its life-cycle and form. Critically Endangered – there is an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future. Endangered – there is high risk of extinction in the near future Vulnerable – there is high risk of extinction in the medium-term future Threatened species in Macarthur The Macarthur region is lucky to be home to a wide variety of unique plants and animals. In fact many of the species that are considered threatened in New South Wales make their homes in the local environment. It is important that we aim to preserve these unique creatures – for their own sake and also for future Macarthur generations to enjoy. Koala Cumberland Plain Land Snail Broad‐headed snake Threatened Species List Common Name Red-crowned Toadlet Scientific Name Pseudophryne australis Status Vulnerable Giant Burrowing Frog Heleioporus australiacus Vulnerable Bush Stone Curlew Burhinus grallarius Endangered Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor Endangered Painted Honeyeater Grantiella picta Vulnerable Gang-Gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum Vulnerable Barking Owl Ninox connivens Vulnerable Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis Vulnerable Cumberland Plain Land Snail Eastern Freetail-Bat Meridolum corneovirens Endangered Mormopterus norfolkensis Vulnerable Grey-headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus Vulnerable Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus Vulnerable Koala Phascolarctos cinereus Vulnerable Eastern Pygmy Possum Cercartetus nanus Vulnerable Threats Habitat loss Poor water quality Too many fires Climate change Habitat loss Disease Poor water quality Climate change Foxes and cats Habitat loss Too many fires Habitat loss Collision with wire netting, windows and cars Habitat loss Heavy grazing Removal of large trees Habitat loss Climate change Disease Habitat loss Removal of fallen trees and logs Too many fires Habitat loss Pollution Too many fires Illegal hunting Habitat loss Loss of hollow-bearing trees Pesticides Loss of foraging habitat Habitat loss Illegal shooting Climate change Habitat loss Too many fires Foxes, dogs and cats Habitat loss Foxes, dogs and cats Large fires Disease Loss of feed trees Habitat loss Changes in food supply Cats, dogs and foxes Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus Vulnerable Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis Vulnerable Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis Vulnerable Brush-tailed rock wallaby Petrogale penicillata Endangered Sydney Plains Greenhood Pterostylis saxicola Endangered Nodding Geebung Persoonia nutans Endangered Spiked Rice Flower Pimelea spicata Endangered Camden White Gum Eucalyptus benthamii Vulnerable Bynoe’s Wattle Acacia bynoeana Endangered Rosenberg’s Goanna Varanus rosenbergi Vulnerable Broad-headed snake plocephalus bungaroides Endangered Habitat loss Poisoning Competition with cats and foxes Habitat loss Loss of hollow bearing trees Cats, dogs and foxes Habitat loss Loss of hollow-bearing trees Loss of feed trees Habitat loss Foxes, dogs and cats Competition with feral goats Too many fires Habitat loss Weeds Human activities such as bushwalking, trail bike riding Unauthorised collection Habitat loss Too many fires Weeds Habitat disturbance from mowing, grazing Too many fires Weeds Changes to fire patterns Weeds Feral pigs Habitat loss Too many fires Weeds Habitat loss Vehicles Cats and dogs Vehicles Removal of bushrock Removal of hollowbearing trees How can you help? Create habitat for native animals and birds in your backyard or school Leave dead wood and rocks in the bush Keep your cat indoors at night Join a community group, such as a local Bushcare group Remove known weed species from your garden and replace with local native plants Dispose of garden waste carefully Visit a local national park or nature reserve. By supporting these activities, important habitat is protected. The Problem with Weeds Weeds cause major problems for our environment competing with native species for light, space and nutrients and smother existing vegetation. More weeds mean less habitat and food for our native animals and a disruption in the local ecosystem. Garden plant introductions make up over 70 per cent of the listed environmental weeds. Weeds move easily from gardens to bushland, meaning garden plants can be a big threat to our biodiversity. Common weeds in the Macarthur region: Privet Bridal Creeper Alligator Weed African Olive Blackberry Lantana Artwork inspiration Winning entries will be displayed in regional libraries and published in a calendar, distributed across the Macarthur region. Additional Lesson Activities Museum exhibition – Imagine your artwork is going to be displayed as part of a museum exhibition. Create some signs and additional artefacts that will teach others about the threatened species. You might like to include information such as its scientific name, distribution, life cycle, interesting features and common threats. Nature Charades – What is it like to be a tree? How does a baby animal feel? Get an understanding of different parts of the environment by pretending that you are those parts. Natural objects: a plant or rock. Animal: Baby bird, flying fox, squirrel glider. Present event: wind blowing through the trees, land clearing. Nature Rubbings – Walk around outdoors to collect various textured objects. These could include leaves, tree bark, rocks etc. To make a rubbing, place a piece of paper on top of the object. Rub the paper gently with crayons until textures appear. The object and its texture will be ‘imprinted’ on the paper. You might like to use the rubbings or collage of rubbings in your competition artwork. Native Plant Seed Bank – Visit the ABC Splash website and watch the video clip about the native plant seed bank (http://splash.abc.net.au/media/-/m/30807/native-plant-seedbank?source=search) Research a local threatened plant species and find out where it is found, threats it faces and what is being done to conserve it. Aboriginal Significance – Research local plant species and identify a plant that is culturally significant to local aboriginal people. Draw a detailed diagram of the plant. Identify its parts and how they are used. Make a difference – Research some environmental groups that help protect and conserve Australian biodiversity. Locate a local group and learn how they are helping protect threatened species. Groups might include bushcare, national parks, botanic gardens, WIRES or council. Native Garden – Design a native garden for home or school. Identify some local plant species that could be planted to attract wildlife. You may like to participate in local tree planting activities or National Tree Day. Weed Warriors – Investigate a local invasive species that threatens native habitat. Create a poster to educate others about the problems caused by this weed and alternatives that can be planted in the garden. More Information American Museum of Natural History – Interactive games, video and resources for kids about biodiversity http://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/biodiversity# Arkive – A gallery of images and information on threatened species. A number of lesson plans and student activities are also available http://www.arkive.org/ Australian Museum – Biodiversity information and the work of the museum http://www.australianmuseum.net.au/biodiversity Backyard Buddies – Foundation of National Parks & Wildlife program to promote the protection of native animals in suburban areas http://www.backyardbuddies.net.au/ Birds in Backyards – tips and resources for encouraging native bird habitats in suburban areas http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/ Living Macarthur Sustainable Living Guide – Articles on a range of sustainable actions including native gardens and promoting biodiversity http://www.livingmacarthur.com.au/ Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust - Information about Cumberland Plain Woodland ecology http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/welcome/australian_botanic_garden/the_garden/feature_gard ens/cumberland_plain_woodland Wilderquest – Interactive game from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for students to learn about a range of NSW ecosystems http://wilderquest.nsw.gov.au/#/intro Evaluation Form School: Year Level: Please rate the following aspects of the competition: 1. Background Information Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent 2. Lesson Activities Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent 3. Submission procedure of design entries Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent Good Very Good Excellent Please provide a copy of this evaluation form to every participating teacher 4. Assistance from council Poor Fair 5. Improvement in student knowledge of threatened species Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent 6. Improvement in student behaviour towards biodiversity and threatened species Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent 7. What Lesson activities did you complete to introduce biodiversity and threatened species ideas? 8. Please ask your students how they will use the knowledge they have learnt at home and school to improve local biodiversity. 9. What did you and your students enjoy most about the competition? 10. What could be improved? Return this evaluation form along with the entry form and student artworks