Information Regarding New Zealand's Pest Bird Species - educational materials for schools
Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, a Crown research institute, is leading the charge in innovating the management of terrestrial biodiversity and land resources. One of their national projects is the annual survey of garden birds, known as Te Tatauranga o ngā Manu Māra o Aotearoa | New Zealand Garden Bird Survey.
This survey encourages citizen science efforts, inviting individuals to participate in a simple bird-watching activity that connects them to nature. The survey provides opportunities for ākonga (students) to become citizen scientists, collecting valuable data nationwide to monitor and understand the status of bird populations in Aotearoa.
The survey promotes community involvement in conservation, guiding efforts to safeguard biodiversity in urban and suburban areas. Iwi Māori consider everything living and non-living to be interconnected, and people, plants, and animals are all descendants of Ranginui and Papatūānuku. As tangata whenua (people of the land), Māori have a role as kaitiaki (guardians) to preserve the mauri, wāhi tapu, and natural taonga (treasures) in their respective areas.
Resources have been curated to support the New Zealand Garden Bird Survey, including teaching and learning resources for kaiako (teachers) and tauira (students). These resources, such as "Manu - past, present and future", "Bird adaptations and identification", and "Taking action for our birds", are designed to raise awareness, recognition, and appreciation of the avian world. They also encourage Māori participation in the annual survey by integrating cultural values and knowledge.
The Kids Restore the Kepler project is another initiative that involves students working together to bring birdsong back to the Kepler Track. The survey's key objectives include monitoring bird populations, engaging with the public, and collecting data for scientific research.
The data collected from citizen scientists helps researchers and practitioners understand how birds are coping with environmental challenges. The decline of bird populations in Aotearoa is impacting pollination and seed dispersal. By participating in the survey, individuals can contribute to conservation efforts and help protect Aotearoa's unique birdlife.
The survey's interactive resources focus on exploring local birdlife and engaging with the survey. For instance, "Te Tatauranga o ngā Manu Māra o Aotearoa - exploring data" allows participants to delve into the data collected from the survey, gaining insights into the distribution and abundance of different bird species.
The article "New Zealand Garden Bird Survey - a context for learning" is part of a resource suite for educators and students to learn about birdlife in Aotearoa. Other resources include "Yvonne Taura" and "Milly Grant-Mackie", which share personal stories and experiences related to bird conservation.
The collection of resources can be customized to suit individual needs. Whether you're a teacher, student, or simply a bird enthusiast, there's something for everyone in Manaaki Whenua's New Zealand Garden Bird Survey. So, grab your binoculars, head outside, and join the survey today!
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