FACT 1: Bushfires are a naturally occurring phenomenon in
Australia.
The Problem
In southeast Australia we have experienced some of the worst
bushfires in the world.
Research shows that bushfires are going to become more frequent
and intense. Making them one of the biggest environmental threats
to nature in southeast Australia.
Transcript of audioEvery year in southeast Australia we are
threatened by bushfires (The Wilderness Society, 2009). Bushfires
are becoming one of our biggest environmental threats (Department
of Environment and Primary Industries, 2014). .
ReferencesPoint One: (The Wilderness Society, 2009)Point Two:
(Department of Environment and Primary Industries DEPI, 2014)
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The burning question
What are the effects of bushfire on the flora and fauna of
southeast Australia?
Transcript of audioI often spend time in the Victorian parks and
reserves located on fifty minutes from Melbournes CBD. I have seen
first hand the devastating effects of bushfire on these areas. I
cant help wonder what are the effects of bushfire on the flora and
fauna of southeast Australia?2
What I learnt from the research
Bushfire is a naturally occurring phenomena (if ignited by
natural causes) and an integral part of Australian history.The
consequences of bushfire depend greatly on the intensity and
frequency of the event.The effects of bushfire on flora and fauna
is very diverse.Many species rely on the effects of bushfires,
paradoxically it can also have adverse effects if fires are two
frequent or intense. Following a bushfire rainforests have to
compete with fast growing drier forests such as the resilient
eucalypt forest (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1995).
Transcript of audioDuring the research I have learnt about the
causes of bushfire and the effects on flora and fauna. Statistics
show that lightening strikes are the main reason for bushfire
ignition. Now this is as natural as the sun and the rain.
Bushfires are getting increasingly intense, as a result of long
hot summers there is a large amount of flammable fuel in the form
of leaf litter.
Many species of flora and fauna require bushfire to clear out
dead vegetation, aid in seed germination and to create hollows in
trees for animal habitat. However if intense bushfires occur more
then once in a century, in one particular area then species such as
the Ground Parrot and Mountain Ash trees are not given sufficient
time to regenerate their numbers.
In southeast Australia our landscape varies greatly. We have
areas of wet rainforests neighboring the dryer Eucalypt forests.
Each of these ecosystems have a different relationship with fire as
a result of the species that exist there.
In the past burning off has been conducted to minimise fuel such
as leaf litter. How ever if this is conducted without giving
consideration to the flora and fauna within that area we can be
doing permanent damage to each of the populations.
Image ReferenceNatural Sequence Farming. (2014). Burnt Forest
[Image]. Retrieved from
http://www.naturalsequencefarming.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=532&start=15
Slide ReferencesPoint One: The Wilderness Society (2009)Point
Two: Department of Primary Industries (2014)Point Three: Victorian
National Parks Association (2014)Point Four: The Wilderness Society
(2009)3
Why we should care?
The issueWith increasing temperatures and drier conditions
bushfires are becoming more frequent and intense.
The consequencesBushfires and ill managed fuel reduction burns
are effecting the sustainability of southeast Australias
ecosystems. As a result there are a number of flora and fauna
species that are at serious at risk of extinction.The Leadbeaters
possum occupies the hollows of mature Mountain Ash trees. They will
retreat to these hollows in a bushfire. Bushfire poses a serious
threat to the species survival (Friends of Leadbeaters Possum Inc.,
2014)
Transcript of audioWe should care because as a direct result of
bushfires and ill managed fuel reduction burns there are a number
of flora and fauna species that are at serious risk of extinction.
These include the Leadbeaters possum, the Sooty Owl, the Spotted
Tree frog, Mountain Ash trees, rainforests and species of
orchids.
Image ReferenceVic Forests. (2014). Leadbeaters Possum [Image].
Retrieved from http://www.vicforests.com.au/leadbeaters-possum
Slide ReferencesPoint One: DEPI (2014)Point Two: Greenslade
& Smith (2010)Point Three: The Wilderness Society (2009)4
What can we do to?
Your voice is needed Put in writing your concerns to the local
member of parliament. Volunteer with Victorian National Parks
Association. Projects include, habitat restoration, monitoring
species, administration, tree planting, park maintenance and fire
recovery roles. Contact Conservation Volunteers on 1800 032 501 for
suitable projects in your area. Take part in awareness weeks
relevant to your community.
Transcript of audioThere is much we can do. Bushfires are a
issue Nationwide not just for those that reside in southeast
Australia. Firstly voice you concerns to you local member of
parliament though a petition or letter, secondly take action by
contacting the Victorian National Parks Association. Ongoing
projects include habitat restoration, field research and tree
planting.
There is continual administration roles that indirectly help the
cause if this is where your strengths lie.
Nationally Conservation Volunteers can put you in contact with a
volunteer role that suits you, ensure you express that bushfire
conservation and recovery is your passion.
Finally there are a number of annual awareness weeks that you
and the community can take part in, whether you participate in
taking collections at you local shopping center of have your
students build and donate a nesting box for the Leadbeaters possum.
It all helps.
Image References Leadbeaters.org. (2014). Leadbeaters Possum
Awareness Advertisment [Image] Retrieved from
http://leadbeaters.org.au/education-program/school-resources/Victorian
National Parks Association. (2014). Volunteers Working [Image].
Retrieved from
http://vnpa.org.au/page/volunteer/volunteer-with-the-vnpa
Slide ReferencesPoint Two: Victorian National Parks Association
(2014)Point Three: Conservation Volunteers
(2014)http://vnpa.org.au/page/volunteer/volunteer-with-the-vnpahttp://www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/what-we-do/flora-fauna
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ReflectionWhat would be the best web 2.0 tool to take into the
primary classroom?
Transcript of audioCacoo is a web based tool that I will be
taking into my classroom. Cacoo allows the user to create min maps,
flow charts and wireframes. The web based tool supports the inquiry
process as students are able to effectively brainstorm, organise
and export their ideas. The tool is user friendly and allows
students to chat and edit simultaneously.
Image ReferencesCacoo. (2014). Concept Map [Image]. Retrieved
from https://cacoo.com/getstarted/
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