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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