Suzy is all a Buzz about this question. She thinks the answer will be really sweet! Join her and it won't bee long before you know why bees make honey!

Join Bill Nye as he explores environments and ecosystems in a search of biodiversity.
Link for video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJw1KXAjYS4

Biosecurity is about protecting New Zealand from unwanted species.

Our first Bug Corner feature looks at Chrysomelidae or leaf beetles. Learn more about these insects, and why and how they are being used as “biocontrol”, a type of pest control method.

This article investigates the use of bio-control agents – insects or other organisms that are imported to manage plant pests. The article explains why they can be safer than chemical-control agents. It then investigates the research and trials that have to take place before a bio-control agent is allowed into the country and the constant monitoring that is required to make sure that these new immigrants are doing the work they have been imported to do.

The focus in this issue of Connected is on the Nature of Science strand of the curriculum.

This article describes an environmental decision that had terrible consequences. In the late 1800s, ferrets, stoats, and weasels were introduced into New Zealand to get rid of rabbits. However, these mustelids caused unforeseen destruction. They didn’t eat only rabbits – they discovered that New Zealand’s native animals and birds were very easy prey.

This article describes the systems and technologies that have been developed to prevent unwanted pests, diseases, and goods coming into New Zealand and to prevent precious taonga such as native species being smuggled out of the country.

This article introduces the concept of biosecurity and explains how, as a group of isolated islands, New Zealand developed a unique range of ecosystems. The arrival of plants or animals from other countries could be disastrous for our environment. Therefore, our borders are constantly monitored by biosecurity agencies to protect our environment, agriculture, and our health.

Use these resources to learn about conservation dogs, biosecurity, Predator Free 2050 and how to take conservation action in your local community.

In this episode of Ranger Kōrero – the big picture, ranger Aroha explores the meaning of conservation in Aotearoa and what that means for us and our taonga species.

Use this guide on how to make, use and “read” check cards.

Tracking tunnels are used by scientists to find out which kinds of creatures are in gardens, nature reserves or national parks. You get a rat or other animal to walk across an ink pad to eat some food. It will then leave its inky footprints on the tunnel floor.

​

Biocontrol, or biological control, is simply controlling one living thing by using another. Sounds simple, but to effectively biocontrol a weed, you need to know a lot about the biology and ecology of the weed.

This inquiry learning programme was developed in partnership with DOC. It is designed to identify the effects that invasive pest plant and animals have on the natural biodiversity of Canterbury and to investigate what can be done to combat them.

In this issue we uncover a range of terrestrial pests and investigate the destruction they can render on unique ecological areas throughout the region. They can run but they can’t hide!