Insects are animals belonging to the class known as Insecta.

Animals have an amazing ability to adapt to their environment. This lesson plan teaches students about camouflage, a valuable advantage in the survival of a species.

In this week’s lesson about Aotearoa and Conservation you will be learning some Te Reo Māori: Aotearoa’s indigenous language, learning more about our country and diving into conservation topics such as pest identification and tracking.

Let’s delve into the realm of the Atua Tāne Mahuta and find out who’s living in
your yard. Let’s find out what they eat and what their tracks look like.

Biosecurity is about protecting New Zealand from unwanted species.

This video goes to Kapiti Island to find out more about New Zealand's trusting wildlife.

These posters have fun facts about whio/blue duck, and why they are important.

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.

We want you to get behind pest control, but safety first! A trapping tunnel is a box you put your rat trap inside, to protect you, young members of your family, and your pets.

How climate change is affecting Canterbury is what this booklet is all about. We investigate what it will mean for you, your family and friends, and the natural environment.

Centipedes have been on earth for about 450 million years, even before dinosaurs. Centipedes have lots of eggs, are carnivores (they can kill or parlyse their prey with venom-laden claws) and are mostly nocturnal.

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.

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.

We had a cat once that killed rats, mice, a stoat, skinks, wētā, and some birds. I know, because I saw them dying, and I saw them dead. Perhaps pet cats should be kept inside.

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

This resource provides ideas and learning experiences to enhance the native and endemic biodiversity in your green space.

This activity encourages students to explore various aspects of complex issues. It encourages students to consider the interaction of science and diverse community views.

Use this resource to experience birds in your school grounds or another local green space.

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 resource to learn about and develop connections to a local green space.

A series of posters to support learning about Auckland's unique animal life, and to encourage outdoor exploration.

It’s Old Mac Science Guy’s “Farming” show, E-I-E-I-O.

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhKkSCxgels&list=PLC1A0KOYvlM7HWpQfsCu2z-PkwUHfn10S&index=5

‘Te aitanga pepeke’ (the insect world) is the Māori phrase for insects and other creatures that have similar features: four or more legs, appear to sit in a crouching position, and some can leap or jump. The pūngāwerewere (spider), pepe pūrerehua (butterfly/moth), uruururoroa kapokapowai (dragonfly), rō (stick insect), and wētā all belong to this group.