Investigation context
Powerful owls are a native bird species endemic to eastern and south-eastern Australia. In NSW they are listed as vulnerable having declined due to land clearing, habitat loss and fragmentation.
Powerful owls are increasingly being observed residing and hunting in our suburbs and cities, however these areas pose additional threats to survival including car strikes, predation by invasive species and electrocution from power lines. Therefore, when powerful owls use urban areas, they rely on more interventions for their conservation.
Urban forests play a crucial role in providing safe natural habitats for powerful owls in Sydney. The Field of Mars Reserve is a remnant patch of urban bushland, managed by the City of Ryde as a wildlife refuge. What role does the Field of Mars Reserve play in conserving powerful owls and how can the Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre help bring the species 'back from the brink'?
Learning activities
Habitat assessment
- Is the Field of Mars Reserve suitable for roosting and nesting for the powerful owl?
Students will conduct a habitat survey within the Field of Mars Reserve by sampling a range of abiotic and biotic factors components. Students will use specialised fieldwork instruments including anemometers, thermometers, light meters, soil moisture probes, rangefinders and tape measures to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Using their data, they will evaluate if the reserve provides suitable habitat for powerful owls to roost and nest, and suggest ways to improve the sites to encourage powerful owl populations.
Animal survey and food web construction
- Can the food web in the Field of Mars Reserve support powerful owls?
Within a field laboratory setting, students will analyse pellet samples to identify possible food sources for the powerful owl. Students will conduct an animal survey, using identification charts to observe and record a list of vertebrate and invertebrate animals present within the reserve. Students will collate their data and use collective findings to construct a food web of the ecosystem and conclude whether powerful owl populations can be supported through trophic interactions.
