Ecosystems excursion
Science
Program
Assuming the role of ecologists, students will engage in a case study on the conservation of the powerful owl - Australia's largest owl. Through a series of fieldwork investigations relating to habitat quality, biodiversity and food webs, students will examine the role of the Field of Mars Reserve in bringing powerful owls back from the brink.
Inquiry questions
- Is the Field of Mars Reserve suitable for roosting and nesting for the powerful owl?
- Can the food web in the Field of Mars Reserve support powerful owls?
Fieldwork
Habitat assessment
Students will utilise fieldwork instruments to sample a variety of critical abiotic and biotic factors in the Field of Mars Reserve. They will use their data to evaluate the reserve's suitability as a roosting and nesting site for owls.
Animal survey and food web construction
Students will analyse pellet samples to identify the food sources of the powerful owl. They will also survey the reserve for evidence of animal presence and use the collected data to construct a food web of the ecosystem. This will enable students to determine whether the habitat can support populations of powerful owls.