Wetlands

Aim: To learn about the wetland ecosystem.

                                                          

What is a Wetland?
Any land consisting of marshes or swamps and land that is saturated with water.                                                                

4 different kinds of wetlands

1. Marsh - wetland that is dominated by plants.
2. Swamp - an area of low-lying, uncultivated ground where water collects.
3. Bog - an area of wet muddy ground is very soft.
4. Mire / fen - a stretch of swampy or boggy ground.

Common wetland plants in NZ

Name	Image	Purpose
EG: Swamp weed		Food for fish and birds Home for fish and birds Cleans the water
Bullrush		Homes for fishy  Can be used for making nest
Harakeke		Can be used for making baskets  Birds can come and eat the seeds Spiders come and make homes
Raupo		Was used for poi making Used for weaving
Toitoi		Can be used to make baskets and mats Can also be used for line on walls

Common animals, insects, birds you may find in a NZ wetland.

Name	Image	Food
Duck		Bird food Corn Greens Frozen foods
Frog		Meat Insects Flies  Animals
Butterfly		Foods that dissolve in water Nectar/Flowers Tree sap, dung, pollen, or rotting fruit Sodium's from salt and sweat
Grey Heron		Fish Amphibians Small mammals Insects
Dragonfly		Insects and also small flying insects Gnats, mayflies, flies and mosquitoes Butterflies, moths and bees
Fish		Worms and shrimp Frozen foods and pre-packaged foods Flakes, granules and pellets