Freshwater ecosystem
New Zealand’s streams, lakes, rivers and wetlands support around 54 species of native fish including galaxiids, bullies, eels, lamprey, black flounder, torrentfish, smelt and mullet – and these are just the ones we know of that have been identified and classified! This ecosystem also provides a home for many other species, including ducks, insects and kōura.
In this activity, students use resource materials to identify the features of a variety of New Zealand freshwater species.
Freshwater stream
Freshwater streams in New Zealand are habitat to a wide range of species.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
use their observation skills to identify some freshwater species found in New Zealand
use their literacy skills to identify key words and phrases about some New Zealand freshwater species
locate the area of the freshwater habitat that each species is likely to live
create a basic food web.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
background information for teachers
student instructions.
Related content
The articles What is ecology? and Understanding ecology will support teaching and learning about ecology and living things.
Explore New Zealand’s unique native biodiversity.
It is going to take all of us working together to rebuild the health of our rivers and streams, meet Dr Amanda Valois who is working to build community connections and engagement with freshwater health.
Activity idea
The activity Living or non-living? will help further with the concept from a scientific point of view.
Acknowledgement
This activity was written by Susan Rapley, a volunteer outreach educator with the North Otago Museum.
North Otago Museum
The Waitaki Museum, (previously North Otago Museum) tells the stories of the natural and cultural history of the Waitaki District.
