MONDAY FACT: Truly unique Kiwi

  The Kiwi – the New Zealand (Aotearoa ) bird often used as mascot of the country – is truly unique! It has loose feathers that are more like fur and unlike other birds the feathers moult throughout the year. It is the only bird in the world with nostrils at the end of its beak. Its sense of smell is second to none. It has no tail feathers, but does have whiskers, like a cat. LearnFromNature  Tweet  ...

Very real challenges of combating desertification

If drought and resulting famines are now so ‘common place’ in the news that we have become immune to their true impact – the World Day to Combat Desertification & Drought on 17th June aims to highlight the issue…   Desertification is a type of land degradation in drylands in which biological productivity is lost due to natural processes or induced by human activities whereby fertile areas become arid. More info at Desertification  Images from Pinterest. LearnFromNature  Tweet  ...

Biodiversity is the focus of latest Environmental Education Journal

The Spring 2023 edition [ Vol 132 ] of Environmental Education Journal – of which I am editor – is now available for members of NAEE. This edition focuses on learning about life on Earth; its contents include: The importance of insects to general biodiversity – Nikki Banfield Curiosity and connection through nature journaling – Bethan Burton Champions of biodiversity – Jordan Allen & Allison Hands Keeping biological records – Sam Amy Shaping sustainable futures through education Matt – Darsen-Law...

WATER WEDNESDAY : Saving cranes for 50 years!

The International Crane Foundation celebrates 50 years of conservation of these magnificent creatures and their habitats. “The story of the International Crane Foundation began in 1971 at Cornell University with two students who shared a passion for cranes. Ornithology students Ron Sauey and George Archibald envisioned an organization that would combine research, captive breeding and reintroduction, landscape restoration and education to safeguard the world’s 15 crane species. Over nearly 50 years, we have developed unique collaborations and led effective community-based...

TREE TUESDAY | Ponga tree fern

Ponga (Aotearoa / New Zealand ) In rongoā Māori/Māori medicine ponga gum is taken to evict parasites worming through our intestines, and the pith (the soft cellular tissue) is known as an antiseptic.   These tree ferns are usually found in dry or open-air areas in lowland to lower mountain forest throughout the North Island. In the South Island ponga is largely absent from the wetter west and south, preferring sites with better drainage. Did you know? The silver fern...

MONDAY FACT: Koala is well-equipped

  Did you know that the Australian marsupial – the koala – has 2 thumbs on its front paw!? They have two opposable thumbs on their fore paws, allowing them a better grip—essential for climbing smooth barked gum trees. Isn’t Nature amazing!!!     Find out more here      LearnFromNature  Tweet  ...

DID YOU KNOW? Koala myths

The drop bear (sometimes dropbear) is a hoax in contemporary Australian folklore featuring a predatory, carnivorous version of the koala. This imaginary animal is commonly spoken about in tall tales designed to scare tourists. Koalas are actually  marsupials. Did you guess the animal that features on the background of this website…..? LearnFromNature  Tweet  ...

World Bee Day

  It’s World Bee Day on May 20th ” We all depend on the survival of bees Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. Pollination is, however, a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural...

World Biodiversity Day!

  The International Union for Conservation of Nature is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. It is involved in data gathering and analysis, research, field projects, advocacy, and education. A key area of IUCN’s work and success  is in BIODIVERSITY   Visit IUCN website to find out more     LearnFromNature  Tweet  ...

Nature News | May 1st

      AUSTRALIA ENDANGERED SPECIES: “Three birds — Pink Cockatoo, Hooded Robin and Diamond Firetail — have recently been added to Australia’s list of threatened species, while two others — the Red Goshawk and Painted Button-quail — have had their conservation status ‘uplisted’. ”  More info at BirdLife Australia    BIRDS:  “After 10 years at the helm of BirdLife Australia — a decade of great change in bird conservation – the CEO of BirdLife Australia, Paul Sullivan, is stepping...

Penguin facts for kids

  TODAY is World Penguin Day – so here are some great fact, followed by some KIDS-focused websites with fascinating facts and images about these special birds… Most penguins can swim about 15 miles per hour. Penguins have insulating layers of air, skin, and blubber. Penguins are ancient species that first appeared around 40 million years ago. There are 17 different species of penguins in the world, the most commonly recognized being the Emperor penguin. Penguins weigh anywhere from 2lbs...

Animals in World War I

During the war, animals – especially horses, donkeys, dogs, camels and pigeons – were used by armies because of their unique ability to undertake tasks that were difficult or impossible for humans. Over challenging terrain, they carried messages and transported equipment, people and supplies. They also helped to find people and save lives. Unfortunately, many animals suffered and died as a result of the war.   Camels Camels can travel long distances with heavy loads, through hot dry country. Before...

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