Conservation Efforts Part 2 || Science Class – Shreeya @ Hornby High School

Hello everyone, and welcome back to another blog post for science.

Today, I delved into an important topic in the realm of science: conservation efforts aimed at protecting our wildlife and ecosystems. We explored how reducing pollution, promoting recycling, and supporting clean energy initiatives can help safeguard our planet. I emphasised the critical role of government and major organisations in creating protected areas for wildlife and enforcing laws against poaching and habitat destruction. Finally, I discussed the legal frameworks in place, such as the Wildlife Act 1953, which outlines protections for different species across New Zealand. Join me as we navigate these essential conservation efforts and their impact on our environment.

Protecting animals within an ecosystem

To protect habitats and ecosystems from serious harm, we need to focus on reducing pollution and conserving natural resources. This can be achieved by using less plastic, recycling more, and supporting clean energy solutions. It’s also important to create protected areas where wildlife can thrive without human interference. Finally, educating others about the importance of preserving our environment will help everyone work together to keep our planet safe.

Can the government or major groups help protect animals that live there?

Yes, the government and major groups can play a big role in protecting animals. They can create protected areas like national parks or reserves where animals can live safely away from threats. Additionally, they can enforce laws against poaching and habitat destruction to help keep animal populations stable. Working together, they can also raise awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife and their habitats.

Legal Protection

Wildlife Act 1953

The Wildlife Act is the main law that helps protect animals classed as wildlife, including some of New Zealand’s most endangered species.

The Act does this by controlling how people interact with wildlife.

It protects them in three ways:

Absolute protection
Varying protection
No protection

Absolutely protected wildlife

If an animal is absolutely protected, it means that without a permit from DOC, it’s an offence to:

Catch, hunt or kill it
Buy, sell or own it
Hold it in captivity
Release it
Export it

The protection applies whether the animal is alive or dead, and to all or parts of it, for example, feathers, skin, bones, and eggs.

Examples of absolutely protected wildlife

kiwi, kea, blue duck/whio, tūī, fantail/pīwakawaka, terns, albatross/toroa, tuatara and Wētā.

Varying protected wildlife

Some wildlife species are protected, but not absolutely. They may be killed in specific circumstances. These species are listed in schedules within the Act.

Game hunting during hunting season. Hunters must have a special licence.
Hunted because they are destroying land and other habitats.
Hunted with a special cause: Māori can hunt muttonbirds but only in special circumstances.

Unprotected Wildlife

Some of these unprotected wildlife species cause harm, for example:

Predators on threatened native species, for example, stoats, feral cats, and hedgehogs
Eating native plants, for example, wallabies
Causing damage to farms or orchards, for example, possums, Canada geese, rooks, or to people’s homes, for example, rats, mice
1. Causing risk to people’s safety through bird strikes at airports, for example, the spur-winged plover, black-backed gulls

These can all be killed under these conditions only.

Thanks, that’s all for my science blog today. I hope you enjoy it and find this blog post informative

Bye,

Shreeya