Wet Lands

Aim: To learn about the wetland ecosystem.


                                                                                        Wetlands

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		1. Homes for fish 2. Can be used for making nest
Harakeke		1. Birds can eat the seeds 2. Can be used to make baskets 3. Spiders can make nest in the harakeke
Raupo		1. Was used for Poi making 2. Used for weaving
Toitoi		1. Can be used to make baskets and mats 2. Can also be used for lines on walls

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

Name	Image	Food
Duck		Bird food Corn Greens Frozen foods
Frog		1. Meat 2. Insects 3. Flies 4. Animals
Butterfly		1. Foods that dissolve in water 2. Nectar/flowers/pollen 3. Tree sap, dung or rotting fruit 4. Sodiums from salt and sweat
Grey Heron		1. Fish 2. Amphibians 3. Small Mammals 4. Insects
Dragonfly		1. Insects 2. Gnats, Mayflies, Flies, Mosquitoes 3. Butter flies, moths and bees
Fish		1. Worms and shrimps 2. Frozen froods or pre packed food 3. Flakes, Granules and pellets