Bioblitz

On Friday 16 February, I travelled with a group of Landcare scientists to the national wetland centre at Rotopiko, near Ohaupo in the Waikato, and set up ready for the start of the Bitoblitz at 12noon.

A Bioblitz is an event where you conduct an intensive survey of biological diversity of a particular area (Ropopiko) over a period of time (24 hours).  The goal is to count as many species as possible and enter them on Nature watch New Zealand website.  It is a unique opportunity for scientists, students, teachers and families to work together in the same place at the same time on the same project. 
Landcare Research video:  Bioblitz at Rotopiko
Landcare Research generic info:

Selection of photos from the 24 hour period

Bioblitz base camp 

Learning about bacteria in the wetlands

Learning about fungi in the wetlands

Identifying micro-organisms in the wetlands

Isolating micro-organisms found in stamp water, ready for identification and recording.

Ruud Klenpaste, the wetland trust patron, told engaging stories about insects found in the wetlands.

Running total of species tally at the Bioblitz

Scientists on duty at the Bioblitz

Students from Ohaupo School looking for specimens

A few interesting activities from the Bioblitz to modify and try at school.

Science Fair project by Ohaupo school students outlining how they investigated ways
 to keep hedgehogs from eating all the bait in tracking tunnels at their school.