Murray River Virtual Field Trip

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Why is this ecosystem so important?

Because it is our local ecosystem, right on our doorstep. Its biodiversity gives quality of life.It is part of our Australian heritage.It is important to tourism.

It is a complex ecosystem.The Murray River is old. It flows through very different landscapes.

And its path is always changing.

The upper Murray is mountainous.

The middle Murray is flat.

The lower Murray flows between cliffs.

Its level changes throughout the year.

Flood. Drought. http://www.environment.gov.au/node/21905

Living things are affected by...

available habitats...

water quality...

upstream events...

competition

Mist over the Murray River in the Barmah State Forest at Echuca, Tourism Victoria

Find my home. Use arrows to show were these animals live.

Images courtesy of Tourism Victoria

Find my habitat. Use arrows to show these habitats.

River Red Gum

woodlands

Snags and woody debris

Hollow logs and tree trunks

Deep holes in the river bed

Shallow shore areas and

reeds

Understory bushes and

grasses.

Sandy river banks Tree roots

See how my habitat has changed in the last 200 years.

Use arrows to show these habitats.

River Red Gum

woodlands

Snags and woody debris

Hollow logs and tree trunks

Deep holes in the river bed

Shallow shore areas and

reeds

Understory bushes and

grasses.

Sandy river banks Tree roots

See how the river as an ecosystem fits in the landscape.

Use arrows to show these habitats and landscape features.

Billabongs: long necked turtles love them.

Corridor of River Red Gum Trees helps migration of swamp wallabies.

River channels transport nutrients and allow fish migration.

Urban development: how do these affect the river?

Dryland farming: livestock can cause bank damage.

Irrigated land: run-off can increase salinity levels.

Explain what you have learnt in this virtual field trip.

What can we do to look after the Murray River Ecosystem?