Activities
Unit 1 — What is a pest?
The pest problem poster
Discover the destructive world of pest animals in Australia. Present your research in the form of a large format poster.
Understanding pests
Research specific characteristics of a pest animal and discover what exactly makes a pest animal a pest.
The great kangaroo debate
Work together in a role play highlighting the diverse opinions of different people towards a native animal that is often perceived by some as a pest. Can everyone agree on a simple solution?
Feral pig - pest or resource
Can people profit from feral pigs, or are they just a destructive nuisance? Participate in this controversial and emotive debate.
Unit 2 — Risky business
A risky business - Giraffe
Assess the potential of giraffes becoming a pest in Australia. Submit a detailed report to Biosecurity Australia outlining the results of your research.
A risky business - American bobcat
Assess the potential of bobcats becoming a pest in Australia. Submit a detailed report to Biosecurity Australia outlining the results of your research.
A risky business - Rhesus monkey
Assess the potential of the escaped Rhesus monkeys becoming an established pest in Australia. Submit a detailed report to the National Vertebrate Pests Committee outlining the results of your research.
A risky business - Red-billed Quelea
Assess the potential of red-billed quelea becoming a pest in Australia. Submit a detailed report to Biosecurity Australia outlining the results of your research.
Unit 3 — Exterminate!
The big question
Think about it. If the Thylacine can become extinct, why can't we eradicate the fox?
Run Rabbit Run
Will we ever be free of feral rabbits? Discover the reasons behind our lack of success in eradicating rabbits from mainland Australia.
Peril island (online activity)
Become a park ranger and attempt to restore a remote subantarctic island to its former glory by removing its pest animals.
The problem with carp
Help our river systems. Research the biology of European carp and then design a carp trap that won't disturb the native fish population.
Unit 4 — Sustainable management
Stop the raven raid (online activity)
Ravens are destroying your almond orchard and your livelihood. Choose a pest management solution that will best suit your needs, your bank balance and won't upset your hippy neighbours.
Endangered shorebird protection project (online activity)
Set in place a series of important recovery actions to guarantee the effective conservation of an endangered bird species before it becomes extinct.
Outsmarting the canefield rat (online activity)
Stop the ravenous Canefield Rat from ruining your sugarcane crop by manipulating its preferred habitat. Will owls and snakes help or hinder you?
River rescue (online activity)
Discover the variety of problems challenging an unhealthy river system and put in place actions to rehabilitate it and its native fish populations. It may not be as simple as blaming too many carp.