Science+Sara

Below is a persuasive letter which will be recieved by my clients and the people in their community Footscray, convincing them to protect the native flora and fauna found in Iramoo Grassland by including small simple tips which could make a big difference. Maria soon recieved a letter from the council, persuading her to protect her local ecosystem Iramoo Grassland. She was fascinated by this and followed some of the simple tips. [ PERSUASIVE LETTER ] ☺ ﻿ Dear residents of the Maribyrnong community,

An important issue has been raised by botanical experts about the long term effects human activity has had on your local ecosystem Iramoo grassland; and how we can sustain the beautiful native flora and fauna in that area. We aren’t the only problem though, introduced species into the ecosystem are also causing major problems killing and destroying native wildlife. This astonishing and intriguing ecosystem is home to many of Australia’s unique plants and animals which is why we should ensure this amazing place remains the way it is for many years to come. After all, do you really want to see an ecosystem being destroyed knowing you could have done a simple thing to save it?

You don’t have to look too hard to see that Iramoo Grassland is in fact a phenomenal place. It is the home of some of the most fascinating animals in Australia such as the Striped Legless Lizard, Blue Tongued Lizard and Kangaroo. It is also home to one third of Victoria’s rare or threatened plants, birds and reptiles in danger of extinction. It holds a number of rare plants and flowers only found in that area such as the Blue Devil and various types of lilies. Not only does this extraordinary ecosystem hold native plants and wildlife, it is also the home of introduced species such as the Red Fox, Sheep and cattle.

Many years ago, grasslands throughout Australia were covered with native grasses and flowers but after the European settlement, much of the native wildlife was replaced to suit the new introduced species habitat. New grasses were planted; grassland was being cleared to make houses and space for growing crops. This caused the extinction and loss of many of Australia’s natural wildlife. Introduced animals in Australian grasslands have had some positive and negative influences. Sheep for example have played a positive role in Australian grasslands, providing wool, milk and meat for us and also playing a large role for other animals sharing the ecosystem, and becoming an easy prey. On the other hand, there are negative influences to Australian grasslands the introduction of some species play. The Red Fox for instance, preys on native wildlife; particularly native birds which causes dramatic declining of the native species population. Not only does this harm the rest of the animals in the food chain, but it also can wipe out an entire species. Because there is now such an immense number or Red Foxes, the other animals that depend on food from the Red Fox’s pray can starve due to lack of food. An example of this is the Red Fox preying on the Bandicoot. The bandicoots would become scarcer and the Falcons and other animals relying on the Bandicoot for food would decrease in population.

You now know the negative impacts introduced species have on Australian grassland wildlife. But are you aware of the contribution you make? It may seem like what you do does not make a difference, but it does. Something as simple as planting a native tree could make a world of difference. Three simple ways you could help your local ecosystems are:

 § Planting Native plants and trees

 § Leaving out Bird Food

 § Ensuring your cat does not eat native wildlife

Some of the native plants and trees you could plant in your area are:  § Lemon Beautyheads



 § Bulbine lily



Yours Sincerely, Sara

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