Year 11 Biology Field Day
Year 11 Biology students from Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo investigate their local area
Year 11 Biology Field Day
Year 11 Biology students from Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo investigate their local area
Community Participation -
LP049-010
The issue
Students from Condobolin High School and Lake Cargelligo Central School measured transects and quadrats following recolonisation of the riparian zone after the 2022 floods, and conducted biological monitoring.
The solution
Students found that a variety of plants had colonised the riparian zone following the recession of major flooding in 2022, and that the biota of Lake Cargelligo was composed of a combination of native and alien fish and crustacean species.
The impact
Students gained an appreciation of the diversity of plants that colonise the riparian zone in lowland Murray-Darling Basin Wetlands and learnt that despite the impact of invasive species, native fish such as Australian smelt continue to succeed in such areas.
Key facts
- A diversity of native plants colonise the riparian zone following flood recession in western New South Wales.
- Australian smelt - a native fish species - appear to be doing well in Lake Cargelligo.
- Students gained experience running transects and quadrats, and also using specialised fish sampling equipment such as fyke nets.