Urban biodiversity. Work Booklet. First / Second. Camp d Aprenentatge de Barcelona Name:

Transcription

1 Urban biodiversity Work Booklet First / Second Camp d Aprenentatge de Barcelona Name:

2 Attention... Throughout this booklet you will find various symbols that specify the type of work you have to do for each activity: Respond, write and complete during activity Respond, write and complete at center or home Watch, observe, examine, read Take photos Search, consult, investigate Draw Computer activity Educational material developed by the Camp d Aprenentatge de Barcelona and published for educational purposes. Copies of the material can be made towards that end. Edition: October 2008 (Revision May 2009) Camp d Aprenentatge de Barcelona Pg. Mare de Déu del Coll Barcelona cda-barcelona@xtec.cat xww.xtec.cat/cda-barcelona 2

3 Content of work booklet 1. The importance of biodiversity 2. Possible transformation of landscape vegetation in Barcelona 3. The green world. Vegetation in the Parc de la Ciutadella 4. The green world. Ornithology at the Ciutadella 5. Museum of Natural Sciences 6. The blue world 7. Barcelona has a cosmopolitan fauna. Required materials: Individual Pencil case (with pencils, pens, markers...) Hardcover folder This booklet Group Guide to the observation of vegetation Bird watching guide Dichotomous keys Camera Binoculars Magnifiers 3

4 [1] The Importance of Biodiversity A space for previous reflection a. If you have heard of biodiversity before, you may briefly respond to these questions (read them carefully and think before you respond): Which of the following definitions of biodiversity is correct: The evolution of species and their appearance and disappearance throughout the history of the earth. The wealth of species in an ecosystem and the relative abundance of individuals of each species. The number of animal and plant species that exist in an ecosystem. b. Some species were introduced into the native flora and fauna by accident and also deliberately, and in each case it was humans who introduced them. Which of these groups contains the names of invasive species only? Sparrow / Chamaerops / Parrot parakeet. Earthworm / Common mouse / Pine Asian tiger mosquito / Monk parakeet / Ginkgo biloba c. The concept of a green space in the urban world seems, in principal, to be a contradiction as it is difficult to define it as natural. Why is it important nevertheless that cities have potent green spaces? In order to maintain urban biodiversity To maintain a good balance between day and night temperatures To improve air and life quality of the inhabitants d. Biodiversity allows man to discover plants with a variety of qualities he can benefit from. There are probably many species still unknown today that hold pleasant surprises for us, so do not ever believe that any species is useless. Keeping this in mind, which of the following suggestions is correct? Plants allow the production of many medecines Serve to limit the emergence of many harmful insect pests Serve to limit the emergence of many lichens 4

5 [2] Possible transformation of the vegetal landscape in Barcelona Vegetation of the Barcelona area at the time of the Iberians Serralada de Collserola Riu Llobregat Riu Llobregat Riu Besòs Montjuïc At the time of the first Iberian settlements, oak forests that covered the plain of Barcelona began to be eliminated. The Iberians were located in more elevated spaces, that is, in the hills and slopes of Collserola and Montjuïc, and gaps began to appear in the territory of the original vegetation. Vegetation of the Barcelona area in Roman times Bàrcino The city known as Barcino was established at the mountain Tàber. There, public green spaces were limited to some trees and shrubs. In the private sphere, however, gardens with edible and medicinal plants could be found, as well as fruit trees and ornamental plants. The first green space created in Barcino was the legendary Hort del Paradís, Paradise Garden, the hanging gardens at the carrer del Paradís. * This activity is part of an idea developed by l Escola de Natura Angeleta Ferrer (Badalona) 5

6 Vegetation in the Barcelona area in Medieval times Count Mir constructed the Rec Comtal or Rec d en Mir, which took the Besòs waters to Montcada, brought them to the city and emptied them at the port, a distance of 12km, passing through Sant Andreu and Sant Martí de Provençals. It served to move the mills and irrigate the land. Its existence changed the territory, since the space between the Rec and the sea became a fertile garden, which was named the garden of Barcelona in the 14th century. The predominance of agriculture as a defining feature of Barcelonan territory began at the end of the 8th century and finished in the middle of the 19th century. It was in the beginning of the 8th century that the area became organized in farms, crops, pastures and forests, when irrigation was intensified. The vegetation itself.: Some houses had gardens with ornamental plants, gardens with productive nature, vegetables and fruits, which were intensely cultivated. The orchard was a type of garden dedicated primarily to consumption. Institutions had orange courtyards or groves. Their purpose was more ornamental and sensual, and served as a sign of prestige. The Barcelonan orange courtyards are considered characteristic of the medieval gardening tradition of our city, which originate in the Hispanic-Muslim tradition. (Orange courtyard of the Llotja Gòtica 1401, Orange garden of the Casa de la Ciutat, Orange courtyard of the General Council 1536, the Casa de les Comèdies at La Rambla which disappeared in 1775) 6

7 Vegetation in the Barcelona area from the 18th to the middle of the 19th century. A Barcelona that is still primarily rural. The rural landscape basically remained until the the mid-19th century. Until then, the area was primarily agricultural and without a lot of buildings. This area was marked by its military conditions, which hindered further development. In the 18th century, agriculture in the Barcelona area was flourishing and numerous new residences and farm houses were built. The most important novelty was probably of industrial nature (calico fabrics) that required whitening. They had to be in flat and sunny places, where water was abundant, which is why the area became known as the Indiana prairies. The Indiana prairies The Indiana prairies radically changed the landscape of some parts of the Barcelona area. They were at the Raval, close to the Rec Comtal, at the Parliament and at Sant Martí de Provençals. Thus the walled city, already industrial inside but still rural on the outskirts, dotted the landscape of the surroundings with its intense manifacture of Indian fabrics. In the villages of Sarrià, Pedralbes and Gràcia, towers surrounded by gardens began to appear. 7

8 Barcelona today In the mid-19th century changes were initiated that radically changed the Barcelona area in irreversible ways. These changes would represent the end of rural Barcelona and the beginning of urban BCN. The walls were demolished. The area that used to be agricultural and without many buildings was now under construction. The last major deforrestation of Collserola took place during the Civil War and in the immediate postwar period when, due to lack of fuel and oak, pine and white pine were reduced. It mainly affected the way the sun entered into the city, as shady places were less accessible now. 1.1 Draw and sketch the Possible transformation of the vegetal landscape of the Barcelona area, with the colors that are indicated below: Curl : Dark green Oak : Even darker green Vines : Brown Riparian forest : Light green Delta plants : Very light green Orchards and crops: Yellow 1.2 Write three sentences that reflect the possible evolution of the vegetal landscape in Barcelona 8

9 [3] The Green World, Vegetation at Parc de la Ciutadella The Green World refers to the structure of the urban scheme located over the natural soil. Its wealth and health is an indicator of the environmental quality of the city. It contains natural spaces more or less transformed and completely artificial spaces (urban parks and gardens). In the city of Barcelona we find: hill environment (peripheral area of the city / parks at the Collserola side), streets framed with trees, urban parks and gardens, a zoo, and forest and moorland sites. The urban stretch is usually a result of urban planning, conservation or both. In contrast, the fauna is usually established in a natural way, in areas that are favorable to their development. A concrete case is the cuallevat ant (Crematogaster scutellaris) that lives in trees with aphid, its power source. 3.1 Indicate the colors of the different body parts of the cuallevat ant (Crematogaster scutellaris) that you observed Head: Body: Abdomen: 3. 2 Vegetation at the Parc de la Ciutadella Making teams means that each of you is responsible and takes care of a concrete task in the fact sheets of this issue. Once you are done, bring the results you obtained to the group and work together to complete the group work. First observer Second observer Third observer Fourth observer Fifth observer 9

10 We discovered the vegetation of the park. Find the ones that you liked the most, but make sure to fill in the observation sheets. Remember that each observer has to do only the part he was assigned to! We artificially divided the plants into five big groups in order to facilitate their selection. Conifers / Deciduous / Evergreen / Palms / Shrubs In the following you can find information on where some of these trees can be found. 1. The Tillers walk Tilia (Tilia europaea). Deciduous. Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis). Evergreen. Bush. Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens). Conifer. Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). Evergreen Date palm (Palmera dactylifera). Palm 2. In front of the Museum of Natural Sciences White pine (Pinus halepensis). Conifer. Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum). Deciduous. Robinia or Black Locust. (Robinia pseudoacacia). Deciduous. Bitter orange (Citrus amara). Evergeen. Cork Oak (Quercus suber). Evergreen. Oleander (Nerium oleander). Bush Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops humilis). Palm (behind the greenhouse) 3. Poplar walk White poplar (Populus alba). Deciduous 4. Military walk 5. Lake European nettle tree (Celtis australis). Deciduous London Plane (Platanus acerifolia). Deciduous Elms (Ulmus minor). Deciduous 10

11 3 Passeig dels Àlbers 2 Museus 5 Llac La Ciutadella: orthophotomap 11 1 Passeig dels Tillers 4 Passeig Militar ICC Institut Cartogràfic de Catalunya

12 [CONIFER FACT SHEET] Scientific name: Catalan name: Date: Location: Group: First observer: Leaves The lamina Shape of the lamina Disposal of leaves Front color Margins of the lamina Back color The nerves Does it have blossoms? Second observer : Crown/height The crown is of the following type Third observer: Adaptations The leave is The height is Does it have blossoms? Fourth observer: Flower and fruit Drawing of the flower or fruit Phenologic state it is in c Vegetal state c Bearing flowers c Bearing fruits Fifth observor: Bark Sketch or photo of bark Color of bark Nature of bark: c Smooth c Rough c Cracked 12

13 [FACT SHEET OF A DECIDUOUS PLANT] Scientific name: Catalan name: Date: Location: Group: Second observer : Leaves The lamina Shape of lamina Disposal of leaves Front color Margins of lamina Back color The nerves Does it have blossoms? First observer : Crown/height The crown is of the following type Fifth observer : Adaptations The leave is The height is Does it have blossoms? Third observer : Flower and fruit Drawing of flower or fruit Phenological state it is in Vegetal state Bearing flowers Bearing fruits Fourth observer : Bark Sketch or photo of bark Color of bark Nature of bark: Smooth Rough Cracked 13

14 [FACT SHEET OF AN EVERGREEN] Scientific name: Catalan name: Date: Location: Group: Fourth observer : Leaves The lamina Disposal of leaves Shape of lamina Front color Margins of lamina Back color The nerves Does it have blossoms? Fifth observer: Crown/height The crown is of the following type First observer: Adaptations The leave is The height is Does it have blossoms Second observer: Flower and fruit Drawing of flower or fruit Phenological state it is in: Vegetal state Bears flowers Bears fruits Third observer: Bark Sketch or photo of bark Color of bark Nature of bark Smoot Rough Cracked 14

15 [FACT SHEET OF PALMS] Scientific name: Catalan name: Date: Location: Group: Theird observer : Leaves Lamina Disposal of leaves Shape of lamina Front color Margins of lamina Back color The nerves Does it have blossoms? Fourth observor : Crown/height The crown is of the following type Second observer : Adaptations The leaf is The height is Does it have blossoms? Fifth observer : Flower and fruits Drawing of fruit or flower Phenological state it is in Vegetal state Bears flowers Bears fruit First observer : Bark Sketch or photo of bark Color of bark Nature of bark: Smooth Rough Cracked 15

16 [FACT SHEET OF A BUSH] Scientific name: Catalan name: Date: Location: Group: Fifth observer: Leaves Lamina Disposal of leaves Shape of lamina Front color Margins of lamina Back color The nerves Does it have blossoms? Third observer : Size and scent The height is Fourth observer: Adaptations The leaf is Is it aromatic? Does it have blossoms? First observer: Flower and fruit Drawing of flower and fruit Phenologic state it is in Vegetal state Bears flowers Bears fruits Second observer: General aspects Sketch or photo of bush 16

17 3.3 Conclusions. Post together. The plants show adaptations in case of a lack of water. Say which. Many large and wide leaves. Small, narrow and elongated leaves with a hard cuticle. Large leaves, with hairs and spines. Mark which of these options corresponds to the description of a bush: A cascaded plant that branches out from ground up. A woody plant with ramifications on top of a trunk bigger than 5m. A woody plant with ramifications branching right from the base less than 5m high. The conifers are: Resinous plants adapted to withstand the lack of water for long periods of drought or when the water is frozen. Plants with thick, tender leaves that fall in autumn. Plants with one single trunk, its branches not adapted to sites with lots of water. The evergreen are: Plants that vary much troughout the seasons, suitable for places with lots of water, and thick, tender leaves that fall in autumn. Plants that are green all year long, with flat leaves that are rather small, with a dark, hard and shiny cuticle, and often thorns. Plants with a single trunk on the warm belt of the earth, on either side of the equator 17

18 [4] The green world. Ornithology at Ciutadella Body parts of a bird rump beak wing tail throat chest legs claws 4.1 The birds at the Ciutadella Park Now, look at the descriptions of the birds that need elaboration and choose what each one of you will observe (list your names below). First observer Second observer Third observer Fourth observer Fifth observer 18

19 Birds that inhabitate the Ciutadella Park throughout the year A large diversity of birds can be found at the Ciutadella Park, some of which are easy to see (ducks, blackbirds, pigeons, parrots...). Others are more seasonal or timid and it is not always possible to observe them. Besides the well-adapted native species, you can occasionally see some exotic species too that escaped from the nearby zoo. Below you can find a list and some pictures of some of the birds that can be seen in the park, encircle those that we actually saw. Check all that we saw over our visit. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis). Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), House Sparrow (Passer domesticcus) Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) European Magpie (Pica pica) Greylag Goose (Anser anser) Mallard (Anas platyrrinchos) European Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) European Serin (Serinus serinus) Great Tit (Parus major) Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus) White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) 19 Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)

20 [FACT SHEET OF A BIRD] Scientific name: Catalan name: Date: Time: Location: Weather: First observer: Second observer: Shape of beak: Fine Thick Color of beak: Body size: Small Medium Big Where the bird is: On a tree On the ground Flying In its nest Third observer : Shape of the claws What it is doing: Walking Resting Organizing its feathers Eating Jumping Flying with rapid beats Planned flying Plunging Chipping water Other Claws adapted to swimming Fourth observer: How many are there? How is the chant? Claws adapted to locomotion Claws adapted to climbing Claws adapted to hunting Melodious Crec-crec Sledding Sit-sit Quijou guib tchoocc-tchooc Others Fifth observer: Color and drawing of bird (indicate if it has a stain somewhere). 20

21 [FACT SHEET OF A BIRD] Scientific name: Catalan name: Date: Time: Location: Weather: First observer: Second observer: Shape of beak: Fine Thick Color of beak: Body size: Small Medium Big Third observer : Shape of claws Where the bird is: On top of a tree On the ground Flying In its nest What it is doing: Walking Resting Organizing its feathers Eating Jumping Flying with rapid beats Planned flying Plunging Chipping water Other Claws adapted to swimming Fourth observer: How many are there? How is the chant? Claws adapted to locomotion Claws adapted to climbing Claws adapted to hunting Melodious Crec-crec Sledding Sit-sit Quijou guib tchoocc-tchooc Others Fifth observer: Color and drawing of bird (indicate if it has a stain somewhere). 21

22 [FACT SHEET OF A BIRD] Scientific name: Catalan name: Date: Time: Location: Weather: First observer: Second observer: Shape of beak: Fine Thick Color of beak: Body size: Small Medium Big Third observer : Shape of claws Where is the big: On top of a tree On the ground Flying In its nest What is it doing: Walking Resting Organizing its feathers Eating Jumping Flying with rapid beats Planned flying Plunging Chipping water Other Claws adapted to swimming Fourth observer: How many are there? How is the chant? Claws adapted to locomotion Claws adapted to climbing Claws adapted to hunting Melodious Crec-crec Sledding Sit-sit Quijou guib tchoocc-tchooc Others Fifth observer: Color and drawing of bird (indicate if it has a stain somewhere). 22

23 [5] Natural Science Museum Make use of the information on page 14 (birds that inhabitate the Ciutadella Park throughout the year). Choose to different birds about which you made a fact sheet during the trip and write a description. Catalan name: Scientific name: Color and drawing of bird (indicate if it has a stain somewhere) Catalan name: Scientific name: Color and drawing of bird (indicate if it has a stain somewhere) 23

24 [6] The blue world We call the blue world all the ecosystems in which water is the medium in which its inhabitatns follow their activities. In the city of Barcelona there are Marine and Freshwater ecosystems. 6.1 Lake at the Ciutadella Park Boada M., Capdevila, L.(2000) Barcelona Biodiversitat Urbana. Barcelona. Ajuntament de Barcelona. Fish Reptiles and amphibians Birds 1. Gambusia 3. Mediterranean Tree Frog 7. Mallard 2. Crucian Carp 4. Perez s Frog 8 Muscovy duck 5. Florida turtle 9. Yellow-legged Gull 6. Caspian turtle 10 Black-headed Gull 11 Rock Pigeon Mark the animals indicated in the picture that you are able to observe 24

25 6. 2 Natural Science Museum (Observation of living beings in the blue world of Barcelona) At the port and beaches of Barcelona there is a significant wildlife, which you can, however, only rarely observe. Referring to the list we gave you, draw and color in (optional) some of the animals that are represented at the museum. Cnidaria Molluscs Crustacean Fish Jellyfish Tellina Sand crab Common sole Mussel Velvet crab Annular seabream Oyster Common rock crab European seabass Cuttlefish Gilt-head bream Mackerel Types of Cnidaria Types of Molluscs Types of Crustacean Types of fish 25

26 [7] Barcelona has a cosmopolitan wildlife There are many species in the city of Barcelona, both invertebrates (insects, worms, spiders...) and vertebrates (reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals and fish). The vertebrate wildlife is generally characterized by its commensalism and philantropy. Most benefit from the absence of natural predators, of the relative prosperity and thermal stability of the urban structure and the high prouction of waste and biomass associated with invertebrate animals. The reintroduction of the peregrine falcon, a small step towards the naturalization of the city A few decades ago you could find peregrine falcons nesting on the Santa Maria del Mar, until the urban riots set in, and human interests caused the extinction of even the last couple. Nevertheless, they could make use of new vertical structures (skyscrapers). It is not surprising that while the common hawk disappeard from natural areas like the Montseny, where the last nest was abandoned in 1982 because of the great amount of visitors, it can be found in areas closer to the Barcelonan population, yet in more peaceful places like the Banc Atlàntic skyscraper. In Catalonia, the falcon is a sedentary species, even though during the winter, some individuals come from Central and Northern Europe. In May 1999, four nests were placed on top of tall buildings in the city and 15 chicks born in captivity placed inside. This project promoted wildlife biodiversity and a reevaluation of the natural heritage of the city of Barcelona, as well as helped control the local pigeon population, which formed part of the falcon s urban diet. There are currently three pairs of breeding falcons in Barcelona and one other in Sant Adrià del Besòs ( Problematic species These are species that were able to change their diet and benefit from the abundant food sources in Barcelona. Pigeons were counted in They erode the walls of buildings, street furniture and transmit diseases. Since 1983 annual catching and gasification campains were carried out in various black spots of the city. The reason why the birds are so successful is that citizens continue to give them food. In various European cities, awareness rising campaigns have been carried out with great success. Grey rats, adapted to living in the sewers where they feed on human waste. Gull. Began to arrive inside the city of Barcelona beginning in The gull is increasing dramatically in recent years throughout the Catalonian coast, primarily due to the control of captured eggs, the increase of human waste and the new capacity of that species to benefit from the given resources. Not being selective and eating nearly anything has proven successful in this area ; they were thus able to change their eating habits and went from eating only fish to omnivorism, using human waste, especially from landfills. They even attack pigeons in order to complement their nutrition. 26

27 Exotic species Lizards native to the islands (Ibiza, Formentera, neighboring islands), were found in the area of the Glòries plaza. It is assumed that they were introduced deliberatly around 15 years ago and continued to survive in an area of barren slopes with rocks and abundant vegetation available (Llorente,G. Et al.1995). It is possible that this community is endangered by urban pressure. Monk Parakeet. After a massive import of these birds, they became caged domestic animals in many Barcelonan homes, but a large number of individuals that were captured were also subsequently released. We can highlight three species here: the Monk Parakeet (Myopsitta monachus), the Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and the Blue-crowned Parakeet (Aratinga acuicaudata), the first of which was able to integrate in the urban dynamics of the city the most (Batllori,1985). The population of the Monk Parakeet is five tiems bigger than that of the Rose-ringed Parakeet. One of the keys to being a successful colonizer is the construction of large communal nests used both to rest and reproduce (Senar,1991). The first nesting was found in Barcelona in 1974 in the date palm cemetery of Poblenou. Later on it continued in garden areas around the town and nearby municipalities. In 1991, there was a leak of copies that had just been delivered to the port, which brought new individuals to those colonies that were beginning to form. Although these species can build their nests in different types of trees, it seems as though there is a strong preference for palms. The spread of palm trees enframing roads and alleys has encouraged a further development of the community. These species have caused trouble in their place of origin (South America) around cereal crops, rice and citrus (Freeland, 1973). Problems have also been described in urban areas, such as the degradation of vegetation in urban parks and gardens, the transmission of diseass, the degradation of urban furniture and nuisance for the neighborhoods due to the ensuing noise. 4.1 How did the Monk Parakeet get to our region? What has been the key to success of the colonizer? What problems can these parakeets cause in urban areas? 27

28 [BIBLIOGRAPHY] Ajuntament de Barcelona (2005). Ocells de Barcelona. Barcelona. Ed. Ajuntament de Barcelona Folch.R. (1981).La vegetació dels Països Catalans. Barcelona. Ed Ketres Heinzel.H et al. (1981) Manual de Aves de España y de Europa. Barcelona.Ed Omega Masclans.F. (1981).Guia per a conèixer els arbres. Barcelona.Centre Excursionista de Catalunya. Masclans.F. (1981).Guia per a conèixer els arbust. Barcelona.Centre Excursionista de Catalunya.. Masalles. R.M. i al. (1988) Plantes Superiors. Història Natural dels Països Catalans. Barcelona. Ed. Enciclopèdia Catalana. Parcs i Jardins (1999). Arbres de Barcelona. Ajuntament de Barcelona Pares. M. (2006) Guia de natura de Barcelona. Barcelona. Ajuntament de Barcelona Pascual. R. (1985) Guia dels arbres dels Països Catalans. Barcelona. Ed. Kapel (Col.lecció Conèixer la natura nº1) Pascual. R. (1990) Guia dels arbusts dels Països Catalans. Barcelona. Ed. Kapel (Col.lecció Conèixer la natura nº10) Boada M., Capdevila, L.(2000) Barcelona Biodiversitat Urbana. Barcelona. Ajuntament de Barcelona. To learn more about birds Website of Jordi Cerdeir who had the initial idea of getting to know the bird population of Olesa de Montserrat. It allows us to play, test and participate in games, and also various bird observation activities. Interesting facts about different species typical to the Catalan countries are provided. The project of the reintroduction of the peregrine to the city of Barcelona is explained. There are games, videos, a photo gallery Els ocells del Pati For further information, research the following websites in various languages: memori To learn more about plants: Comprehensive guide, where you can work through various botanic concepts in a systematic way. 28