EnviroKids January 2019 Issue

Hands On at Our Education Centres!

Fascination with the Human Form

Explore Habitats in Nature

The Love Between Animals and Us Happy 40th Birthday EnviroKids!

WIN a stay at uMngeni Valley for four

+ a ziplining experience!

Term 1, 2019 (Vol 40.1)

Contents

Editor’s Letter

Happy New Year EnviroKids! I'd like to think that January is the best month of the year. Not only because it's my birthday month, but because it represents new beginings for everyone. It's a time when we set new goals and challenge ourselves to be better than we were before. January offers us a fresh start and a clean slate. What we choose to do during the coming months will define how satisfied we are in December. My hope is that you spend 2019 growing, learning, and caring more about the Earth. Just as WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) has done for the past 93 years. It's thanks to WESSA that we have the EnviroKids magazine to learn from and enjoy. Speaking of, did you know that EnviroKids turns 40 this year? That's four decades of

6 WESSA Education Centres This is where the fun is! 10 Join these WESSA Youth Programmes. 12 Do you know your habitats? Learn about our various biomes and who li ves where. 14 Go under the sea and explore what lies beneath. 16 How does a plant grow? Find out here + get a Tree of the Year poster. 18 Animals. Vertebrates or invertebrates? Learn to classify them yourself. 22 The Human Body must be one of the most incredible designs. 20 Animals. Who's the smartest and the fastest?

28 Have some fun, colour in, and match animals to their habitats. 27 Competition! Win a stay at uMngeni Valley + a zip-lining adventure for the family!

2 Enviro News. What’s been happening in our environment. 4 Calendar. Diarise these dates and celebrate. 5 Book Club. Here’s our top picks of must-read books this term. 26 Letters Here's what our wonderful readers have to say! Regulars

Carina spreading environmental awareness and encouraging young minds like yours to pay attention to the world around you. If you need some brushing up on classify- ing animals, visit page 18, or page 16 for learning about the structure of plants. What's a birthday without a present, you ask? Visit page 27 to see how you can win a family getaway for four to WESSA's uMngeni Nature Reserve in KwaZulu-Na- tal. Having stayed there myself, I can promise you don't want to miss out!

For Fun

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About the Cover What's more fun than a day out with friends in the sun? The young girl on our cover says it all. Her expression is an exam- ple of the kind of joy that can only be achieved by being in nature. Put the cell phones away, close the lap tops, and head outside for some good old fashioned fun. Or better yet, visit one of the world-class WESSA Education Centres this year.

SUBSCRIBE Email: envirokids@wessa.co.za ADVERTISE/SPONSOR Email: envirokids@wessa.co.za WESSA MEMBERSHIP Visit www.wessa.org.za, Email: wessamembers@wessa.co.za

Editing Assistance: Nadine Mason Design: Carina Borralho Printed by Printulu With thanks to Phindile Molefe and Sarah Alcock for additional support. Publisher: WESSA

Official quarterly publication of WESSA (incorporated association, not for gain). Registered NPO 000-716 The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of WESSA. Copyright on all content belongs to WESSA and the individual contributors. No part may be reproduced or resold in any form without the written consent of the publisher. Photocopies may be made for non-profit educational purposes provided the source of the material is clearly acknowledged.

P.O. Box 394, Howick, 3290 www.wessa.org.za ISSN 1995-6703 Reg. No. 05/04658/08

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or contact 031 201 3126 Editor: Carina Borralho envirokids@wessa.co.za

Learn This

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ENVIROKIDS!

Pangolin: The World's Most Trafficked Animal

Pangolins are unique, scaly creatures, that have been around for 40 million years. There are eight different species (four in Africa and four in Asia), and they can be found roaming in forests and grass- lands, while eating ants. All eight pangolin species are protected under national and international laws, and two are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Despite this, the Pangolin is the most trafficked animal in the world – particularly in Asia, where people eat it’s scales and meat. It is estimated that around 1 million Pangolins were poached over the past decade. If we continue this way, this amazing creature could face extinction. World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of every February, and offers an opportunity for schools, youth and communi- ties to spread awareness. Do your bit this Pangolin Day, and make a difference to save a species.

This year, WESSA celebrates 40 years of publishing this incredible publication (EnviroKids) that inspires young and old to care for the Earth. We started producing this magazine in the 70s, when it was originally named Tok Tokkie, but renamed it to EnviroKids in the year 2000. The publication comes out quarterly, in line with the start of school terms. EnviroKids provides readers with material that is in line with the CAPs curriculum, and that also instils in children a sense of wonder and caring for the Earth. Let us know what you think of our magazine by emailing envirokids@wessa.co.za

Enviro News A Step Toward A Greener Society WESSA and Anglo-American Kumba Iron Ore Sishen Mine have come together in partnership to create success through environmental education opportunities. WESSA Sishen Education Centre, situated on the Sishen Nature Reserve in the Northern Cape, had the privilege of hosting learners and educators from various schools within the neighbouring Kathu and Deben communities. Curro Kathu, Deben Primary and Wrenchville High school embarked on an unforget- table experience to learn about the natural environment and to engage learners through active participation at the newly established education centre. The pioneering concept behind this initiative is to reconnect the youth with the outdoor environment and to integrate curriculum-based programmes, such as e-STEAM. During the day visits, learners were encouraged to interact with the environment by identifying animals and plants found in the Kalahari ecosystem, while venturing off into the reserve during an interpretive hike. Bug catching was the most interesting activity, as the

Food for Thought ! The Japanese Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia japonica) is a large, carnivorous wasp found in the forests of Japan. As it grows up to 4.5cm in length and has a 6.25 mm-long stinger, the Japanese call it ōsuzumebachi, meaning "great sparrow bee". In Japan, a traditional practice handed-down through the generations, involves baiting wasps with fish or chicken meat and following them into the forest to track down the nest. The dug-up nest is taken home and placed inside a wooden nest box. Over a period of five months, the wasps are spoilt with sugar water and meat or fish. Finally, the enlarged nest is removed from the manmade nest box. The outer protective covering that the wasps construct from chewed bark is removed and the nest is separated into layers to reveal the capped brood. The

learners collected insects, spiders and bugs, to have a closer look at the structural feature of the organism. Gemsbok, Springbok, Duikers, Ground squirrels, and Spring Hares were commonly seen including various birds such as the Crimson-Breasted Strike and Crowned Lapwing. WESSA Sishen Education Centre provides numerous opportunities for out- door exploration, giving people an opportunity to explore the natural world, and get a good dose of Vitamin N (for Nature), while also nurturing young individuals to be- come #PeopleCaringForTheEarth. 2

caps are removed from the comb and then the larvae and pupae are picked out. The dark intestines of the larvae are removed using a tooth pick, and both pupae and larvae can be fried with soy sauce and eaten. Would you dare to try?

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Book Club This Term’s Must-have Books, Posters and Tools!

2019

WIN! See below for details

Dates to Remember

Did you know?

January 1 Global Family Day 4 World Braille Day 7 Old Rock Day 20 Penguin Awareness Day 24 Compliment Day 31 Street Children Day

There are 17–20 species of penguins, all of which live in the southern hemisphere.

Did you know? Many types of cancer can be prevented if you have regular check ups and live a healthy lifestyle!

February 2 World Wetland Day 15 Earthworm Day 4 World Cancer Day 20 World Whale Day 27 World Day of Social Justice 28 Polar Bear Day World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of February every year

Poster: Mammals of Southern Africa This is a must-have full-colour poster that depicts different animal groups, featuring their names in four languages – English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu. Learn about more than 50 of our diverse mammals. These colourful educational posters make beautiful wall hangings, and are ideal gifts for young nature-lovers. This is also an excellent aid in a class, home, nature centre or library. Publisher: Struik Nature

March 3 World Wildlife Day 8 International Women's Day 17-23 National Water Week 21 Human Rights Day 21 International Day of Forests 22 World Water Day 23 World Meteorological Day 30 Earth Hour (20:30-21:30)

April 7 World Health Day 22 Family Day 22 International Mother Earth Day 22 International Earth Day

Did you know?

Earth is the only planet that wasn't named after a Greek or Roman god or goddess.

African Wildlife Here's a fun and educational way for children to learn about Africa's fascinating wildlife. It offers 22 realistic pictures of wild animals to be coloured in, and informative verses about each animal. Author: Amanda de Wet Publisher: Penguin Random House

Africa Jigsaw Puzzle Build our beautiful continent with this 300 piece Africa Jigsaw Puzzle that comes in a convenient tube. All learners above the age of nine should own one, as it provides them with a detailed colourful map of Africa with country names, respective flags, ocean names, and international boundaries. Publisher: MapStudio

My First Book of Southern African Wildlife Divided into three sections, this book covers 58 mammals, 58 birds and 56 reptiles. Full colour illustrations are accompanied by brief descriptions in four languages, and there are visual clues to diet, size and the habitat of each creature. Author: Erroll Cuthbert Publisher: Penguin Random House

Did you know?

The Elephant is the largest land mammal on Earth, and can weigh up to 5000kg!

25 Malaria Day 27 Freedom Day

WIN a hamper of all these items. To enter, email envirokids@wessa.co.za and tell us (in one or two sentences) about your favourite animal. Good luck! Competition ends 01 April, 2019. WESSA staff and their immediate families are not permitted to enter. The winner is chosen at the sole discretion of WESSA.

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Bush Pigs Here's one for the kids who love getting their hands dirty! The WESSA Bush Pigs education centre situated in the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains in the Limpopo Province boasts an impressive track record, with many loyal schools revisiting for more than 25 years. At Bush Pigs you will find fun themed programmes that fit into ongoing conservation projects. You will also learn about the interactions between humans, animals and plant life within ecological systems. Here, creative problem solving and critical thinking are encouraged, which promotes personal growth in every child. If your school is based in Gauteng, Limpopo and surrounds, book your next educational camp at Bush Pigs and make unforgettable memories while encouraging young minds to care for the Earth. 082 926 2053 www.bushpigs.org.za

uMngeni Valley WESSA launched the uMngeni Valley Project in 1976 and today the education centre is one of the largest non-governmental environmental education projects in South Africa, with thousands of students participating in courses each year. This 900 hectare reserve starts at the base of the Howick Falls and follows the course of the uMngeni River, passing through mist-belt grasslands and indigenous forests. Take a walk to remember amongst zebra, and spot a variety of other birds, animals and plant life. For the active kids, there's walking trails, moun- tain biking and stargazing, while the panoramic views will keep everyone mesmorised for hours. Turn to page 27 to find out how you can win a trip of a lifetime to uMngeni Valley! 033 330 3941 education@wessa.co.za

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WESSA Education Centres

Treasure Beach WESSA Treasure Beach is an environmental education centre situated on the Bluff (a short drive from Durban). Rocky shores, dune forests, mangrove swamps, a freshwater wetland and the Durban Harbour are all easily accessible from the centre. Treasure Beach offers a variety of courses, workshops, presentations and projects to build the knowledge, skills and attitudes of young and old people towards a more sustainable future. A hands‐on approach used by the staff encourages a practical understanding of the environment and our role in caring for the Earth. Educators and group leaders are invited to share in the programme and course design to ensure that the specific needs of the participants are met. 033 330 3941 education@wessa.co.za

Twinstreams Twinstreams is the oldest education centre in South Africa, and was originally a sugar cane farm. Today, it is a beautiful dune forest with over 80 000 trees, two streams and its very own deserted beach and nature reserve. Twinstreams Eco Camp sits in the middle of a beautiful dune forest nestled on the outskirts of the Eco-Village of Mtunzini on the pristine coastline of Zululand. Active kids can hike and explore mangrove swamps, estuaries and long stretches of beach, while nature lovers can experience superb birding. Children have so much to look forward to, including beach games, forest ob- stacles, canoeing, beach sleep-outs, drumming, campfires, art, recy- cling fashion shows and more! For your next school camp, choose Twinstreams! 035 3401641 twinstreams@wessa.co.za

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WESSA Education Centres

Have you heard about the WESSA Youth Programmes?

Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE)

Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a youth-led environmental journalism initiative that aims to enable our youth to take a stand for their local social and environmental issues through the media of writing, photography or video. It creates a productive space for our youth to craft a sustainable and environmentally just future while developing skills to make a positive contribution to environmental injustices. YRE is a creative, participatory, nurturing, action and solution-oriented, and fun space for young like-minded individuals and groups. The YRE programme uses a four-step methodological process to guide local campaigns and enhance skills in critical thinking, research and problem-solving. The programme uses the Sustainable Development Goals as international annual themes for young reporters to adopt and explore. YRE is co-ordinated internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The programme is active in 35 countries around the world and implemented in South Africa by WESSA.

Schools & Youth Entrepreneurship

The Schools & Youth Entrepreneurship programme aims to prepare young people to become active participants in a sustainable economy. The five programmes are: Head Start: Head Start provides creative workshops for parents, caregivers and early childhood develop- ment practitioners on how to create effective and useful tools, games and learning support materials for young children. Triple H: Head, Heart & Hands. Head is for theory, thinking and learning. Heart is about caring for the Earth, people and sustainability. Hands is about being able to apply theory and ways of think- ing in a practical sense. There are two components to this part of the programme- Grade 7 Entrepre- neurship, and High School Business Clubs. Greening the School Tuckshop is a programme that enables the school tuckshop to become a learning tool for business development, and also addresses waste management in a school environment through the creation of eco-bricks for the building of an outdoor classroom. Eco-Hub: Eco-hub is a three-year programme that provides young people with a self-directed learning journey that enables them to gain practical skills towards entrepreneurship and developing an understanding of their role in the economy. EEESAY (Entrepreneurial and Environmental Empowerment for South African Youth). In addition to experiential learning, young people gain essential life skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving, leadership and team work.

To find out how you can get involved, contact Cindy-Lee Cloete (Programme Manager: LEAF & YRE) cindy.cloete@wessa.co.za

Learning about Forests (LEAF) aims to inspire young people to enjoy the outdoors and nature. This programme educates people about the role forests play in enabling sustainable life on our planet, including the cultural, ecologic, economic and social functions and benefits they offer. LEAF schools can work on a variety of action projects through the five LEAF themes: Forests & Biodiver- sity; Forests & Water; Forests & Products; Forests & Climate; and Forests & Community. Linked to our South African heritage, LEAF collaborates with schools to reconnect with, learn about, be inspired by and take ownership of our natural and man- made forests. Learning About Forests (LEAF)

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WESSA Youth Programmes

Habitats in Nature A habitat is the natural home or environment (biome) in which an animal, plant, or other organism li ves. It is the space in which certain li ving things are able to survi ve and thri ve. There are seven biomes in South Africa: Savanna, Thicket, Grassland, Forest, Fynbos, Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo and Desert.

The Grassland Biome can be found in highveld areas. Here, winters are cold and the land is distinctively covered in grass, with some trees scattered around. Grass eating herbivores such as Wildebeest, and Rhino can be found here. Insects also enjoy Grasslands, and include Crickets and Grasshoppers to name two.

The Savannah biome is the largest biome is South Africa. Summers here are hot with rainfall, while winters are cold and dry. The Northern Cape, Free State, North West

The Succulent Karoo biome is located in the Northern Cape and in parts of the Western Cape. Here, there is very little rainfall and winters

A Thicket biome consists of short trees, shrubs and vines. Monkeys and Elephants love this biome, which occurs along the coasts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Rainfall here is high, although there are still dry periods that prevent shrubs from turning into forests.

can be very cold. Almost half the species of flowers found here are endemic to the region, and this is where you can view some of the most beautiful displays of flowers during Au- gust and September. Sheep and goats roam in these parts, which is why Karoo Lamb has become a South African favourite.

A Plethora of Life at uMngeni Valley! Many different habitats within the uMngeni Nature reserve host an interesting variety of indigenous life. The plateaus on either side of the valley are large grassland biomes where wild Zebra, Blesbok, Helmeted Guinea-fowl and Blue Wildebeest graze freely among the tall grasses and wild flowers. A particularly interesting indigenous wildflower located in these grasslands between clusters of Star flowers (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) and Wild Dagga plants (Leonotis leonurus) is the Candelabra flowers (Brunsvigia sp.), which disperse their seeds by losing the flowering heads of the plant and letting them blow around in the wind like a tumbleweed. Descending one of the trails in the reserve down to the smaller tributaries of the uMngeni River, one can see riverine forests along the river banks as well as small wetland patches between the two waterfalls on site. Keen observers may even see an astonishing number of organisms living in these waters – from tiny tadpoles, insect larvae, Whirligig Beetles and Shrimp, to bigger animals such as Otters, Herons, Kingfishers, Mongoose as well as many plant species such as the Snake Lily (Scadoxus puniceus). Further down in the valley various big game such as Impala, Nyala, Bushbuck, Grey Duiker and a solitary Giraffe named George can be seen in the large grassland areas with dense pockets of Acacia trees. In the indigenous forests, over 200 species can be seen, and lucky visitors can spot rare birds such as the Crowned and Martial Eagles, and the Narina Trogon. - WESSA Education Officer, James Kidd

province, some parts of Limpo- po and Kwa- Zulu-Natal all have Savannah. Elephants, Lions, Zebra, Buffalo and Springbok are some of the many animals found here.

A Forest Biome is where you can find loads of greenery, trees and plants. This is one of our smallest biomes, but can be found in patches in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Birds and Monkeys are abundant here, and use the trees as natural look-out points for safety, playing and sleeping.

The Fynbos biome is truly unique. Located in the Western Cape, this biome has some of the most beautiful flowers (such as Proteas) and

The Nama Karoo forms the major part of the Northern Cape Province and the Free State. The

shrubs – found exclu- sively in this region. With 9000 or so species, this area has the largest va-

land consists of grass and shrubs, and like the Suc- culent Karoo, there is very little rainfall

riety of fynbos in the world. Here, it rains in winter,

while summers are dry and hot. Birds and insects love living here, as well as the small, fury mammal, the Dassie.

here, but goats and sheep love to call this home.

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Our Cape Fur Seals weigh up to 350kg and can travel as far as 80km a day on land, although they are some of the fastest and most graceful swimmers too. They are skilled climbers with thick skin that allows them to keep warm in cold water, and avoid cuts from the rocks they love to sit on. Their favourite spots on our coastline are Algoa Bay in Port Elizabeth and Cape Frio (Namibia).

Under the Sea

The African Penguin, found on South Africa’s west coast, used to be known as the Jackass Penguin because of its donkey-like call. These black and white flightless fellows are extremely fast swimmers that can reach speeds of 24km/h under water. Betty’s Bay and Boulder’s Beach in the Cape Town area are where hundreds of these adorable birds can be spotted. Sadly, overfishing, habi- tat destruction, coastal development and a number of other human influences continue to threaten them.

South Africa's coastline stretches over 3000 kilometres, and is rugged with rocky shores, thanks to our large waves and the strong winds we receive. We experience two ocean currents – the Benguela (on the west coast of our country), and the Agulhas (on the east coast). The Agulhas is a warm current, and has a greater diversity of species than the Benguela. Our marine life is abundant, but a few animals have become staples for tourism in our country. These include: the African Penguin, the Cape Fur Seal, Dolphins, Southern Right Whales, and the Great White Shark. An estuary is where a river or body of water meets the sea. South Africa has over 300 estuaries, most of which are found in the Eastern Cape and in KwaZulu-Natal. Here, heavy rainfall in summer makes the estuaries flow freely – encouraging a diverse range of flora and fauna species to grow.

Over 11 000 species of marine animals and plants thrive on our coast line. Of this number, fish make up about 2200 species (15% of the total number of fish species worldwide).

Dolphins are highly intelligent and social mammals. They live in large pods, and work together when hunt- ing for food. They are carnivores, and their diet in- cludes fish, squid and crabs. Did you know Dolphins eat about 15kg of fish a day? Dolphins love having a good time with each other, and they are very playful and lov- ing toward their offspring, which they carry for up to 17 months. Considered as smart as apes, their large brains are surprisingly similar to humans. They are however, directly related to Whales, and Killer Whales are actually a type of Dolphin! Dolphins have fantastic eye sight both in and out of water, and their sense of touch is also incredible, but did you know that Dolphins have no sense of smell? Unlike humans, these mammals cannot breathe through their mouth. Instead, they use their blow holes to breathe, and need to come to the surface for oxygen. Despite their intelligence and agility, Dolphins still have enemies – humans. Pollution, fish- ing activity and hunting have all played a part in endangering the lifestyle and habitat of this creature. Have you heard of a Narwhal? A Narwhal is known as the “unicorn of the sea” and can be found in cold Arctic waters. They look like Whales, except male Narwhals have a long spiral ivory tusk protruding from their upper lip, that can grow up to 2.6m long. These strange and beautiful creatures are related to Bottlenose Dolphins, Belugas, Harbor Porpoises and Orcas.

Jellyfish can be found in every ocean on the planet and come in all sizes, shapes and colours. Did you know that some Jellyfish can even produce their own light? We call these bioluminescent. Besides being regarded as some of our planets strangest and most fascinating creatures, jellies have no heart, brains, bones and eyes, making their existence a real mystery. They use their tentacles to sting and catch prey, or as a means of protection. The deadliest species is the Box Jellyfish. The Box Jellyfish's venom contains toxins that attack the heart, nervous system, and skin cells. Luckily, they live in Australian waters!

Great What! These super-sized Sharks are the largest predatory fish in our oceans. They grow to lengths of between 4.5m and 6.4m. These majestic fish have around 300 teeth, making them one of the biggest phobias on the planet. Al- though many people fear Sharks, it is estimated that only around 6 people get bitten (not necessarily killed) by Sharks each year.

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Structure of Plants Plants and trees are a source of oxygen, and are also a source of food and shelter for every li ving thing on Earth. But how do they grow?

Although there are so many different types of plants and flowers, they all have certain things in common. All plants have roots, stems and leaves. They all need soil, sun and water to grow, and they all produce their own energy (food) through the process of photosynthesis. Almost all plants start out as a seed. When a seed is in a healthy environ- ment (enough sun, water and miner- als from soil), it can begin to grow. Water coats the seed and softens it to allow it to sprout. The soil releases nutrients into the seed that encour- ages this growth further. The first parts to pop out of a seed are the cotyledon (first leaves) and the radicle (root). The root grows downwards into the soil and con- tinues to absorb nutrients, while the cotyledon grows upwards and remains the main source of food for the seed. The next part of the plant to grow is the stem, which is also called the hypocotyl. Then comes the epicotyl, which are the first “proper” leaves to grow. When these pop up, the plant is already above the ground and the cotyledon start to die off.

As the leaves and stem continue to grow, so do the roots. The roots are divided into the main root (first to come out of the seed), and the lateral roots (those that break away from the main root). Buds grow on the stem of a plant, which grow into petioles (smaller stems or branches). The leaves are the part of the plant that produce energy (food). They use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make glucose for the plant. As long as conditions remain favourable, a plant or tree will continue to grow and produce oxygen for us.

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Classification of Animals

Arachnids South Africa is home to over 3000 known species of Spiders. Although most are harmless, there are several dangerous Spiders in South Africa to look out for. These include: Button Spider, Black Widow, Brown Button, Violin Spider, Sac Spider, Baboon Spider, and Six-eyed Sand Spider.

Vertebrates An animal with a backbone or spinal column.

Birds Our warm-blooded feathery friends lay eggs and have hollow bones that allow them to fly. The Hummingbird is the smallest living bird in the world, while the ostrich is the largest at around 2m tall. Did you know, the chicken is the most common bird found around the world?

Insects Bugs, Beetles, Butterflies and Moths. Insects big and small can be found in every corner of our country. Did you know, insects are the most diverse animal group on Earth, making up 90% of all animal species?

Mammals Mammals are warm-blooded, hairy/fury and all (apart from the Duck-Billed Platypus) give birth to their babies, which are then fed on their mother’s milk. Did you know, mammals have a larger, more developed brain than other animals? Chimpanzees, Dolphins, Dogs, and human beings, are considered the most intelligent mammals.

Other Invertebrates include: • Protozoa - single-cell organisms. • Flatworms - Think Tapeworms. • Annelid Worms - Earthworms • Coelenterates - Jellyfish. • Myriapods - lots of legs, like Milipeeds.

Echinoderms These are spiny-sea creatures including Star Fish. Did you know, Echi- noderms have no blood? These predators usually have five or a multiple of five parts, that surround a central point.

Invertebrates An animal lacking a backbone.

Fish Fish are cold-blooded, have scales on their bodies, gills for breathing and live in water. They usually lay eggs, although some give birth like mammals. Did you know, fish were around even before dinosaurs?

Molluscs Molluscs include Snails, Slugs, Mussels, and Octopi. Most Snails have a hard outer shell that protects their spineless bodies. They usually live in water or damp habitats.

Reptiles These cold-blooded creatures lay eggs. Crocodiles, Lizards, Turtles and Snakes are some of the reptiles we know well. Did you know, reptile’s have smaller brains than mammals?

Crustaceans Shrimp, Crabs, Lobsters, Barnacles and Hermit Crabs are all crustaceans. Most crustaceans live in the sea, and have hard shells on the outside of their bodies (which act as their skeletons).

Amphibians Slimy amphibians lay eggs in water. They are cold-blooded creatures with unique features. Frogs and Salamanders are well-known amphibians.

Learn These Words! A herbivore is an animal that eats plants. A carnivore is an animal that eats other animals. An omnivore is an animal or person that eats both plants and animals. 19

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Curiously Cool Animals

The Fastest

The Cheetah is the world's fastest land animal. They can run at speeds of 110km per hour, and can reach this top speed in just 3 seconds! This is thanks to the Cheetah's unique body structure (long legs, a flexible spine, and a long tail). It's body is narrow and lightweight with long slender limbs. Specialised muscles allow for a quick acceleration in this big cat.

All animals are built differently according to what their environment demands of them. A Giraffe for example, has a long , strong neck that allows it to reach the leaves on top of trees that it needs for nourishment. An Elephant on the other hand, has a trunk that it uses to pick up fruit from the ground, drink water, play and communicate. Human beings

Chimpanzees share around 98% of their genes with humans. They can be found in tropical rain forests, and lowland and mountain forests in western and Central Africa. They live in extended family groups of as many as 20-120. As a talkative species, Chimps communicate with one another through a complex system of vocalisations, facial expressions, postures, and gestures. The Smartest as furniture etc. Although we take them for granted, thumbs are one of our defining physical features as humans, and allow us to do hundreds of tasks that other animals cannot perform. have developed thumbs which allow us to operate machinery (including computers and phones), be creati ve (draw and sculpt), and build things such

The Slowest

Three-toed Sloths are the slowest animals in the world, and move 0.24km per hour. This makes them bound to a space they like to call home (rainforests of Central and South America). This mammal is so slow, that algae grows on their fur! Did you know, Three-toed Sloths have extra neck vertebrae that allows them to turn their heads 270 degrees?

The Biggest

Blue Whales are the largest animals on Earth. They measure around 30m long (the largest ever record- ed was 33.5m long) and upwards of 200 tons. Their tongues can weigh as much as an Elephant, while their hearts can weigh the same as a car. Did you know, Blue Whales have calls louder than a jet engine!

Chimp Queen

Do you know who Jane Goodall is? Although she had no formal training or education, Jane spent 40 years living among Chimps, and discovered facts about this species that changed the way we view them today. She observed that Chimps use tools to perform tasks, are meat eaters, and even have their own individual personalities (while some are shy, others are aggressive – just like humans). She also discovered that Chimps express emotions such as joy and sadness.

Human Skull and Brain (above). Chimp Skull and Brain (below).

The Smallest

The Etruscan Shrew is the world’s smallest mammal by mass, weighing only about 1.8g. This little shrew can be found in North Africa and Europe, and is about four centimetres long (excluding its tail). It is a fast creature that eats two times its own body weight per day, feeding mainly on insects.

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The Human Body

Your Unique Computer

Your brain acts as the control centre for your entire body. Whatever you think, feel and perceive - it all happens in your brain, which is divided into sections known as lobes.

The human body works like a well-constructed machine. Each part has a function, and every part works together to make our body perform the best it can for our survival.

The parietal lobe is where we process infor- mation using our senses. Touch, temperature, pain and pressure are all processed in the parietal lobe.

The frontal lobe is the latest evolutionary development

Can you list the import- ant parts of the human body by writing the cor- responding letter on the body part in the diagram below?

in the brain of mam- mals. This is the part of the brain that is responsible for our personalities and our ability to communicate, solve problems, express emotions, retain memory and make decisions.

A. Liver B. Brain C. Artery D. Veins

The occipital lobe is the visual pro- cessing part of the brain in mammals (responsible for eyesight).

E. Kidneys F. Bladder G. Lymph Nodes H. Bones I. Stomach J. Heart K. Intestines L. Gallbladder

The heart is constantly at work. It circulates blood from the body through two pathways: the pulmonary circuit and the systemic cir- cuit. The pulmonary circuit is where deoxygenated blood (blood without oxygen) trav- els to the lungs via the right ventricle of the heart, and returns to the heart as oxy- genated blood (blood with oxygen in it). The systemic circuit is where oxygenated blood leaves the heart and goes to the rest of the body, supplying our cells with oxygen. Did you know? Your heart beats about 115 000 times a day, while pumping about 2 000 gallons of blood through your body!

The temporal lobe is responsible for our auditory perception (hearing). Here, the brain takes stimuli and processes it into meaningful information that we can understand.

Can you wrap your head around this brain maze? Copyright of the Brain Injury Society.

SENSE-ational

Human beings have five senses (sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing). These help us make sense of the outside world, by taking external stimuli and sending messages to our brain.

Touch Our skin is the largest organ in the human body. It protects our muscles and or- gans, and is filled with nerves that send signals to our brain every time we touch some- thing.

Hearing Did you know that if you cup your ear, you hear better? This is because you create a cave where sound is amplified. The smallest bone in the human body is called the stirrup and can be found in our ears.

Taste We are able to taste food because of our tongue and nose. Did you know that our tongue has over 2000 taste buds? There are four receptors on our tongues, which helps us determine flavour (bitter, sweet, salty and sour).

Smell Some noses are long and pointy, while others are wide and small. The nose is a defining feature on our faces, and is import- ant because it allows us to smell. Did you know, the nose continues to grow during our lifetime because it is mostly made of ever-growing cartilage?

Sight Just like the human fingerprint, the retina and iris inside our eyes are unique to each one of us. People who are blind use Braille to read (little bumps on paper that create words). A blind person runs their fingers over these pages to read.

The Art of The Human Form Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian Renaissance artist who is most famous for his painting, the Mona Lisa. Some people don’t know that he had a fascination with the human form. He spent a lot of time studying the human body and sketching it to explore how various parts work together. During his time, few advances in anatomy had been made, but Leonardo was the first to draw the human spine with the correct curves, and his research through art contributed greatly to the study of anatomy. 22

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The reproducti ve system is made up of internal and external sexual organs that allow people to have children. A female has a uterus and fallopian tubes that allow her to produce eggs and carry a child, while males have sperm that are responsible for the fertilisation of the egg.

Human Systems

Made up of millions of cells, the human body works using various systems that function together so that we may do even the simplest of things, like smile. Do you know the ins and outs of your body?

The urinary system is made up of the bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra. This is the system that processes fluids and rids the body of toxins.

Respiratory system consists of the lungs, nose, naso- pharynx and trachea. This is where our body receives its oxygen (through breathing) and releases carbon dioxide back out into the air.

The immune system is made of the lymph nodes, white blood cells and thymus. This system is im- portant for fighting off foreign cells, viruses or bacteria that cause infection or illness.

The circulatory system is made of the heart and blood vessels, and is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, waste product and cells from one part of the body to another.

The musculo- skeletal system serves as the frame of our body that keeps everything in place. This system is made up of our skeleton (bones), as well as ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and muscles.

Did you know, information travels through your nerves to your brain at a speed of around 400km per hour!

Did you know, in order to make space for your heart, your lef t lung is about 10% smaller than your right lung?

The digesti ve system is made up of the mouth, tongue, teeth, oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, gall- bladder and glands. This is where food is converted into energy. Did you know, it takes about four to six hours digest a meal? According to the BBC, the higher the fat content in the food, the longer it takes for the food to digest.

The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and ganglia. The brain is responsible for our memory, emotion, thinking and sensory processing, including sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.

Did you know, when stretched out (end to end), the blood vessels in the body of an adult can circle the Earth’s equator four times!

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WIN a family-stay for four at uMngeni Valley + a zip-lining experience!

As EnviroKids celebrates 40 years of publishing , we thank our loyal "kids" of all ages for their support !

We are studying water for our school work. We did it in the Blesbok Spruit where we took our rucksacks and plastic bags to pick up rubbish. We had a picnic after and enjoyed ourselves. Our vlei is full of reeds, four-leafed clovers and marshy grounds. There are two dams and a small stream flowing through the dead trees. On the reeds there was a beetle on its nest and blue dragon flies. The beetle built a mud nest with lots of entrances. We also spotted another interesting thing. There were dead crabs lying around a dead tree stump. We think the birds caught the crabs and let them fall to crack them open. Then they eat the flesh. We also saw duckweed and tadpoles. We also took our mini SASS water test equipment with cards and pipettes and bottles. We chose a place where water had not been disturbed. We scooped water into the bottles and saw beetles and segmented worms. We also saw bubbles that could have come from a fish or frog, or from algae which makes oxygen for people. We also did a tur- bidity test to see how murky the water is. Thank you EnviroKids! We enjoy reading about all the interesting things in your magazine. We all try to keep our water sources clean. - Charl Fourie, 9 years old

Situated just 1km from Howick, the 900 hect- are uMngeni Nature Reserve is the perfect place to have a family break in nature. Here you can enjoy panoramic views, di verse walking trails, mountain biking routes, guided walks (including stargazing and full moon walks), adventure acti vities and a variety of animal and birdlife sightings - making it a paradise for nature lovers. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or want to spoil mom and dad with a break, don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!

With Karkloof Canopy Tours, you can glide through the forest and enjoy views of the 20m waterfall, clear sparkling stream, and valley. Learn about the ecology of the forest, and spot the Emerald Cuckoos, Knysna Turaco, a wide variety of raptors and if you are lucky, the elusi ve Narina Trogon or Endangered Cape Parrots. Samango Monkeys might sing as you glide past. The Karkloof Canopy Tour consists of 12 platforms and 10 zip-line slides, the longest of which is 200m.

To enter, simply email envirokids@wessa.co.za and tell us what you love about the EnviroKids magazine. Competition closes on 1 April 2019. Prize includes accommodation for a family of four at uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, and a zip-lining experience for four. All other expenses are at your own cost.

We are life members of WESSA so we receive our magazines free each term. I would like to commend you on an excellent magazine. We are in our 70's and we read the EnviroKids before we read the Wildlife. We have learnt so much about the stars; the planets; electricity; insects, animals, the weather and so much more. Such a fascinating read. Every page is filled with information presented in such a fun way. I even do your quiz pages. After we have finished learning all the new things, we pass the magazine on to young disadvantaged people or to the local library. Keep up the tremendous work. - Joy Herbst

Inside the World of Energy

Term3,2018 (Vol39.2)

Colonisation and a History of Our People

What’s up in Space? Discover Our Solar System Your Guide to Weather 101

The Truth About Sound Pollution

Speak in Other Languages

It is the first time we have read your magazine and it inspired my daughter Erin (age 11) so much that she chose to do a persuasive speech at school on single use plastics. Great mag! Thank you ever so much. - Sharon Hutchings

Build Your Own Circuit Board

The new EnviroKids magazine is a giant step forward in look and feel, moderni- sation and relevance. Looking forward to seeing this emerge as an excellent WESSA resource into the future. - Mike Denison

Email envirokids@wessa.co.za with your letters, compliments or comments, and you could feature in an upcomming issue.

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Fun Zone Draw lines to pair the animal with their habitat!

Colour me in and figure me out ! Identify the following for each animal here:

We are Meerkat’s with huge brains Our incredible posture has given us fame Come play in the sand As we dig up new games

Some people call me the king It’s because I’m powerful and fast Do you want to join my ring? My kingdom is vast!

• Are they a vertebrate or invertebrate? • Are they a carni vore, herbi vore or omni vore? • Do they prefer warm or cold weather? • Do they li ve on land or in water, or both? • What do you think are the biggest threats to their survi val?

I like hanging out in tress I can look out There’s nothing like swinging and messing about I’m a monkey of course Come check me out!

I always look smart even though I get wet Although I can’t fly, I still have fun You know my name, I bet There’s something special about a swim in the sun

I am a Beaded Vulture I have a unique face I have the special culture Of hiding in a high place

Scrub, grasslands or open woodlands

South-western coastal areas

Mountainous regions

Forests along streams, ri vers and lakes

Scrublands and savannas

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For over four decades, EnviroKids has instilled a sense of awe and wonder about nature and the world around us. Many adults attest to the manner in which EnviroKids helped shape their lives and their ability to connect with environmental issues and indeed helped them develop career pathways related to the environment. EnviroKids is the children’s magazine of WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) and was first published in 1979. Over the decades, the magazine has supported and en- couraged learning for thousands of young people and promoted environmental awareness across a wide range of socio-eco- nomic groups. EnviroKids was originally known as Toktokkie, but the magazine was re-launched as EnviroKids 16 years ago. The material shared in the magazine is topical and informative with catchy articles and striking photographs. The magazine is also curriculum-linked making it an ideal support resource for teachers. Over the years EnviroKids has explored and portrayed a wide range of topical themes relevant to the South African and even southern African environment. Themes include animals and habitats, water, energy, climate change, soil, air pollution and how people can live more sustainably. Plastic pollution and recycling is another important topic the magazine has dealt with. Not only does the magazine provide high-quality material, it also invites the reader’s participation.

EnviroKids is undoubtedly South Africa’s longest running environmental magazine for young people. Its success is attested to by the large number of awards it has won over the years, including Merit Certificates at the SAB Environ- mentalist and Environmental Journalists of the Year Awards. Comments from readers of the magazine “We love the EnviroKids magazine. Compliments on the content of the drought issue. We’re very impressed. The Primary Science Project (PSP) workshops the magazine content with teachers and shows them how it links to the curriculum and deepens learning about the environment”. (Zorina Dharcey PSP). ‘Some time ago our daughter was given a subscription to the EnviroKids magazine as a birthday gift. This has just been the most wonderful gift and she really enjoys and looks forward to their arrival. Once it does arrive she is well occupied for hours with some really challenging and expan- sive programmes and activities. The quality of articles and activities in the EnviroKids magazine is just vastly superior and more engaging.’ (Dr Mark Graham). - Jim Taylor and Sarah Alcock

Inside the World of Energy

Term3,2018 (Vol39.2)

Colonisation and a History of Our People Speak in Other Languages

What’s up in Space? Discover Our Solar System Your Guide to Weather 101

The Truth About Sound Pollution

Build Your Own Circuit Board