A new children's book hopes to raise the profile of the Spotted Handfish which is listed as critically endangered under both the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
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Author of Hold On! Saving the Spotted Handfish Dr Gina M Newton said the handfish species used to be found globally but are now only found in Tasmania, with the exception of NSW.
"Tasmania is a biodiversity hotspot region when it comes to the marine world but also the conditions are good there compared to other places," she said. "It's like the last stronghold if you like."
Dr Newton said there are 14 species and only one of those is common. Climate change has had a massive impact on them, and not just where they are found, but also exacerbating the other threats the fish deal with such as sea stars.
"I think one of the main messages is that I want children to better understand that they can help the environment and that we need to help the environment."
In other news:
Dana Anderson
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
