The Precious Few: Threatened species of Canberra

Zali Odlum, Bonnie Koopmans, Cheryl Hodges, Christine Pearson, RACHAEL ROBB, JOAN MCKAY, EMILY BIRKs, FENJA T. RINGL | cURATED BY cEILIDH dALTON

Gallery 1 | 11 March - 4 April 2021

The unifying theme of all the works is the threatened species list for the ACT. Australia has the highest mammal extinction rate in the world and the ACT alone currently has 7 species on the critically endangered category, 18 classed as endangered and 26 vulnerable. The art is informed by a series of information sessions, field trips and personal research during lockdown. The aim of the exhibition is to educate and engage the audience in local conservation with a variety of mediums and styles.

CURATOR STATEMENT:

For a species to be included on the threatened species list, it needs to be on the path to extinction. In the ACT that currently includes 51 species of plants and animals. Some of them are well known and easily recognizable such as the Northern corroboree frog (Pseudophryne pengilleyi) with its distinctive yellow and black markings while others such as the Ginninderra peppercress (Lepidium ginninderrense) are not as photogenic.
The importance of biodiversity conservation is grounded in the concept of interdependent and fragile ecosystems. We don’t know what might tip the balance to extinction and we are already seeing major changes due to habitat clearing, introduced species and climate change.  
We are at a crucial time in history where our actions and choices can make a long-term difference to the biodiversity of the earth. The threatened species list is a warning that if the present conditions continue, they will become extinct. By changing those conditions with our actions, there is still an opportunity to save them.

Featured Image: Joan McKay, Safely in her wings, giclee print on watercolour paper of scratchboard original, 13 x 18 cm. Adapted from reference photo by Caroline Hennessey.