Rebecca Robinson - Maugean skate - Red
$200.00
Rebecca Robinson
Maugean skate (Zearaja maugeana)
Maugean skate (Zearaja maugeana)
Archival print from a digital illustralion
41 x 41cm
Limited edition of 25
Artist Statement
This artwork was born out of a profound respect for the fragile balance of marine ecosystems and the urgent need to protect species teetering on the edge of extinction.
The Maugean skate (Zearaja maugeana) is a critically endangered species of skate found exclusively in the brackish estuarine waters of Macquarie Harbour and Bathurst Harbour in Tasmania, Australia. A living relic from ancient times, it is characterised by its quadrangular flattened body, mottled grey-brown colouring, elongated snout and distinctive wing-like pectoral fins. The Maugean skate has adapted to a highly specific, low-oxygen habitat, making it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes. Scientists estimate that only a few thousand individuals remain, making the skate one of the most endangered rays in the world. With an extremely limited range, this elusive species faces significant threats from human activity. Intensive aquaculture from salmon farms, mining, manipulated river flows for producing hydroelectricity, industrial activity and climate change have resulted in changes in water quality and altered the delicate balance of its habitat. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of the Maugean skate, which represents not only a unique element of Tasmania’s biodiversity but also a symbol of the fragility of specialized aquatic ecosystems. Conservation strategies include habitat protection, pollution reduction, and rigorous scientific monitoring, all of which require ongoing funding and public support.
If emergency conservation action is not implemented immediately, we may witness the first modern-day fish extinction. The Maugean skate could become extinct within 10 years and tragically become Tasmania’s ‘Thylacine of the sea’.
While the purchase of art prints through Wild Island’s Threatened Species Project
- Learn more about the species and share its story within your community
-------
This work was submitted by the artist as part of Wild Island's biennial Threatened Species Project. Proceeds from the sale of this work have been donated by the artist and Wild Island to organisations directly working in species support.
Artist Statement
This artwork was born out of a profound respect for the fragile balance of marine ecosystems and the urgent need to protect species teetering on the edge of extinction.
The Maugean skate (Zearaja maugeana) is a critically endangered species of skate found exclusively in the brackish estuarine waters of Macquarie Harbour and Bathurst Harbour in Tasmania, Australia. A living relic from ancient times, it is characterised by its quadrangular flattened body, mottled grey-brown colouring, elongated snout and distinctive wing-like pectoral fins. The Maugean skate has adapted to a highly specific, low-oxygen habitat, making it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes. Scientists estimate that only a few thousand individuals remain, making the skate one of the most endangered rays in the world. With an extremely limited range, this elusive species faces significant threats from human activity. Intensive aquaculture from salmon farms, mining, manipulated river flows for producing hydroelectricity, industrial activity and climate change have resulted in changes in water quality and altered the delicate balance of its habitat. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of the Maugean skate, which represents not only a unique element of Tasmania’s biodiversity but also a symbol of the fragility of specialized aquatic ecosystems. Conservation strategies include habitat protection, pollution reduction, and rigorous scientific monitoring, all of which require ongoing funding and public support.
If emergency conservation action is not implemented immediately, we may witness the first modern-day fish extinction. The Maugean skate could become extinct within 10 years and tragically become Tasmania’s ‘Thylacine of the sea’.
While the purchase of art prints through Wild Island’s Threatened Species Project
- Learn more about the species and share its story within your community
-------
This work was submitted by the artist as part of Wild Island's biennial Threatened Species Project. Proceeds from the sale of this work have been donated by the artist and Wild Island to organisations directly working in species support.
Threatened Species Project
A WILD ISLAND EXHIBITION RAISING AWARENESS OF TASMANIA'S THREATENED SPECIES
There are 683 species of plants and animals, including insects and other invertebrates, on Tasmania's Threatened Species List. Yes, there are the iconic ones so many people know about, but there are numerous species that are tiny, little known or ‘less attractive’, which are no less important to our rich and varied eco-system. This new exhibition will expand our understanding of the range & diversity of threatened species and educate of their plight. It also aims to raise much needed funds to go towards their support. It’s a small thing we can do during an age of climate change, mass species decline and habitat loss.
