THE Shoalhaven region continues to serve as home to a variety of threatened wildlife, according to a report by the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, and our local school kids have an opportunity to keep it

that way.

Following last year’s National Threatened Species Day on September 7, 2007 there have been confirmed sightings in the area of the threatened gang-gang cockatoo, glossy black cockatoo, grey-headed flying fox and square-tailed kite, the foundation reported.

Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife CEO Leonie Gale said people might have spotted other endangered critters without recognising them.

“The region provides habitat for a great number of other threatened species, including the powerful owl and the yellow-bellied glider.

“Most threatened species are so rare that we often don’t know what they look like,” Ms Gale said.

This year the foundation discovered there had been fewer sightings of threatened animals living in or near water such as the Shoalhaven’s local Australian fur seal, the green and golden bell frog and sooty oystercatcher.

In order to draw attention to the plight of these species and to help locals recognise the animals at risk, primary school children across NSW and ACT are being encouraged to participate in the Dymocks Golden Paw Award 2008.

The event will acknowledge students who create the best-coloured drawing of a threatened Australian animal.

“Their drawings show everyone what our threatened animals look like, and people

will recognise them when they see them,”

Ms Gale said.

“They can help find our threatened species so we can protect them and their homes.”

A total of 600 drawings be displayed in the Australian National Maritime Museum, plus nine winners will receive trophies and various prizes.

Dymocks will donate $1 for every entry in the competition to the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.

Entries close September 7, 2008, and entry forms, teaching material and information can be found online at www.fnpw.org.au or by calling 9221 1949.