By EMMA SUN
HAMISH the furry wombat was the special guest at Emerald Primary School last month as zoologist Martin Cohen visited to talk about endangered species in the area.
Dr Cohen was accompanied by qualified zoologist Mark Cairns from Endangered Species Recovery, who brought Hamish along to entertain the students.
Dr Cohen, who did a biological science degree and subsequent honours in zoology at La Trobe, said it was important for students to know how vital biodiversity was.
“A lot of people see that we lose one species and wonder why it matters,” he said.
“They’re all part of a Jenga-like structure and eventually the whole structure is so weak it collapses – that’s what we’re doing to our biodiversity at the moment.
He said it was wonderful to get out to the school to speak to the students and encourage them to be environmentally practical.
“At primary school age, kids are really eager to get the message and I’d like to share my knowledge of Australian wildlife with as many people as possible and get them enthused and passionate,” he said.
Emerald for Sustainability treasurer Sarah Cole, who organised the talk, said it was wonderful having Dr Cohen.
“The kids have just been so interested with what he’s had to say, they’ve been captivated all morning,” she said.
President Lee Fuller said his talk really emphasised the importance of the environment, which was a crucial lesson for all young people.
“Given that environment is the basis of our entire existence it’s the foundation we need to make strong,” she said.
“In lots of ways we’re failing in our stewardship role by not caring for the voiceless ones, particularly when the endangered species list is growing, and our future generations are going to look back and wonder why their parents and grandparents didn’t do more to stop this.
“It’s worked out well – if we don’t have the environment looked after, nothing else is ever going to be more important.”
