“The region provides habitat for a great number of other threatened species, including the Regent Honeyeater, the Grey-crowned Babbler and the Superb Parrot. People possibly saw these animals too, but may simply not have recognised them,” foundation CEO Leonie Gale said.

The foundation is set to hold the Dymocks Golden Paw award colouring competition for the best drawing of a threatened native animal.

“This is where we need the children’s help,” Ms Gale said.

“Their drawings show everyone what our threatened animals look like, and people will recognise them when they see them. They can help find our threatened species so we can protect them and their homes.

“We have also found that there were less sightings of those threatened animals that live in or near water. That’s why the Australian National Maritime Museum will display the best 600 drawings of threatened aquatic animals.”

Dymocks CEO Don Grover said the company will match the children’s efforts in raising awareness for our threatened species.

“We will donate $1 for every Golden Paw Entry to the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, to help save our threatened Australian species,” he said.

In 2007, this money helped the Foundation fund conservation projects for endangered frogs. In 2008 the Foundation will use the contributions to fund conservation projects for Australia’s little penguins.

The competition is open to all primary school students in NSW and the ACT. Entries for 2008 close on National Threatened Species Day, September 7.

This day was chosen in memory of “Benjamin”, the last Tasmanian Tiger who died on that day in 1936 in Hobart Zoo.

To help children learn more about animals like Benjamin, Dymocks has put together the “Wild Tales” book range which is now available at Dymocks stores.

Entry forms, teaching materials and threatened species information are available online at www.fnpw.org.au.

Visit the website for entry conditions and more information or contact the Foundation on 02 9221 1949.