Rainbow Parrotfish by Nathalie Heseltine
The artwork used on these cards was created to cast light on a variety of endangered species from around the world. Made from collages of magazine clippings, the originals of these vibrant and beautiful pieces have been exhibited in London.
The Rainbow Parrotfish
STATUS: Near threatened
Found in mangroves amidst coral reefs, these colourful fish are endemic to the western Atlantic from Florida, Bermuda and the Bahamas to Argentina. They play an integral role in the reef by using their parrot-like beak to scrape algae and dead coral, spending up to 90% of their day nibbling. An unusual feature is that they are able to change sex, with many changing from female to male as they age.
In areas where adult coral reef habitat is connected to mangrove nursery habitat, widespread removal of the mangroves has resulted in local extinction of the Rainbow Parrotfish. Further threats facing their reef ecosystems include pollution, global warming, over-fishing and coastal development.
CONSERVATION: A number of reef reserves have been established in which fishing and other human pressures are prevented.
About the artist
From her days of looking after hundreds of stick insects to her incredible artwork that highlights the plight of some of our most wonderful creatures, London based Nathalie Heseltine has always had a love for animals. When she's not creating her masterpieces, you can find her either studying marine conservation or travelling to some far flung country to save marine life.
www.nathalieheseltine.co.uk