The art of threatened species science

A series of elegant watermarks have been created by science communicator and illustrator Michelle Baker, to reflect the major themes of the TSR Hub and will be integrated into future Hub publications.  

The six watermarks, inspired by science and nature, provide a thematic or conceptual link between each image and its corresponding Hub theme.   

“By incorporating elements of scientific illustration into my designs, I hope to capture a precise, yet simple scientific aesthetic that exhibits the links between science, beauty and the work of the Threatened Species Recovery Hub,” says Michelle.   

With over a decade of experience in scientific illustration, Michelle applies her talents in her role as a communication officer with the TSR Hub.   

Passionate about science and conservation, she has worked in university departments and with the Queensland Museum.   

Her time spent in specimen labs has provided her with intricate knowledge of some unique natural subjects.   

“I am now more familiar with freshwater crabs, sea squirts, mites and fruit flies than I ever thought I would be - inside and out!” says Michelle.   

“I really enjoy the observational side of biology, particularly the description and identification aspects of the discipline.”   

Her illustrations are frequently used in journal papers, books and taxonomic keys, often as part of the official description of a new species.   

Set aside detailed descriptions, her illustrations help researchers to identify the species found in field surveys. 


Her watermark designs for the TSR Hub include:

Matchstick banksia (Theme 1)   
   
Orange-bellied parrot (Theme 2) 

Leadbeater’s possum (Theme 3)




Corroboree frog (Theme 4)

Northern quoll (Theme 5)







Bathurst purple copper butterfly (Theme 6).