By Mike|2024-05-11T05:59:47+01:00June 5th, 2018|General Teaching|Comments Off on Acknowledging the Importance of World Environment Day
World Environment Day
Today, June 5th is World Environment Day. This annual event organised by the United Nations aims to raise awareness of the environment and specific issues caused by human activity that are threatening our planet’s ecosystems and habitats. This day, sometimes referred to as “World Eco Day”, was established in principle in 1972 and the first commemorative events took place two years later. We commemorate this important date by posting up an image of giant tortoise model.
A 1:6 Scale Replica of the Pinta Island Giant Tortoise (Extinct)
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The picture (above) shows the Rebor Pinta Island tortoise model.
The last Pinta Island giant tortoise (Lonesome George) died on the 24th of June 2012. It was the last known individual of the sub species Chelonoidis niger abingdonii.
So, it seems fitting that today, World Environment Day, we remember the now extinct Pinta Island giant tortoise. The last of the Pinta Island tortoises was named “Lonesome George”. Researchers are hoping to resurrect the lineage using a controlled breeding programme involving other tortoise sub-species.
The new for 2018, Wild Safari Prehistoric World Amargasaurus model has been given a makeover by talented model maker Martin Garratt. The “lizard from Amarga Canyon” has had its head raised, alterations have been made to those famous, bizarre spines and the tail has been shortened. The end result is a very impressive dinosaur model indeed!
The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Amargasaurus Model has been “Customised” by Martin Garratt
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur/UMF Models
Re-designing a Diplodocid
This stunning figure looks very different from the Safari Ltd dinosaur model, upon which it is based. However, one of the great benefits of the Safari Ltd range is that model makers are starting with a well-made, detailed figure to begin with. From this solid foundation, talented individuals like Martin can modify and customise the piece to create truly unique and most attractive dinosaur dioramas.
The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Amargasaurus Dinosaur (2018)
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur
The Additional of Scales Running Down the Back
Eagle-eyed readers will note that Martin has added a row of scales running down the back of the plant-eating dinosaur. In addition, the neck has been filled out somewhat and made thicker. The pose remains virtually unaltered and although the colour scheme for the paint job is very different, it still incorporates the concept of counter shading as seen in the original Wild Safari Prehistoric World model.
A Close-up view of the Repainted and Re-modelled Head and Neck
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur/UMF Models
An Amazing Amargasaurus Model
This South American dinosaur (fossils come from Argentina), was named and described in 1991 by Leonardo Salgado and José Bonaparte. It has been assigned to the diplodocid group of sauropods, this means that it was related to the better-known, North American members of the Sauropoda, such as Diplodocus, Apatosaurus and Brontosaurus. As the holotype specimen is missing much of the tail, the length of this Early Cretaceous dinosaur is not known. However, most palaeontologists estimate that it was around twelve metres long.
The Amargasaurus Replica Created by Martin Garratt
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur/UMF Models
The animal was named after the river (La Amarga) and the nearby town, plus the rock formation within which the fossils were found is also named La Amarga. This dinosaur was described during a period of research that led to the recognition of South America’s unique dinosaur fauna. The amended figure has been placed on a bespoke base.
The Beautiful and Detailed Head of the Amargasaurus
Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur/UMF Models
The picture (above) shows a close-up of the head and neck of the dinosaur model. The details in the figure and the care taken with the painting are clearly evident. Our congratulations to Martin for producing such an elegant and beautiful dinosaur figure.
The Customised Wild Safari Prehistoric World Amargasaurus Dinosaur Model