Specialist has concerns about small land areas (8)

I believe the answer is:

centares

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'small land areas' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'specialist has concerns about' is the wordplay.
'specialist' becomes 'ent' (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist).
'has concerns' becomes 'cares' (to care is show concern or worry).
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'ent' going inside 'cares' is 'CENTARES'.

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I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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