Threatened Species
Protection within South AustraliaSince European settlement, the impact of vegetation clearance, introduced plants and animals and unnatural fire regimes, have resulted in the fragmentation and degradation of ecosystems across South Australia. This led to a decline in populations of many species of wildlife (plants and animals) in the State. Some have become extinct with many others now considered to be in danger of becoming extinct. Introduced diseases like the root rot fungus Phytophthora, illegal collecting and hunting and fishing also adversely affect some species. In South Australia, threatened species are listed and protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. The threatened species schedules are continually under review. The most recent revision of the threatened species schedules was gazetted in February 2008: Elements for Successful ConservationThere are five essential threatened species conservation elements: Research and PlanningConservation programs must have an active and strategic link between the habitat or species being managed and the actions being carried out. Whether it’s the monitoring of Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby populations or genetic studies of Black-eared Miner colonies, research allows the outcomes of these programs to be assessed. These procedures are incorporated into programs in a process known as Adaptive Management. Conservation programs are designed to contribute to the learning process, resulting in proactive rather than reactive management. Successful Adaptive Management relies on good planning (ie defining the problem), establishing clear objectives for recovery plans, determining time-frames and identifying criteria for measuring the success of these projects.
Removing ThreatsEffective recovery and protection requires the removal of threats such as vegetation clearance, feral animals and degradation of water systems. The Glossy Black-Cockatoo may benefit from restoration and reestablishment of its feeding habitat (drooping sheoaks), but its individual nesting trees must be identified with the prevention of predators from preying on fledglings. Operation Bounceback, an example of an ecological restoration program being carried out in the Flinders Ranges National Park, has capitalised on the release of the rabbit calicivirus disease, which has significantly reduced rabbit populations in the Flinders Ranges. This control method has been augmented by destruction of rabbit warrens in the park, and grazing pressure being further reduced by goat control, resulting in increased regeneration and vegetation survival. Restoring HabitatActive revegetation or implementations of pest control programs allow habitats to recover naturally. In the case of the Flinders Ranges, reclamation techniques may be used to prevent erosion in susceptible soils, increase filtration of water into the soil and provide a sheltered bed for the germination of seeds. In many cases, natural recovery is possible, although it can be a lengthy process. Landowners, community groups and local and state Government agencies can all work towards the recovery of habitats. One such example is the Silky Tea-tree and Cutting Grass Wetlands project (350Kb PDF), run in the South-East to protect these rare wetlands. Recovering SpeciesBy removing threats and restoring habitats, population sizes will often increase. Results of habitat monitoring may also indicate that reintroducing species into areas they previously occupied is possible. A number of successful reintroduction programs have been carried out in South Australia, including Brush-tailed Bettongs at Venus Bay on the Eyre Peninsula and Stick-nest Rats on Reevesby and St Peter Islands. Reintroduction programs are currently being implemented for Bilbies (Thistle Island in the Spencer Gulf, Arid Recovery [Roxby Downs], and Venus Bay) and Stick-nest Rats (Arid Recovery). Retaining GainsInvestment in biodiversity conservation (money, materials or time), should have a long term commitment. Projects must address long term recovery to ensure that populations of threatened species can eventually be viable with little or no external intervention. Community support and participation are essential for every element of threatened species conservation, for achieving recovery and retaining these gains well into the future.
Threatened Flora of South AustraliaThere are over 300 plant species in South Australia that are listed as threatened (endangered or vulnerable) under Commonwealth and or State legislation. These species are at risk of becoming extinct in the wild if no actions are taken to secure their survival. Recovery programs for many of these species are being implemented by Department for Environment and Heritage in partnership with other organisations, community groups and land holders. Recovery PlansRecovery plans have been prepared for many of South Australia's threatened species. These plans contain information about the distribution, abundance, biology, ecology and habitat of threatened species. Importantly these recovery plans also outline the threats to each species, and prescribe recovery objectives and actions to improve their conservation status. See Recovery Plan
for Twelve Threatened Orchids in the Lofty Block Region of South
Australia (1.3Mb PDF) Draft Recovery PlansThe Draft Recovery Plan for 23 Threatened Flora Taxa on Eyre Peninsula, South Australia 2007-2012 (4.5Mb PDF) has been released for public comment. For an overview, see the Draft Recovery Plan brochure (1Mb PDF). Please send written submissions to: Threatened Flora Officer or email to: WestBioConservation@saugov.sa.gov.au Submissions close 30 June 2008. Fact SheetsAs part of the recovery programs, fact sheets are being produced with the aim of raising awareness of the need to conserve these species in the wild. The fact sheets provide information that will help people to identify the species and understand the processes threatening their survival.
Specific to the SA Murray Darling Basin
Specific to the Eyre Peninsula
Threatened Fauna of South AustraliaRecovery PlansSee Recovery Plan for South Australian subspecies of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo Draft Recovery PlansThe Draft Action Plan for Freshwater Fishes in South Australia (4Mb PDF) has been released for public comment. Please send written submissions to: Native Fish Australia (SA) or email to: research@nativefishsa.asn.au Submissions close 15 March 2008. NB: The information in the final document is subject to change. This Draft document has been saved in low resolution and some figures may be difficult to interpret. Fact SheetsSpecific to the SA Murray Darling BasinTo view information on threatened fauna select below.
Examples of Threatened Species Recovery ProjectsTo view information on Flora Recovery Projects select below. To view information on Fauna Recovery Projects select below.
To view information on Joint Conservation Initiatives select below. To view information on multi-species recovery projects select below. Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Regional Recovery Pilot Project web page. WhalesWhales have captivated generations of us - their unusual behaviour, appearance and immense size is of interest to people from all around the world. Each winter the South Australian coast is visited by Southern Right Whales and it is our aim to enhance your experience with whales while ensuring that both the whales and our coast are protected. Take a look at our Whales website. ContactPeter Copley Senior Ecologist, Threatened Species, Department for Environment and Heritage |
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