Flinders-Olary
Flinders-Olary NatureLink
The Flinders-Olary NatureLinks encompasses the mountainous Flinders, Gammon and Olary Ranges and interlinking plains country, covering in total around 6% of the state.
Environment
The region is an iconic landscape recognised for its rugged mountains and abundant wildlife, and world-renowned for its geological history, impressive fossil remains and rich Aboriginal history and culture. The unique topography and climate of the region creates a wide variety of habitats. The area is a transition zone between arid, semi arid and temperate habitats, which has given rise to a diverse and unique mix of arid and temperate species.
Land Use
The natural features of the Flinders-Olary region have been host to Aboriginal communities for tens of thousands of years. Today the region supports a diverse community of pastoralists, agriculturalists, miners, conservationists, tourism operators and supporting businesses. Pastoral and agricultural production continues to be the main land use across the Flinders-Olary region, though there is also an increasing mining presence.
There are several National Parks and other conservation reserves across the Flinders-Olary region, including the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges, Flinders Ranges and Mount Remarkable parks. Private landholders and non-government organisations also manage land for conservation across the area, with many of the properties adjoining public protected areas.
Much of the landscape within the Flinders-Olary region has experienced loss of habitat, reducing the ability of native plants and animals to move, breed and evolve to suit new conditions, including a warmer, dryer future. The region is extensively affected by feral animal species and weeds, grazing, historical land clearance and inappropriate fire regimes.