Animal encounters

It’s magpie swooping season in South Australia. But why do magpies swoop and how can you avoid a nasty run-in? Read on.

As spring approaches, most people know to watch out for protective magpies who may swoop to defend their nests.  But did you know that they’re not the only swooping bird in South Australia? Read on to find out more.

This year is 20 years since the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary (ADS) was established. To mark the milestone, we reflect on the importance of the Sanctuary, how we can all help the dolphins, and what’s happened in the past two decades. Plus, read on for 20 fascinating facts you probably didn’t know!
 

If you’ve spent time strolling along Adelaide’s metro beaches or jetties, you might have spotted a long-nosed fur seal or the occasional Australian sea lion floating in the shallows.

Got an uninvited house guest? Stop! Put down that mouse trap! Your little visitor may not be a mouse at all, but a native antechinus! And if it is, here’s what you need to do.

Every winter tens of thousands of giant Australian cuttlefish congregate in SA. Learn where, why and how to swim with them.

Learn all about the whales that visit South Australian shores and where, when and how to spot these magnificent creatures.

Did you know SA is blessed with three different species of freshwater turtle? Find out which species can be found in our state, and why they are in fact environmental heroes in a half-shell.

There’s more to butterflies than meets the eye. Find out how they can help the environment – and how you can attract them to your garden.

Learn about local frog species, their calls and how they are a good indicator of a thriving, healthy ecosystem.