Discover the Wildlife of South Australia A Guide to the State’s Native Animals

Adelaide, noted as the driest of our capital cities, presents a unique gateway to the genuine outback. Beyond the city’s perimeters, one can traverse through expanses of saltbush and spinifex plains, home to diverse fauna, and reach the iconic Flinders Ranges, a gem among our National Landscapes.

Kangaroo Island is celebrated for its rich wildlife, while the southeast corner boasts intriguing caves and fossils. The coastal waters teem with fascinating creatures like leafy sea dragons (peculiar relatives of sea horses), sea lions, fur seals, and penguins.

Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges

Within a leisurely walk from Adelaide’s CBD lies the Adelaide Zoo, which, in addition to native animals, hosts pandas and an array of primates alongside the usual lions, elephants, and bears. The zoo’s yellow-footed rock-wallaby colony has thrived for decades. Adjacent to the zoo is the Botanic Gardens, and a short distance away is the South Australian Museum, showcasing whale skeletons and an extensive collection of Australian birds and other native fauna, both living and extinct.

A brief drive from the city brings you to Cleland Wildlife Reserve, featuring large walk-through enclosures with kangaroos, wallabies, and other wildlife from various regions of the state, along with some smaller exhibits. Morialta Gorge, Waterfall Gully, and Belair National Park offer excellent bushwalking opportunities, birdwatching, and koala sightings. Koalas, once extinct in South Australia due to heavy hunting in the 1920s, have been successfully reintroduced.

Fleurieu Peninsula

A favoured excursion for both visitors and Adelaide locals is a drive southwards for just over an hour to the coastal locales of Port Elliot and Victor Harbour. Granite Island, off Victor Harbour’s coast, is a haven for little penguins.

In winter, southern right whales can often be observed from the shore, frequently venturing close to land. Whale-watching tours are plentiful. The South Australian Whale Museum, with its three floors of whale artefacts, information, and artworks, is a must-visit.

Urimbirra Wildlife Park, near Victor Harbour, offers a glimpse of kangaroos and other native fauna. Deep Creek Conservation Park provides pleasant forest walks leading to serene beaches.

Kangaroo Island

One of the most iconic South Australian native animals is the Kangaroo Island kangaroo. These kangaroos are unique because they have a distinct genetic makeup and are only found on Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia. They are also larger than their mainland counterparts and have longer, shaggier fur to help them survive the island’s cooler climate.

Kangaroo Island is globally renowned for its easily observable and abundant wildlife. Its diverse habitats include open forest, mallee, banksia heathland, and rugged coastlines with striking rock formations. The island is home to populations of kangaroos, koalas, Australian sea lions, New Zealand fur seals, little (fairy) penguins, glossy black cockatoos, sea eagles, and osprey. Interestingly, koalas were introduced to the island several decades ago, leading to an overpopulation that now threatens their preferred trees.

The River Murray

Australia’s longest river, the River Murray, flows into South Australia from the east and exits near Goolwa.

Houseboats are available for hire, ranging from half-day trips to several days, and you can also explore the river on a paddle steamer. In the north, keep an eye out for yellow rosellas (a yellow variant of the crimson rosella) and various bush birds, outback birds, and waterbirds. Goolwa, near the river’s mouth, is an excellent spot for observing musk ducks, black swans, and other waterbirds.

A little over an hour’s drive east from Adelaide, near the river, is Monarto Zoo. Here, safari-style buses take visitors through large free-range enclosures where giraffes, cheetahs, and other exotic species roam.

Mallee woodlands, rich in spring wildflowers which attract numerous birds, are prevalent north of the river and in many other regions of South Australia. Mallee trees are small eucalyptus trees with multiple trunks emerging from a single rootstock.

The Outback

Over 80% of South Australia is the arid ‘outback.’ The Nullarbor Plain, extending into Western Australia, aptly means ‘no tree’. After good rains, carpets of greenery and wildflowers emerge, though dry conditions soon return, potentially lasting several years.

Lake Eyre, one of the world’s largest salt lakes, typically remains dry but occasionally fills with water following rains, drawing thousands of wetland birds.

The Flinders Ranges are characterised by dramatic mountain scenery, from towering red cliffs to deep gorges. The nimble yellow-footed rock-wallaby can sometimes be seen scaling seemingly sheer cliffs with ease. Black kites, wedge-tailed eagles, desert dragon lizards, and large flocks of raucous galahs and corellas are common sights. In Arkaroola, in the northern Flinders, ancient invertebrate fossils over 600 million years old were discovered by geologist Reg Sprigg.

Simpson Desert National Park is one of Australia’s most remote wilderness areas and can become extremely hot. If travelling there, ensure you carry ample water, food, and other supplies in case of a breakdown.

The Southwest

South Australia boasts over 4,000km of coastline along the Great Australian Bight. The cliffs provide excellent vantage points for observing southern right whales on their migratory journey to warmer waters.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush or simply wishing to marvel at the power of great white sharks, cage-diving near Port Lincoln is an option. Swimming with seals is also possible.

The Southeast

The Coorong is a long, parallel body of water to the coastline, supporting a remarkable variety of waterbirds, as well as emus, heathland birds, freshwater turtles, and lizards.

Naracoorte Caves feature numerous limestone caves, some hosting bat colonies and others containing fossils dating back thousands of years. These include mammals such as the thylacine, Thylacoleo, and the Tasmanian devil, all of which were extinct on mainland Australia by the time of European colonisation (Thylacoleo was already globally extinct, and the thylacine was later hunted to extinction). The innovative Bat Cave Video Centre allows visitors to observe the resident bat population in a neighbouring cave via an infra-red camera system.

Key Habitats in South Australia

Why South Australian Native Animals are Important

South Australia is a biodiversity hotspot, with over 2,500 species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. These unique species are an essential part of the state’s cultural and natural heritage and contribute significantly to its economy through tourism and other industries. In addition, many of these animals play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem, from pollinating plants to controlling pest populations.

However, despite their importance, many South Australian native animals are facing threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species, putting their survival at risk. As responsible citizens, it is our responsibility to learn about these animals, their challenges, and how we can help conserve them for future generations.

Challenges Faced by South Australian Native Animals

One of the most significant challenges facing South Australian native animals is habitat loss. As human populations continue to grow, more land is cleared for agriculture, urban development, and other purposes, leaving many animals without homes. For example, the southern hairy-nosed wombat, which is found only in South Australia, has lost over 80% of its original habitat due to land clearing.

Another significant challenge is the threat of invasive species. Many non-native species, such as foxes, rabbits, and feral cats, have been introduced to Australia and have had devastating impacts on native animals. For example, the decline of the western quoll in South Australia has been attributed to predation by feral cats.

Climate change is also a growing concern for South Australian native animals. Rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events are altering the habitats and behaviors of many animals, making it difficult for them to survive.

Solutions for Protecting South Australian Native Animals

There are many practical solutions that individuals and communities can implement to help protect South Australian native animals. One of the most important is to support conservation organizations that work to protect habitats and species. These organizations often rely on public donations and volunteer work to carry out their conservation activities.

Another solution is to reduce our impact on the environment by using eco-friendly practices in our daily lives. For example, we can reduce our carbon footprint by using public transport, cycling, or walking instead of driving, and reducing our energy consumption by using renewable energy sources such as solar power.

We can also support sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize biodiversity conservation, such as using regenerative farming techniques that promote soil health and reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals that can harm wildlife.

Finally, we can educate ourselves and others about South Australian native animals and their importance to the ecosystem. By raising awareness, we can help foster a culture of conservation that values and protects these unique species for generations to come.

South Australian native animals are a vital part of the state’s natural and cultural heritage, and it is our responsibility to protect them. Our animals face many challenges, including habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. However, there are practical solutions that individuals and communities can implement to help protect these animals, including supporting conservation organizations, reducing our impact on the environment, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and educating ourselves and others about the importance of these unique species.

For those who want to learn more about South Australian native animals, there are many resources available, such as books, documentaries, and online resources. Some great places to start include the South Australian Department for Environment and Water, the Adelaide Zoo, and the South Australian Museum.

South Australia is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife watchers, with a diverse and fascinating array of native animals waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re exploring the bush, hiking through the mountains, or simply enjoying the beauty of your own backyard, you’re sure to encounter some of the state’s fascinating native wildlife.