Fund established to restore wildlife habitat in SA

The Wildlife Recovery Fund is a partnership designed to assist with the recovery and restoration of flora and fauna in fire-damaged regions across South Australia.

National Parks and Wildlife Service SA Acting Executive Director Brenton Grear said there have been significant impacts to wildlife and habitat across several parts of SA, particularly around Cudlee Creek and on Kangaroo Island.

“While many community groups have mobilised to care for injured wildlife, the Wildlife Recovery Fund will be used to re-establish habitat, particularly for the most endangered and vulnerable species,” Mr Grear said.

“The partners will develop a Wildlife Recovery Plan and work with communities to identify and assess impacts and to prioritise recovery activities across parks and private land.

“While it’s going to take time to establish a full picture of the damage, we believe a significant number of KI’s koalas have perished, and considerable areas of Glossy Black Cockatoo habitat, including nests, have been destroyed on the island.

“We are also very concerned for the future of the Kangaroo Island Dunnart – one of the species thought to be most at risk, due to habitat loss.

“The immediate challenge will be to ensure that surviving animals have sufficient habitat in which to find food and avoid predation.

“Our National Parks and Wildlife Service will work collaboratively with the Nature Foundation to ensure we use sound planning, good science and local advice to ensure funds are spent wisely.”

Nature Foundation Board chair Jan Ferguson said the state has experienced catastrophic loss and there is a need to work together on recovery.

“We need to harness good science and advice to ensure funds raised are immediately put to use in the most important places and achieve the best possible outcomes for threatened and vulnerable plants and animals,” Ms Ferguson said.

“Donations will go to local landholders, Landcare and community groups in fire-affected regions to urgently assist natural regeneration through weed and feral animal control, and fencing. This will give both threatened animal and plant life the best chance of recovery.

“Nature Foundation is proud to be continuing a 40-year tradition by partnering with South Australian farmers, communities and the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA on this new Wildlife Recovery Fund.”

To donate visit: https://www.naturefoundation.org.au/support-us/wildlife-recovery-fund