Five native animals that need our help in the Hills and Fleurieu

The Hills and Fleurieu region is an incredibly biodiverse and unique place. More than half of South Australia’s native plant species and three-quarters of our native bird species are found here.

But many people may not realise that there are several species that are at risk of extinction, and regional conservation assessments have identified 126 fauna species and 445 flora species that are considered threatened.

In this article, we explore the stories of five native animals, each facing unique challenges, from habitat loss and climate change to additional threats from human activities.

These species are under pressure, and their stories remind us of the urgent need for action.

Western beautiful firetail (Stagonopleura bella samueli)

One of the most area-sensitive species of the closed shrubland birds, the western beautiful firetail, is identified by its bright crimson rump, red bill, barred feathering and black face mask. The subspecies has declined in both range and abundance over the past 30 years. It now only occurs in the Hills and Fleurieu region (with the last populations at Deep Creek NP and surrounds, Cox Scrub Conservation Park and Hindmarsh Island), and on Kangaroo Island.

Insufficient habitat from historical clearance and altered fire frequency of their shrubland habitat are perhaps their biggest threats. The creation of thousands of hectares of more-habitat is critical to their recovery and survival.

Murray hardyhead

The Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis) is a small, thin fish with a silvery to golden body. Once common throughout the Murray Basin, it is now is serious decline.

The freshwater to saline wetland and lake edge habitats that they rely on for food, shelter and breeding have been under threat from major changes in hydrological regimes from water use in the Murray-Darling Basin, rapidly fluctuating extremes in salinity levels, and loss of sheltered edge habitat. Establishing surrogate refuge insurance populations, and breed and release programs for founding new wild populations may be the key to their future.

Photo: G Schmida

Southern brown bandicoot

The southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus obesulus) is a ground dwelling marsupial. They have a long pointed snout, small round ears, a large rump and a short thick tail, and are very beneficial for the health of our native vegetation. An individual can turn over up to four tonnes of soil a year searching for food, which improves the soil and distributes soil fungi to assist plant growth.

They face many threats including loss and degradation of habitat from historical land clearance and overgrazing by overabundant kangaroos and deer. The more open habitat makes them vulnerable to predation from introduced pest animals, like foxes. Other pests like rabbits, further degrade their habitat. Undertaking weed control and herbivore management to maintain habitat, and creating more habitat through restoration and revegetation, are important activities to help their populations recover and thrive.

Southern bell frog

The southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis) is a large species of frog that can reach up to 10cm in body length. They have a variable colour pattern, often with a green-brown back, and brown or bronze patches speckled throughout. Populations have declined in abundance through the lower-Murray region, and they disappeared from many areas of the Coorong and Lower Lakes region following the millenium drought.

Their future in the region may depend on interventions such as captive breeding and reintroductions to suitable wetland areas, that have water security and the ability to exclude or periodically remove introduced fish such as redfin perch and carp.

Hooded plover

Australia’s most threatened beach-nesting bird, the hooded plover is a non-migratory, medium-sized bird. Pale brownish-grey in colour, they have a black head and a white nape, and the black hind-neck collar extends around and forks onto the breast.

Threats include dogs off-leash on beaches, habitat degradation from weed invasion, vehicles on beaches, pest animals and human interference. Their survival depends on the careful management of dune habitat, integrated pest control, and intensive community engagement and awareness.

Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu works with the community and a number of partner groups and organisations to help protect and conserve vulnerable and threatened ecosystems and the species that rely on them.