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Extinct Wildlife Returns to South Australia
8 Sep
Summary
- A 10-year plan aims to reintroduce locally extinct species to Yorke Peninsula.
- The project spans 140,000 hectares, integrating conservation with farms and towns.
- Community partnerships and predator management are key to the rewilding effort.
A significant 10-year initiative has commenced on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, focused on reintroducing species that had disappeared from the region and bolstering its natural landscape. The Marna Banggara project has already demonstrated success by re-establishing brush-tailed bettongs, which had been absent for over a century. This next phase seeks to expand conservation efforts by reintroducing bilbies, southern brown bandicoots, dunnarts, and western quolls.
The project's unique model operates across 140,000 hectares, coexisting alongside farms, towns, and tourism operations, rather than relying on isolated environments. Central to its strategy is managing predators like foxes and feral cats to ensure the survival of native fauna. This approach also benefits farm productivity by reducing pest pressure.
Marna Banggara, meaning 'healthy, prosperous Country' in the Narungga language, places cultural partnerships at its core. It is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, with active involvement from Narungga people, governments, landholders, and conservation groups. This collaborative effort aims to restore ecological processes and strengthen community wellbeing.
This comprehensive rewilding plan is positioned to restore ecological balance while simultaneously supporting regional industries, tourism, and agriculture. It aims to establish South Australia as a leader in conservation, rebuilding ecosystems while ensuring communities and farming remain integral to the landscape.
