The recent bushfire in Deep Creek on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula has burned over 4,500 hectares, including critical wildlife habitat. Around 40% of Deep Creek National Park and nearly all of Talisker Conservation Park were affected.
Most Australian ecosystems have adapted to fire and can recover over time. But in areas with fragmented habitats, a single fire can put species at risk of local extinction, especially if other threats are not managed.
The Wildlife Recovery Fund – a Nature Foundation and state government initiative – has been opened to help fund projects that promote recovery and increase resilience of vital habitats damaged or destroyed by fire.
Early reports from the Department for Environment and Water show that threatened and vulnerable native animals and plants have been affected, including:
- The endangered Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren pushed closer to extinction in Deep Creek, with about half its habitat affected.
- The endangered Western Beautiful Firetail – almost half its park habitat affected – with Deep Creek and its surrounds being the last remaining stronghold for this species in the Mount Lofty Ranges region.
- Important populations of the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot (top), with 40% of its park habitat affected, as well as the Bassian Thrush and Kangaroo Island Spider Orchid, have also been impacted.
- Rare Yellow-bellied Water Skinks and Flame Sedge-skipper Butterflies have also been affected.
Funds raised will go toward urgent on-ground projects such as fixing fences, controlling weeds, and restoring habitats. They will also support monitoring and research to understand the fire’s effects and how threatened species recover.
Together, these efforts will create more habitat to help native animals and plants recover, and will improve our scientific understanding for future bushfires.
We were truly grateful for your support of the Wildlife Recovery Fund in 2020. Once again, we ask you to help Deep Creek recover and support the landscapes and species that depend on it.
All donations are tax-deductible and make a real difference in helping fire-affected landscapes, ecosystems, and species recover. Thank you.
Wildlife Recovery Fund – Donate Here