Flinders Island to become haven for endangered species

Flinders Island, a remote island privately-owned by the Woolford family, situated off South Australia’s west coast, is to become a haven for the rehabilitation of nationally endangered species.

This project will commence shortly with a pest eradication program to allow for the reintroduction of a number of threatened native animals, some of which once inhabited the island.

The Federal and South Australian Governments are investing $4.8 million to create the island refuge for threatened mammals, including the banded hare-wallaby.

At nearly 4000 hectares, Flinders Island is South Australia’s fourth largest island and is surrounded by the Investigator Group Marine Park protected area. It features 50 kilometres of diverse coastline and native vegetation covering about 75% of the island, making it an ideal haven for some of our threatened species.

The Woolford family are dedicated to creating a space for threatened species and are working with a skilled team of ecologists to enhance the island’s ecosystem. Currently, visitors from around the world visit the island to appreciate its stunning natural environment and play a key role in protecting the island from unwanted pests and diseases.

Jonas Woolford enthused “we, the Woolford family, are very excited about the opportunity to convert Flinders Island into a safe haven.

“It has been many years in the planning for us, transitioning from farming to tourism and conservation.

Image top. Shark Bay Bandicoot; Image below. Flinders Island Aerial. Credit: SA Government

“We really appreciate collaborating with the Commonwealth and South Australian governments to achieve this massive project and mutual objective.

“Sharing the conservation results with a like-minded community is our intention - being mindful that to ensure the legacy and investment of this project, biosecurity by us and all visitors is our ongoing responsibility.”

Targeted eradication operations will run until December 2025 in an attempt to rid the island of feral cats, rats and mice. The baiting operations will occur outside of shorebird and seabird breeding seasons.

Subfossil remains of native mammals, including the tammar wallaby and southern brown bandicoot, indicate the diverse range of small mammals that once inhabited the island but became extinct there after the pests were introduced in the mid-1900s.

In South Australia, more than 1,100 plants and animal species are listed as threatened under SA’s National Parks and Wildlife Act. Since European settlement, an estimated 73 species have become extinct in South Australia.

The Federal Government is investing $3.8 million for the project under their $224 million Saving Our Native Species program, with the remaining $1 million provided by the SA Government through the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board.

This project is a partnership between the Australian Government, South Australian Government, Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board and the Woolford family to stimulate conservation while continuing to provide a unique nature-based tourism opportunity.

Jonathan Clark, General Manager, Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board noted “The Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board is proud to be part of the jointly delivered stage two and three of the Flinders Island Safe Haven Project. This is a significant opportunity to lead by example in South Australia to develop and test the methods for large scale island and safe haven best practise rodent and feral cat control.

“It is wonderful to see investment in the region working closely with the Woolfords and the local Elliston community to ensure the long-term conservation of Flinders Island, recognising the importance of the island as a Safe Haven climate critical habitat.

“The project realises the critical need to provide refuge and offer long term opportunities for species to adapt and persist, particularly working with landowners in a modern conservation model.”