Friends of Warriparinga

Flora & Fauna

What plants are there at Warriparinga?

There is a wide range of indigenous (local native) plants at Warriparinga, including trees, grasses, sedges and herbs. There are eleven species of regional conservation significance, such as Dianella longifolia var. grandis and Vittadinia blackii. By collecting seed from other local sites, such as Flinders University, we are able to maintain an appropriate genetic pool at Warriparinga. We recently added native nettles, Urtica incisa to support larvae of the Australian Admiral butterfly.

Flora & Fauna

What animals are there at Warriparinga?

Birds are the most evident animals. On a recent survey we noted twenty-one species, including Red Wattlebirds, Rosellas, Musk Lorikeets, Ibis, Laughing Kookaburras and a Little Black Cormorant. A Kingfisher and Yellow Spoonbill have also been seen. We are delighted that Superb Fairy Wrens have now returned, as they have disappeared across the Adelaide plains. Various types of lizard, and an occasional Brown or Red-bellied Black Snake or Rakali (Native Water Rat) are also seen. Wallaby and Koala sightings are rarities. There are also many insects such as ants and butterflies and other invertebrates, such as those that live on the riverbed, as well as native fish and frogs. We have recently established a butterfly garden, supporting various caterpillars and supplying nectar.

 We cooperate with other groups upriver and downriver to increase the value of the river as a wildlife corridor.