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Farmers

Surviving Swamps on South Australia's Parched Fleurieu Peninsula are a Lifeline to Wildlife -- and Farmers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The driest state on the driest continent, South Australia, is currently experiencing an extreme drought. The Fleurieu Peninsula, south of Adelaide, is home to over 850 swampy wetlands that act as refuges for wildlife and provide benefits for farmers. These swamps are critical habitat for the endangered Mount Lofty Ranges southern emu-wren and are being restored by community groups and farmers through various initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 850 swampy wetlands on the Fleurieu Peninsula are vital habitat for wildlife, including the critically endangered Mount Lofty Ranges southern emu-wren.
  • More than 90% of the remaining swamps are located on private property, making it essential to work with landowners to restore and conserve these areas.
  • The swamps provide significant benefits to farmers, including pollination services from insects, pest control from birds and insects, and improved water retention.
  • Restoration of the swamps is possible through reconnecting wetlands to their natural water flows and restoring plants and pollinators.
  • Community groups and farmers are working together to restore the swamps, with 50 farmers forming the Fleurieu Swamp Restoration Network and developing 25 swamp restoration plans.
  • The Fleurieu swamps are a natural carbon sink, storing more than 2,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare, and conserving and restoring these peatlands is essential for achieving the Paris Agreement's climate goals.
  • The restoration of the swamps will not only benefit wildlife but also provide economic benefits to farmers through increased productivity and biodiversity.

Statistics:

  • Over 850 swampy wetlands exist on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
  • 90% of the remaining swamps are located on private property.
  • 2,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare are stored in the peatlands.
  • Around 50 farmers have formed the Fleurieu Swamp Restoration Network.
  • 25 swamp restoration plans have been developed, with 15 under way.
  • 100 hectares of swamp will be restored through these initiatives.
  • 650 tonnes per hectare of carbon is stored in a healthy woodland.

Sources:

  • The Conversation (Au and NZ) -- By Christopher Auricht, Visiting Research Fellow in Natural Resources Management, University of Adelaide

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