Witchelina Nature Reserve
Through active conservation management we are enhancing and protecting the biodiversity at Witchelina.
Witchelina; photo Alex Nankivell
Area
421,000 ha (4,210 km2)
Location
51 km north-west of Lyndhurst, South Australia
Major aims
Threat abatement, conservation and protection of nine Arid Land Systems
Key threatened species
Thick-billed Grasswren and Plains Mouse
Management
Nature Foundation
Traditional owners
Adnyamathanha, Kuyani and Arabana peoples
Introducing Witchelina
Witchelina is a former pastoral property that comprises a magnificent outback expanse extending from Lake Torrens in the south to Marree in the north – an area larger than Kangaroo Island. It spans three bioregions, Flinders Lofty Block, Stony Plains and Gawler, which in turn are divided into nine land systems.
The reserve is home to the Thick-billed Grasswren, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Spinifex Hopping Mouse, Stripe-faced Dunnart, Plains Mouse, River Red Gum and Coolibah Woodland, and Blue Bush shrublands.
When wet, Witchelina’s creeks and waterholes are arid zone refuges for nomadic ducks, sandpipers and other water birds. The nationally vulnerable Thick-billed Grasswren makes its home in chenopod shrub lands and in winter the Blue-winged Parrot visits Witchelina’s grasslands and woodlands from Tasmania.
Reserve Management
Nature Foundation has removed all domestic livestock and the majority of feral goats. Managing total grazing pressure also includes tackling the degradation caused by rabbits and monitoring the numbers of macropods.
Since 2012 we have implemented a thorough fox and cat control program to reduce predation pressure on native wildlife. A well-established program to control Buffel grass is ongoing.
Traditional Owners
The Kuyani Adnyamathanha Peoples Nation and the Arabana Peoples Nation are the Traditional Owners of Witchelina and it contains many culturally significant sites. We work with Traditional Owners to enhance conservation outcomes and increase cultural understanding. Witchelina hosts several Kids on Country camps each year.
Nature Foundation also funds scientific research into the flora and fauna of Witchelina, to better understand how we can conserve, protect and restore this diverse and unique arid landscape.
Visit Witchelina Nature Reserve
You can visit Witchelina and see the reserve's rich biodiversity and spectacular geology in person, via one of the Nature Drives or a stroll around the historic homestead. Visit for the day or stay in one of the campsites or other accommodation.