The Hills and Fleurieu region supports some of South Australia's most unique plants, animals and ecosystems. Many species found here occur nowhere else in the world, making the region an important stronghold for biodiversity.

However, many native species are declining. Habitat loss, invasive species, altered fire regimes, disease and climate change continue to place pressure on wildlife and ecosystems across the region.

In 2026, 186 plant species, 158 animal species and 13 ecological communities were recognised as threatened in the Hills and Fleurieu region.

From orchids and wildflowers to birds, mammals, reptiles and wetlands, these species are an important part of the region's natural heritage and biodiversity. Explore threatened plants, animals and ecological communities and learn about the conservation programs helping to protect them.

Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu Wren shutterstock 2264122993

What does "threatened" mean?

Threatened species and ecological communities are plants, animals and ecosystems that have been assessed as being at risk of extinction. Assessments consider factors such as population size, distribution, population trends and the threats affecting their survival. Species may be listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable depending on their level of risk.

Threatened animals in the Hills and Fleurieu

The Hills and Fleurieu region is home to 158 threatened animal species, ranging from birds, mammals and reptiles to frogs, fish and invertebrates. Thirty-six species have been identified as regional priorities for conservation action because they face the greatest risk of decline or extinction within the region.

Protecting threatened animals starts with protecting the habitats they rely on. This includes maintaining and restoring native vegetation, wetlands, waterways, coastal environments and other important habitats. Conservation efforts also focus on managing threats such as weeds, pest animals, grazing pressure, habitat disturbance and changes to natural water flows and fire regimes.

Some species require more specialised support. This may include targeted monitoring, habitat restoration, predator control, captive breeding programs and reintroductions to suitable sites. Together, these actions help improve the long-term survival of threatened animals across the Hills and Fleurieu region.

High priority fauna species for conservation across the Hills and Fleurieu

Threatened plants in the Hills and Fleurieu

The Hills and Fleurieu region is home to 186 threatened plant species, from orchids and lilies to shrubs, grasses and trees. Many of these species occur in small, isolated populations and face ongoing pressures from habitat loss, fragmentation and environmental change.

Conserving threatened plants relies on protecting and restoring the native vegetation communities they depend on. This includes managing weeds, pest animals and grazing pressure, improving habitat connectivity, and supporting healthy ecological processes across the landscape.

Some species require more targeted conservation action. This may include seed collection and banking, propagation and revegetation programs, ecological monitoring, habitat restoration and translocations to suitable sites. Together, these efforts help improve the long-term survival of threatened plants across the Hills and Fleurieu region.

High priority plant species for conservation across the Hills and Fleurieu

Threatened ecological communities

A threatened ecological community is a naturally occurring group of plants, animals and other organisms that interact in a particular habitat. Like individual species, ecological communities can become threatened when they are cleared, fragmented or degraded.

The Hills and Fleurieu region contains 13 threatened ecological communities, seven of which have been identified as priorities due to their conservation significance and risk of decline. These communities provide important habitat for many of the region's threatened plants and animals and represent some of South Australia's most distinctive ecosystems.

Priority threatened ecological communities in the Hills and Fleurieu region:

Iron-grass Natural Temperate Grassland of South Australia
Peppermint Box (Eucalyptus odorata) Grassy Woodland of South Australia
Swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula
Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus ovata) Woodlands and Forests of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island
Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-eastern Australia
Subtropical and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh
Eucalyptus dalrympleana subsp. dalrympleana Open Forest on Heavy Soils of Upland Valleys