Kangaroo Island has retained close to 50% of the original vegetation in a mix of National and Conservation Parks, roadside reserves and a large complement on private property. The underlying geology is quite diverse as are the resultant soils. The rainfall is also quite variable across the Island and the fusion of factors has resulted in a diversity of habitat types. This, combined with a relatively small number of introduced pest plants and animals, means our native wildlife species thrive. The long period of isolation from the mainland (last connected at the peak of the most recent ice-age about 18,000 years ago) has meant that our plants and animals have evolved to be distinctly different from the adjacent mainland. Many animals are distinct to sub-species and over 50 plant species are found nowhere else on earth.
We have compiled lists of all species encountered on Kangaroo Island and the surrounding waters. This is presented as 2 separate lists - birds and other vertebrates. Please select the button below to access the list which interests you.
