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Biodiversity in Marion

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the incredible variety of life on our planet. It includes everything from tiny microorganisms to the animals and plants we see every day. Biodiversity around the City of Marion helps regulate our climate, clean our air and water, provides us with food, medicine, materials and supports our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

The City of Marion has many special places like the Sturt River, Warriparinga Wetlands, Oaklands Wetlands, Coastal Walking Trail which support amazing plants and animals. These areas are sanctuaries, each playing a unique role in maintaining the health and balance of our local ecosystems.

Rakali Photo credit Svetlana Cook Diamond sand skipper Photo credit Matt Endacott Bearded Dragon Common Everlasting Creamy Candles (Stackhousia monogyna) Goodenia amplexans

Biodiversity Plan 2024-2029

The City of Marion Biodiversity Plan 2024-2029 will provide the overarching framework to assist management, enhancement and protection of natural areas and biodiversity for the next 5 years.

The plan addresses the need for consideration of biodiversity within the context of council’s management and operations by identifying values and issues and presenting strategies and actions that can be undertaken.

Protecting the natural environment and improving connection with nature are key elements of the City of Marion Community Vision; 'A liveable, sustainable community.'

Council has committed to deliver this Biodiversity Plan as a priority in the City of Marion Business Plan 2023–2027 in response to feedback from our community identifying improved open spaces and environments as a top priority for the next 4 years.

Special animals and plants in the City of Marion

Amazing animals
  • Superb Fairywren (Malurus cyaneus): This small, colourful bird lives along the Sturt River at places like Warriparinga Wetlands, Trott Park and Oaklands Wetlands. It's a joy to see and plays a part in maintaining the balance of our woodlands.
  • Nankeen Night Heron (Nycticorax caledonicus): Along the Field River, this bird preys on fish, frogs and freshwater invertebrates helping keep our aquatic ecosystems in balance.
  • Rakali: The Rakali is an Australian native rodent or water rat which lives in burrows along the banks of the Sturt and Field Rivers. Rakali’s are known to feast on the highly poisonous cane toad without being poisoned!
  • Diamond Sand-skipper butterfly (Antipoda atralba): This butterfly is found at Hallett Headland Bush for Life volunteer site and relies on the desert saw-sedge for its survival. This butterfly is an important pollinator, allowing other species to reproduce.
  • Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus): The Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo can be distinguished by its black feathers with yellow on their cheek and tail. This bird relies on trees and shrubs around City of Marion for food and shelter.
  • Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata): The Eastern Bearded Dragon has been spotted in our biodiversity reserves. Thriving in open forests, heathlands and scrub, the Eastern Bearded Dragon usually perches on exposed branches and logs.
Incredible plants
  • Goodenia: With beautiful yellow or white flowers, these native plants add beauty to our grasslands. You can find these flowers across our coast including Roy Lander Reserve and Hallett Headland.
  • River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis): You can find majestic River Red Gums along the Sturt River. These trees can be over 150 years old and produce hollows which provide an important home for local wildlife.
  • Pale Fanflower (Scaevola albida): This beautiful groundcover plant has white fan-shaped flowers and attracts native butterflies and other important insects.
  • Creamy Candles (Stackhousia monogyna): Creamy Candles, renowned for their sweet-smelling and cream-colored flowers, are found at various grassland reserves throughout the City of Marion. This species is important as it provides nectar for native butterflies.
  • Narrow-leaf Fox tail (Ptilotus angustifolius): This is one of the most impressive and beautiful plants found in the City of Marion. For a chance to witness this remarkable plant, explore the coastal heathlands at Marine Parade Reserve, Glade Crescent Reserve and Lucretia Way Reserve.
Where can I find biodiversity in the City of Marion?
  • Hallett Headland: This stunning reserve contains over 100 native plant species and over 30 species considered to be of conservation significance in the Mount Lofty Ranges!
  • Marine Parade Reserve: Walk through Marine Parade Reserve as you make your way along the Coastal Walking Trail. Marine Parade Reserve contains unique coastal vegetation and beautiful coastal views!
  • Glade Crescent Reserve: a 10-hectare site which contains a large patch of remnant vegetation along Waterfall Creek. There are over 40 native plants in the reserve and the reserve is a critical linkage of plants and animals from the coast to the hills.
  • Morphett Road Reserve: is a large patch adjacent the recreation park, that contains native grasses and flowers.
  • Cormorant Drive Reserve: The Lower Field River flows through Cormorant Drive Reserve. The Field River is lined with beautiful River Red gums and the steep banks contain important grasses.
  • Kurnabinna Gully Coastal Reserve: See if you can spot the rare plant called Rock Sida, distinguished by its unique yellow leaves and furry fruit!
  • Oaklands and Warriparinga Wetlands: Are natural open spaces which are home to a diversity of wildlife including birds, aquatic life and protected species.
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