Biodiversity
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Extent and condition of remnant vegetation
The extent and condition of native vegetation is considered the best available
measure currently available to determine the condition of ecosystem diversity
according to the State of the Environment Report for South Australia.
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Status of ecosystem-specific faunal or floral indicator species
The status of species, including the number of species considered extinct,
endangered or vulnerable over time is the best available measure of the rate of
decline of species, but not ideal in some occasions. In South Australia the term
threatened species
refers to those that are classified as rare, vulnerable or
endangered (including extinct) under the
National Parks and Wildlife Act (1972).
Pressure indicators
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Restricted land area for terrestrial plant and animal migrations.
This is due to the high edge-to-area ratio that many of Council's natural
reserves consist of, resulting in significant interface with other land uses.
Impacts from surrounding land uses require management to minimise
detrimental effects to vegetation and to support natural diversity and long term
viability of the species. The small size of Council's reserves limits natural
seeding and reproduction and the capacity of the habitat to support fauna that
require territory or corridors for feeding, breeding and migration.
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Distribution of pest species.
Key exotic flora species such as -
Trachyandra divaricata (
Dune Onion Weed)
require the development of costly and long-term eradication plans. Weeds such
as these need to be acted on before their reproduction becomes out of control.
Current condition of biodiversity
This section summarises the current knowledge regarding native flora and
fauna, habitat diversity, introduced species and threatened species within
significant areas of the City. These significant areas are categorised as (1)
wetlands and coastal areas, and (2) the plains. The environmental indicators of
biodiversity are addressed below.
Condition Indicator:
Extent and condition of remnant vegetation
This indicator is considered the best available measure of the condition of
terrestrial biodiversity. The City of Port Adelaide Enfield has a number of
biodiversity monitoring sites located along the coastal sand dunes, estuary
areas, inland rivers and in other valuable remnant vegetation sites. Each of
these monitoring sites represents a different bio-region within the Council. A
