IUCN Management Category No information

Biogeographical Province 6.10.7

Geographical Location 31°32'S, 138°43'E. County Taunton, Hundreds Edeowie, Section 148; Bunyeroo, Section 177; Parachilna, Section 61; out of Hundreds, Secrions 106, 333, 473, 480.

Date and History of Establishment Partially established 1945, total area established 1970.

Area 78,426 ha.

Land Tenure Reserve under the National Parks and Wildlife Act (SA) 1972-81.

Altitude 230 to 1,111 m.

Physical Features Prominent quartzite hogback ridges with narrow intervening valleys and local basins. In the south it is dominated by Wilpena Pound - a basin clearly outlined by the Pound Range. To the north lie the Heysen, ABC and Tregona Ranges, separated by the Bunyeroo and Aroona valleys and cut by the spectacular Edeowie, Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges. The remainder of the park is a complex of undulating plains and low hills with limestone or sandstone ridges.

Climate No information

Vegetation The endangered plants Acacia havilandii, A. pravifolia and Codonocarpus pyramidalis occur in the park. The park has a mixed cover of tall shrubland and open woodland with an understorey of grasses, low chenopods and ephemeral forbs. The park is renowned for its spring wild flowers.

Fauna The rare yellow-footed rock wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus) is present in most rocky areas and the striated grasswren (Amytornis striatus) has been collected from the Bunyeroo Valley. Two other species of macropods are present along with a large populations of emus.

Cultural Heritage No information

Local Human Population No information

Visitors and Visitor Facilities No information

Scientific Research and Facilities An intensive research programme by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (SA) has culminated in a Draft Management Plan for the park (1979). The Nature Conservation Society conducted an intensive survey of the park resulting in numerous publications (1971). Continuing research by Adelaide University, Salisbury C.A.E. and numerous postgraduate researchers.

Nil.

Conservation Value No information

Conservation Management Total.

The park has 3 zones: (1) 2 development zones; one at the Wilpena Chalet/campground and the second at the Oraparinna HQ. (2) natural area zone; access on vehicular roads, horse trails and hiking. Bush camping permitted in selected localities - majority of park excluding the high country, the gorges and the pound. (3) Limited access zone; only access for walkers or emergency ranger access [areas not included in (1) and (2)].

Management Constraints The majority of the park is or was used for grazing, hence many weeks have been introduced and vegetation changes have occurred. Feral goats and cats along with foxes and rabbits still live in the area. A large motel/shop area near the pound with associated campground and facilities has resulted in a somewhat disturbed area which is being rehabilitated. Two areas are excluded from the park for mining purposes.

Staff 1 Ranger Gr. II; 2 Rangers Gr. I; 2 park keepers; 1 maintenance worker.

Budget $170,709 (1980/81).

Local Addresses

Administered from the NPWS Northern Regional Office, Port Augusta, by Regional Superintendent G. Richardson.

References

NPWS (SA). Flinders Ranges National Park (SA) Draft management Plan 1979. Laut et al. (1977). Environments of S.A. Province 6 Flinders Ranges. Cottington, M. (compiler). The Flinders Ranges - a selective bibliography.

Date 3rd June 1981.