A tiny fish once at the brink of extinction in South Australia is making an inspiring comeback in the Far North, thanks to bold conservation efforts that are helping wildlife adapt to a changing climate.
The Flinders Ranges Purple-spotted Gudgeon - also known as wirti udla varri - has more than doubled its population at two key creek systems since being reintroduced in 2021.
The number of Flinders Ranges purple-spotted gudgeons has more than doubled to about 1300 at Bunyeroo Creek in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and Hookina Creek on Yappala Indigenous Protected Area since their May 2021 translocation.
“It is heartening to see conservation efforts have resulted in a sizeable increase in the number of Purple-spotted Gudgeons being recorded in the Flinders Ranges.” said Deputy Premier Susan Close.
“Climate change is a genuine threat to our native animals and plants, and the work undertaken by Bounceback is vital for ensuring their viability now and in the future."
It is one of 11 ‘Bounceback’ projects the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and philanthropic conservation organisation Foundation for Australia’s Most Endangered Species (FAME) are undertaking in the Flinders, Gawler and Gammon ranges over three years.
The same partnership has already successfully reintroduced western quolls and brushtail possums to the Flinders Ranges, and is working to establish red-tailed phascogales in the Gawler Ranges.
The projects help increase climate resilience and create potential refuges for species reliant on cooler, wetter, higher areas of the Flinders Ranges.
About 600 fish were moved from Weetootla Spring at Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park and Nepowie Spring at Wooltana Station as part of Bounceback.
“We are delighted that the survey results show the translocations of Purple-spotted Gudgeons have succeeded at both sites," said Rob Brandle, NPWS Senior Conservation Ecologist.
“The post-2022 floods and current dry conditions highlight the species’ resilience to a changing climate and gives us confidence about their future.”
The Flinders Ranges purple-spotted gudgeon (wirti udla varri), also known as the Flinders Ranges Mogurnda, is listed as critically endangered in South Australia.
Increased numbers and mix of sizes show the translocations have produced self-sustaining populations that help increase resilience to climate change by reducing the risk of extinction if the original springs dried during an intense drought.
To support long-term success, scientists also collected DNA samples during the most recent surveys. These will be analysed to understand the population’s genetic health, helping guide future management and identify whether intervention or mixing may be needed to ensure genetic diversity.
“What we’re seeing isn’t just the return of a small, critically endangered fish, it’s a signal that tenacious ecosystems can be rebuilt,” said Tracy McNamara, Chief Executive of FAME.
“With bold vision, deep collaboration and decisive action, we can give species the best chance to adapt and survive in a changing climate.”
Image Credit: Department for Environment and Water and G Scholz
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