Happy Endangered Species Day!
Every year, Endangered Species Day shines a spotlight on the plants and animals that need a little extra projection. Here in Narrandera, we’re lucky to share our corner of the world with some truly remarkable species.
Koala in the Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve
Of course, many visitors already know Narrandera for its koala colony. Once considered locally extinct, koalas were reintroduced to the Flora and Fauna Reserve in the 1970s as part of a groundbreaking conservation effort. Today, the colony has grown to more than 300 wild koalas, making it one of Australia’s great conservation success stories.
The reserve itself forms part of the longest continuous stretch of river red gum forest in the world, creating important habitat, not only for koalas, but for a range of threatened native species. So, while our koalas might get most of the attention, they’re far from the only locals worth celebrating.
Spider Orchids along the Bundidgerry Walking Track
Endangered Species Found in the Narrandera Ranges and South-West Slopes
Our little part of the Riverina is home to a diverse range of endangered plants and animals, including:
Koalas (of course)
Sand-hill Spider Orchids
Crimson Spider Orchid
Large-eared Pied Bat
Small Scurf-pea
Swift Parrot
Bush Stone-curlew
Australian Bittern
White-browed Treecreeper
Fleshy Minuria
Malleefowl
Winged Peppercress
Lanky Buttons
Black-tailed Godwit
Southern Bell Frog
South-eastern Hooded Robin
Squirrel Glider
Austral Pillwort
Australian Painted-snipe
Small Purple-pea
Round-leafed Wilsonia
Regent Honeyeater
Gang-gang Cockatoo
Sloane’s Froglet
Holly-leaf Grevillea
Curlew Sandpiper
Cocoparra Pomaderris
Grey Snake
Common Greenshank
These species play an important role in the health of local ecosystems. From wetlands and woodlands to grasslands and river environments, and their presence here is a reminder of just how environmentally significant this region is.
The Koala Count is one of Australia’s longest-running citizen science events.
Conservation in Action
Narrandera’s conservation story is still being written. Community groups, environmental organisations, researchers, volunteers, and local residents all continue to play a role in protecting habitat, monitoring wildlife populations and supporting long-term conservation efforts across the Riverina.
One of the most well-known examples is the Koala Festival. Held each spring, community and visitors come together for a weekend of celebration, conservation, and education. The annual koala count on day two of the festival is one of Australia’s longest-running citizen science events, having been held in Narrandera (weather permitting) since 1979.
Visitors can experience the Flora and Fauna Reserve year-round via walking and cycling tracks, fantastic sandy river beaches, picnic areas, and birdwatching opportunities, all surrounded by towering river red gums and abundant wildlife.
So, this Endangered Species Day, consider it your remind to slow down, look a little closer, and appreciate the remarkable species sharing the landscape around us.