Threatened fish species find a home with Zoos SA and SA Water

A long-standing partnership between SA Water and Zoos South Australia is helping secure a future for some of Australia’s most threatened freshwater fish species.

The collaborative effort together with the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, and Nature Glenelg Trust is breathing new life into habitats for native fish in 4 waterholes across Monarto Safari Park fed by raw water from the River Murray.

The initiative involves the stocking of species including the Murray Hardyhead, Southern Purple-spotted Gudgeon and Yarra Pygmy Perch – all of which are listed as endangered or vulnerable.

The partnership with Zoos SA sees SA Water supply 55 million litres of untreated River Murray water to the park’s expansive 1500-hectare site which supports a range of animals such as Nile Hippos, Southern White Rhinos and Asian Elephants, and overall operations.

The water enables the zoo to maintain wetland environments around the waterholes including four that support these small-bodied freshwater fish.

SA Water’s General Manager of Customer, Community and Engagement David Coombe said the utility is proud to support a project that highlights the power of water to connect, conserve and create impact well beyond the tap.

“Water plays a vital role in sustaining all forms of life, and our partnership with Zoos SA is a fantastic example of how we can work together to support biodiversity and build resilience in the face of environmental challenges,” David said.

“By delivering raw River Murray water to Monarto, we’re helping to provide stable, secure aquatic environments where these vulnerable fish can thrive.

“Collaborations like this are critical in preserving South Australia’s unique ecosystems, particularly as climate challenges and habitat impacts continue to threaten native species.”

In addition to fish, many species of aquatic birds, amphibians and insects also benefit from this initiative.

The fish conservation program at Monarto is part of a wider recovery strategy developed in response to impacts of the Millenium Drought, when several small-bodied native fish species – including 3 of the so-called ‘Big Little Four’ – disappeared from key parts of the Murray-Darling Basin.

With the support of ecologists, landowners, schools and organisations like Zoos SA, these species are now making a remarkable comeback through backup breeding populations, habitat restoration and targeted reintroductions.

Zoos SA Conservation Manager Mark Smith said the waterholes at Monarto play a crucial role in securing a future for some of Australia’s most threatened aquatic species.

“We’re incredibly proud of what’s being achieved here, and SA Water’s support is a big part of that success,” Mark said.

“The Southern Purple-spotted Gudgeon for example, was once thought to be extinct in South Australia, but through collaborative efforts we now have established populations at Monarto Safari Park and are working toward reintroduction into natural habitats.

“Having access to a reliable supply of raw water is essential for maintaining the health of these waterholes, which provide breeding refuges for species that would otherwise have no safe place to recover and grow.”

Nature Glenelg Trust Senior Aquatic Ecologist Dr Sylvia Zukowski said 4 waterholes at Monarto Safari Park have thriving fish stocks including one waterhole with Murray Hardyhead, one with Yarra Pygmy Perch and 2 with Southern Purple-spotted Gudgeon.

“Our recent global study has shown that 37 per cent of Australia’s assessed native freshwater fishes are threatened,” Sylvia said.

“Local extinctions are occurring and urgent conservation programs such as these surrogate wetlands, and reintroductions for fish species including Murray Hardyhead, Southern Purple-spotted Gudgeon and Yarra Pygmy Perch are critical to ensure sustainable populations.”

Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board Wetland Ecologist Sam Hardy said the reliable delivery of fit-for-purpose water to the waterholes at Monarto supports the increasing network to support fish species’ revival.

“Growing our sites where we can breed these fish and build up their numbers and genetic diversity in a safe, protected environment is fantastic so we can eventually start to reintroduce them to the wild,” Sam said.

Contact: Tara Miko

Phone: 0448951418

Email: tara.miko@sawater.com.au