The Arkaroola Education and Research Foundation has been established with a view to continue to foster an interest in natural science and create a path for young students to pursue careers in the various scientific disciplines.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary acknowledges the Adnyamathanha Peoples as the Traditional Custodians for Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and the surrounding land and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, recognising their continued spiritual relationship and responsibilities for Country. We would also like to recognise the Adnyamuthanha people who contributed to the establishment of Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and those who continue to this day.


Considered to be an area of great natural importance since the 1920s, at Arkaroola, science, education and conservation have always been at the forefront of Arkaroola's mission. Geologist and antarctic pioneer Professor Sir Douglas Mawson considered the area of great natural importance and referred to it as ”one great outdoor museum”. In the following decades Dr. Reg Sprigg, continued to champion the region eventually purchasing the 'Arkaroola Pastoral Lease' in 1967.


Reg's vision for tourism to support conservation and scientific research continues to this day. The Foundation was established in 2015 to protect Arkaroola for future generations, to help fund this work, $5 from every person per tour is donated to the Foundation.

 

Key Deliverables

The foundation provides assistance for researchers from various sciences to conduct field work here at the sanctuary. Research projects in botany, geology and paleontology are conducted at Arkaroola with local and international university groups having undertaken and continue to conduct field research with the assistance of the foundation. The Arkaroola Education and Research Foundation welcomes expressions of interest from Educational Organizations, Scientific Bodies and individuals alike. Please contact Arkaroola for more information.

 

  • Research in botany geology and palaeontology
  • Research into invasive species and the conservation of native species
  • The eradication of feral animals and invasive plant species
  • Facilitate continuing education with schools and tertiary institutions in the natural sciences including astronomy, geology and biology

 

 

Case Studies

  • SA ARID Lands Landscape Board Opuntoid cacti biocontrol  - Paul Hodges
  • Short-tailed Grasswren Survey - Ashwin Rudder and Sam Gordon
    Ecologists Ashwin Rudder and Sam Gordon visited Arkaroola in June 2022 to survey Short-tailed Grasswrens (
    Amytornis merrotsyi merrotsyi). This species of grasswren live in spinifex covered hillsides and protected gullies of the Flinders Ranges and the Gawler Ranges. The DEW survey of the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park and Arkaroola was to identify critical habitat and monitor the health of the grasswren population.
    Ashwin and Sam were pleased with the results on Arkaroola, finding them in 5 of the 8 areas searched, and despite very windy conditions on the first day. They concluded that the extensive Spinifex provided great habitat for these Vulnerable birds and that they appear to be doing well despite the recent severe drought. This is great news to us, particularly as our Ridgetop drivers reported very few sightings during and since the drought.

Share by: