We are going through the worst drought here in outback South Australia since the Arid Recovery Reserve was established. For two years we’ve received only 90 mm of rain (in total), well below the average, and there’s no relief forecast on the horizon. We’re looking into the abyss of a brutally hot and dry summer. Years of less than 100 mm rainfall (in red) have been historically rare in our region but we’ve received only 90 mm in two years over 2018 and 2019.

Our fenced reserve is constantly under threat. Every night, cats and rabbits patrol the outside of the predator-proof fence looking for weaknesses. And unfortunately, the region’s soils work against us, constantly eating the steel in the fence as what must be some of the most corrosive soils in Australia.

Meet the Australian bilby! These long-eared marsupials are one of the cutest species in the country, and they’re vitally important to arid ecosystems where they’re diggings help to trap resources, turn over soil, and even provide refuge for other species. They’re so important that they’re called “ecosystem engineers”.

Arid Recovery is on the country of the Kokatha people. Kokatha country extends north of Port Augusta, bounded by Lake Torrens to the east and the Gawler Ranges to the west. We recognise the enduring relationship they have with their country and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.

2018 was a big year. After two years of trials and research, it was time to officially reintroduce Western Quolls to the Arid Recovery Reserve. In May, it happened. 12 quolls made the journey back to the outback, eight females and four males.