Kangaroo Island (4,405 km²) is Australia’s third largest island and a nationally recognised priority place for biodiversity under the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan. With globally significant conservation values and species found nowhere else on earth, it is a critical refuge for threatened wildlife.
The Kangaroo Island Landscape Board partners with landholders, industry, conservation organisations and community to deliver targeted, evidence-based programs that achieve measurable biodiversity gains, strengthen natural capital and build long-term landscape resilience — working together for healthy land and sea.
SIZE: Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island (4,405 km²) and six times the size of Singapore, offering a diverse and largely intact landscape of national environmental significance.
COASTLINE: With 509 km of coastline, Kangaroo Island features globally significant coastal and marine environments, dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches and productive fisheries that underpin both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
NATIONAL PARKS: National and conservation parks cover almost one-third of Kangaroo Island, protecting iconic landscapes, critical habitat and ecological communities found nowhere else on earth, and supporting world-class nature-based experiences.
Our community has a close connection to the healthy, natural environment that supports its economy, well-being and lifestyle.
The Board is uniquely positioned to work with all sectors of the community, across all land tenures, to engage with and support landholders and community groups to understand, value, and take care of the island’s landscapes. The Board is also well placed to learn from the community and to make sure that decisions concerning the island’s landscapes are made based on the best available local and scientific knowledge.
Connecting with the island’s community and reacting to the environment’s priorities, the Board aims to create a thriving, sustainable future for our island.
Kangaroo Island is internationally recognised for its biodiversity and high level of native vegetation cover (approximately 48%) — the highest of any agricultural region in South Australia.
The island supports 45 plant species found nowhere else, endemic invertebrates and fungi, and distinct island subspecies of mammals and birds. Approximately 65% of remaining native vegetation is protected under public or private agreements.
The Board partners with landholders and communities to deliver targeted conservation programs that strengthen terrestrial and marine ecosystems and improve biodiversity outcomes at scale.
Primary production and tourism underpin the island’s economy. Agriculture and fisheries manage approximately 70% of the land and contribute more than half of local economic output. Sheep (meat and wool), beef cattle, cropping, eggs, horticulture, honey, forestry, viticulture, fishing and aquaculture all rely on healthy soils, reliable water and effective biosecurity.
The Board works with producers to strengthen sustainability, productivity and climate resilience, supporting industries that are both economically competitive and environmentally responsible.
Clean and reliable water is fundamental to Kangaroo Island’s environment and economy. Surface water captured in farm dams supports primary production, SA Water supplies townships, and nearly half the population relies on rainwater for drinking. The island’s 5,700 km of watercourses nourish wetlands and estuaries, many recognised as nationally significant for biodiversity.
The Board prioritises sustainable and equitable water management to protect ecosystems while supporting community and industry needs.
Preventing and managing pest plants, animals and diseases is critical to protecting Kangaroo Island’s biodiversity and economy. Prevention remains the most cost-effective strategy, particularly for an island landscape.
Where pests are established, the Board undertakes strategic control, containment and eradication programs across terrestrial and marine environments to reduce impacts, safeguard native species and strengthen biosecurity.
Kangaroo Island Council
Kangaroo Island contributing to natural resource management outcomes
We partner with landholders, community groups, non-government and government agencies to deliver projects that nurture Kangaroo Island’s landscapes to create a thriving, sustainable future.
Kangaroo Island’s contributions to NRM shared knowledge across Australia
Kangaroo Island’s contributions to our national NRM snapshots
