The Kalka-Pipalyatjara Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) was dedicated in 2010, and stretches for more than 578,000 hectares across the north-west corner of South Australia. The Tomkinson and Mann Ranges dominate the north-west landscape of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands while in the south, sand dune country with rocky outcrops provides habitat for an unexpected number of plants species. The ranges also provide refuge for one of the few remaining colonies of the warru, black-footed rock-wallaby, which is critically endangered in South Australia.
Nguraritja, Anangu Traditional Owners, have lived off and managed this part of South Australia for tens of thousands of years and the area is full of sacred sites related to Anangu Dreaming – particularly Tjukurpa, law.
The Anangu Land Management Rangers focus on managing weeds, water, and fire as well as monitoring threatened species. Over the last 30 years the weed buffel grass has become established around the Pipalyatjara and Kalka communities and continues to threaten vulnerable landscapes throughout the Kalka-Pipalyatjara IPA. Rangers are working hard to map the extent of the buffel grass and identify priority areas for control. Rockholes are an important part of the IPA both culturally and environmentally, rangers regularly maintain these natural water sources by cleaning them out to ensure that there is clean water available to native animals.
