Gay and Ian De Mather are the owners of a property situated in Stokes Bay, on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. The property is a residence and dedicated wildlife sanctuary, and the owners intend to continue preserving the property’s natural values for wildlife and their habitat.
The property spans 32 hectares across a coastal clifftop and contains no permanent water sources. Half of the property is set on limestone, with sparse vegetation. The other half is comprised of clay, sandstone and ironstone. Vegetation consists of coastal mallee, she-oak and associated understory species, including small shrubs such as small-leaved mintbush (Prostanthera serpyllifolia). Approximately half of the property is comprised of native grasslands, which provide habitat for bush stone-curlews (Burhinus grallarius).
The property provides habitat for many species including the Kangaroo Island kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus), tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and Rosenberg’s monitor (Varanus rosenbergi). Approximately 30 native birds are also present, including several threatened species.
