Plants
The most common tree that can be seen in the Park is the Western Myall, Acacia papyrocarpa. These majestic trees with their dome shaped canopy and silver-grey foliage can live to be over 250 years old. Sugarwoods, Bullock Bushes, Native Apricots, Quandongs and Black Oaks can also be found in many areas and Saltbush and Bluebush dominate the understorey.
Despite the apparent harsh conditions, wildflowers such as Fringe-lilies and Paper-daisies can be found throughout the Park, mainly in spring. Delicate lilac Rock Isotomes flower almost constantly at the top of Wild Dog Hill, whilst the tube like flowers of Emu Bushes can be found throughout the Park.
The lichens on rocks, trees and covering the ground within the Park are some of the best examples in the world.
Animals
Red and Grey Kangaroos are found in the park, and Euros can sometimes be seen on the slopes of Wild Dog Hill at sunset. Smaller, inconspicuous mammals are also present; the Common Dunnart is a carnivorous mouse sized marsupial which eats grasshoppers and small lizards.
Over 80 species of birds have been observed in the Park. Wedge-tailed Eagles and Australian Kestrels can sometimes be seen soaring in the thermals over Wild Dog Hill. The beautiful song of the Grey Butcherbird is frequently heard.
Whyalla Conservation Park is also home to some rarer bird species including the Western Grasswren, Slender-billed thornbill, Hooded Robin and Elegant Parrots. Other bird species that can be seen more regularly include the Crested Pigeon, White-browed Babbler, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater and the Black-faced Woodswallow. More than 20 species of reptiles have been recorded in the Park. The Western Brown Snake, Bearded Dragon, Western Bluetongue and Sleepy Lizard are the most commonly seen species. When disturbed, small Striped Skinks scuttle for cover in the undergrowth.
Flora and fauna species lists
To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the 'Create Simple Species List' tab under 'Flora Tools' or 'Fauna Tools' in NatureMaps.