Kangaroo Island and other regions affected by the summer bushfires are set to benefit from wildlife recovery grants.

Landholders, community groups and researchers can now apply for bushfire recovery grants of up to $50,000 to help re-establish native habitat and support threatened and vulnerable native animals in South Australia.

The first round of the $400,000 Wildlife Recovery Fund is open for applicants to support the recovery of South Australia’s bushfire-affected plants and animals.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs says nearly 300,000 hectares in South Australia was devastated by the summer’s bushfires, including around 90,000 hectares in national parks.

“These grants are for landholders, community groups, and other organisations to deliver bushfire recovery projects such as native plant regeneration, feral animal and weed control, as well as projects to support species recovery like monitoring projects.

“Projects that improve scientific knowledge of habitat and native plant and animal bushfire resilience and recovery are also encouraged. The state government will work with Nature Foundation and the Wildlife and Habitat Recovery Taskforce to ensure sound planning, good science and local advice is used to allocate funds wisely, for the greatest benefits.”

Nature Foundation Chair Jan Ferguson OAM says the supportive community response to the Wildlife Recovery Fund following the South Australian bushfires has been incredible.

“The Fund has attracted wonderfully generous donations from across Australia and overseas with 100 per cent of donations going towards wildlife and habitat recovery work. Applicants can apply for funds up to $50,000 for activities to support the recovery of plants and animals.”

Wildlife and Habitat Recovery Taskforce chair Dr Felicity-Ann Lewis says the taskforce provides coordination for the recovery of South Australia’s natural environment after the bushfires.

“The Wildlife and Habitat Recovery Taskforce ensures a coordinated approach across all levels of government and non-government organisations to deliver the best result for South Australia’s native plant and animal recovery.

“Local landholders, farmers and community groups in bushfire-affected areas, as well as research institutions, not-for-profit organisations, and landscape boards are eligible to apply for grants.”

Applications close at 5pm on 12 June; Successful applicants will be announced in July. For more information, to apply for a grant or to make a donation visit the Nature Foundation website.