South Australia is the driest of the Australian states, and the native species found here have, over countless years, adapted to the hot conditions and the low rainfall. It is the policy of the State Government to protect and conserve this diverse variety of habitats and wildlife. It doesn't refer only to rare and endangered forms of life, nor just to big, attractive animals and plants. It includes every living thing, the common, the ordinary, the ugly, and even those organisms invisible to the naked eye. Also, biodiversity refers to more than individual species, and includes the genes they contain, and the ecosystems and habitats of which they form part.
Biodiversity is essential for supporting human life on Earth.
Biodiversity is also important for ensuring agricultural productivity and for the ongoing sustainable use of natural resources. Further, biological diversity ensures clean air and water, and fertile soils. It is the policy of the South Australian Government to conserve the State's unique flora, fauna and habitats. This is being done in many ways. The network of parks has been designed to ensure that samples of the different habitat types are included, and that rare and uncommon species are protected along with the others.