Artificial Nectar Feeders Developed to Aid Wildlife After Bushfires

A research team from the University of Adelaide has developed a device to provide artificial nectar to wildlife in areas affected by bushfires. The development follows recent fires on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, which burned more than 4,500 hectares, including approximately 40% of Deep Creek National Park. Park recovery efforts are ongoing, with most campgrounds now reopened.

Impact of the Fleurieu Peninsula Fires

Recent bushfires on the Fleurieu Peninsula had what the South Australian Department for Environment and Water described as a "significant impact" on local landscapes and native species. The fires burned more than 4,500 hectares of land.

• Habitat Impact: Initial assessments indicated approximately half the known habitat of the endangered southern emu-wren and western beautiful firetail within the park was affected. About 40% of the southern brown bandicoot's park habitat was also impacted.
• Fauna Assessments: Following the fire, around 500 kangaroos were visually assessed; a small number were euthanized due to severe injuries. Some possums, including pygmy possums, were also reported as impacted.
• Park Recovery: Most campgrounds in Deep Creek National Park have reopened, with the exception of the Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi – Eagle Waterhole Campground. Park staff conducted remediation work, including removing hazardous trees and replacing damaged fences, signs, and trail markers.
• Visitor Numbers: During the recent Easter period, there were 700 campground bookings at Deep Creek National Park. A department spokesperson noted this was lower than the 961 bookings recorded in 2025.

Acting Premier Kyam Maher stated he was grateful to firefighters who managed to save an estimated 60% of Deep Creek National Park. He encouraged South Australians to visit, noting that during his own visit over Easter, he observed areas impacted by the fires "already coming back to life."

Wildlife Recovery Initiatives

In response to the fire's impact, several recovery initiatives have been established or are underway.

• Wildlife Recovery Fund: A fund has been established through a partnership between the Nature Foundation and the South Australian state government. Its stated purpose is to support projects that increase the resilience of habitats damaged or destroyed by fire and aid endangered species recovery.
• On-Ground Work: A Department for Environment and Water spokesperson stated that action is underway to support the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board and local landholders in undertaking recovery work.

Development of the Artificial Nectar Feeder

Concurrently, a separate research project at the University of Adelaide has focused on a method to support wildlife nutrition in the immediate aftermath of habitat-destroying fires.

• Device Design: The feeding device, referred to in the research as a "Stonor feeder," was invented by researcher Bernard Stoner. It is constructed from recycled glass bottles and a small vial with a screw-on cap. The vial has a tiny opening that releases an artificial nectar formula when animals feed.
• Research Leadership: The project was led by Dr. Topa Petit (also referred to in some sources as Sophie Petit), a wildlife ecologist and associate professor at the University of Adelaide.
• Research Inspiration: Dr. Petit stated the concept was inspired by the 2019-2020 "Black Summer" bushfires. She noted that after the Kangaroo Island fires, members of the public attempted to feed wildlife, but sometimes used food that was not appropriate for the animals.

The research aimed to establish a correct methodology for supplemental feeding.

The research, published in the Australian Journal of Zoology, found that a post-fire artificial nectar deployment program was feasible.

• The study reported the feeders were used by a range of species including western pygmy-possums, brushtail possums, several bird species, and marbled geckos. The researchers noted this was the first documented observation of marbled geckos feeding on nectar.
• The study concluded the feeder design was practical, low-cost, easy to assemble, and suitable for rapid deployment.

The researchers outlined several factors for effective use.

• Timing: Dr. Petit stated the device's effectiveness depends on timely deployment shortly after a fire, noting that intervention months later when resources are depleted may not be effective.
• Species Interaction: The study noted that certain species, such as the New Holland honeyeater, tended to dominate the feeders, which could exclude other animals.
• Scale and Planning: The researchers concluded that supplementary feeding requires careful planning and monitoring. They stated that for the method to be effective at a meaningful scale, a large-scale operation coordinated by a government department would likely be required.
• Recipe Preference: The study also found that the nectar recipe affects species' preference for the feeder.