View source for Kangaroo Island

{{short description|Island in South Australia}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2011}}
{{Infobox islands
| name = Kangaroo Island
| image_name = Flinders Chase National Park 01.jpg
| image_caption = View of the south west of the island
| map_image = Kangaroo_Island_Zoom.png
| pushpin_map = Australia South Australia#Australia
| pushpin_label = Kangaroo Island
| pushpin_label_position = bottom
| pushpin_map_alt = 
| pushpin_relief = 1
| pushpin_map_caption = 
| location = [[Great Australian Bight]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|35|48|S|137|18|E|type:isle_region:AU-SA|display=inline,title}}
| area_km2 = 4405
| length_km = 145
| width_min_km = 0.9
| width_max_km = 54
| width_footnotes = 
| coastline_km = 540
| elevation_m = 307
| country = Australia
| country_admin_divisions_title = State
| country_admin_divisions = [[South Australia]]
| country_admin_divisions_title_1 = [[Local government in Australia|LGA]]
| country_admin_divisions_1 = [[Kangaroo Island Council]]
| country_largest_city = [[Kingscote, South Australia|Kingscote]]
| country_largest_city_population =1962<ref>{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL40697 |name=Kingscote |accessdate=9 September 2022|quick=on }}</ref>
| population = 4,894|population_as_of = 2021
| density_km2 = 1.07
| ethnic_groups = 
}}
'''Kangaroo Island''' ({{langx|zku|Karta Pintingga}}, {{lit|Island of the Dead}})<ref name=":1"/> is [[Australia]]'s third-largest [[island]], after [[Tasmania]] and [[Melville Island, Northern Territory|Melville Island]]. It lies in the state of [[South Australia]], {{convert|112|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} southwest of [[Adelaide]]. Its closest point to the mainland is Snapper Point in [[Backstairs Passage]], which is {{convert|13.5|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} from the [[Fleurieu Peninsula]].

The native population that once occupied the island (sometimes referred to as the Kartan people) disappeared from the archaeological record sometime after the land became an island<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Walshe |first=Keryn |date=2005 |title=Indigenous Archaeological Sites and the Black Swamp Fossil Bed: Rocky River Precinct, Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island, South Australia |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/03122417.2005.11681808 |journal=Australian Archaeology |language=en |volume=60 |issue=1 |pages=61–64 |doi=10.1080/03122417.2005.11681808 |s2cid=143379553 |issn=0312-2417 |access-date=15 August 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224225925/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03122417.2005.11681808 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref> following the [[sea level rise|rising sea levels]] associated with the [[Last Glacial Period]] around 10,000 years ago. It was subsequently settled intermittently by sealers and whalers in the early 19th century, and from 1836 on a permanent basis during the [[British colonisation of South Australia]].

Since then the island's economy has been principally agricultural, with a [[Jasus edwardsii|southern rock lobster]] fishery and with tourism growing in importance. The largest town, and the administrative centre, is [[Kingscote, South Australia|Kingscote]]. The island has several nature reserves to protect the remnants of its natural vegetation and native animals, with the largest and best-known being [[Flinders Chase National Park]] at the western end.

==Description==
[[File:KangarooIslandMap.png|thumb|Kangaroo Island]]
[[File:Kangaroo Island kangaroos.jpg|thumbnail|Open woodland with kangaroos]]
The island is {{convert|145|km}} long west/east and between {{convert|0.94|and|54|km|mi|abbr=on|0}} from its narrowest to widest north/south points. Its area covers {{convert|4405|km2|abbr=on|0}}. Its coastline is {{convert|540|km|mi|abbr=on|0}} long, and its highest point of 307 metres (1007&nbsp;ft)<ref name="peakbagger">{{Cite web |url=https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=45575 |title=Kangaroo Island High Point |website=www.peakbagger.com |access-date=25 January 2020 |archive-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721221547/https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=45575 |url-status=live }}</ref> is in Flinders Chase National Park, west of the junction of the Playford and West End Highways. The second highest point is Mount MacDonnell at {{convert|299|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} [[above sea level]].<ref>{{cite enroute|175|2017|217 }}</ref> It is separated from [[Yorke Peninsula]] to the northwest by [[Investigator Strait]] and from Fleurieu Peninsula to the northeast by [[Backstairs Passage]]. A group of islets, [[the Pages]], lie off the eastern end of the island.

==History==
===Aboriginal use and occupation ===
Kangaroo Island separated from mainland Australia around 10,000 years ago, due to rising sea level after the [[last glacial period]]. Known as (Karta) Pintingga ('Island of the Dead') by the mainland [[Aboriginal Australians |Aboriginal peoples]], the existence of [[Kartan industry|stone tools]] and [[shell midden]]s shows that Aboriginal people once lived on Kangaroo Island.<ref>{{cite book |first=Rebe |last=Taylor |author-link=Rebe Taylor |title=Unearthed: The Aboriginal Tasmanians of Kangaroo Island |publisher=Wakefield Press |place=Kent Town |year=2002 |isbn=1-86254-552-9 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web |url=https://www.jamestylor.com/karta-the-island-of-the-dead.html |title=karta (the island of the dead) |first=James |last=Tylor |access-date=8 December 2020 |archive-date=5 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205082338/https://www.jamestylor.com/karta-the-island-of-the-dead.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It is thought that they occupied it as long ago as 16,000 years before the present and may have only disappeared from the island as recently as 2000 years ago.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kangarooisland.partica.online/2017-kangaroo-island-visitor-guide/kangaroo-island-visitor-guide/history-heritage/history-heritage |title=Kangaroo Island Visitor Guide |access-date=21 January 2018 |archive-date=22 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122072720/https://kangarooisland.partica.online/2017-kangaroo-island-visitor-guide/kangaroo-island-visitor-guide/history-heritage/history-heritage |url-status=live }}</ref> There is however evidence of the Kartan people on the mainland, for instance at [[Hallett Cove, South Australia|Hallett Cove]].<ref>{{cite report |url=https://cdn.marion.sa.gov.au/sp/Hallett-Cove-Beach-Coastal-Management-Study-Report.pdf |title=Coastal Management Study, Hallett Cove, SA |publisher=Coastal Environment Pty Ltd |series=Report No. R11-008-01-01 |quote=Prepared for the [[City of Marion]] |date=14 June 2012 |access-date=15 Nov 2020 |archive-date=16 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116070445/https://cdn.marion.sa.gov.au/sp/Hallett-Cove-Beach-Coastal-Management-Study-Report.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

A mainland Aboriginal [[The Dreaming|dreaming]] story tells of the Backstairs Passage flooding:<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.austhrutime.com/karta_island_of_the_dead.htm |title=Karta: Island of the Dead - Kangaroo Island |website=www.austhrutime.com |access-date=7 August 2021 |archive-date=26 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170726065141/http://austhrutime.com/karta_island_of_the_dead.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

<blockquote>Long ago, Ngurunderi's two wives ran away from him, and he was forced to follow them. He pursued them and as he did so he crossed [[Lake Albert (South Australia)|Lake Albert]] and went along the beach to [[Cape Jervis (headland)|Cape Jervis]]. When he arrived there he saw his wives wading half-way across the shallow channel which divided Naroongowie from the mainland. He was determined to punish his wives, and angrily ordered the water to rise up and drown them. With a terrific rush the waters roared and the women were carried back towards the mainland. Although they tried frantically to swim against the tidal wave they were powerless to do so and were drowned.</blockquote>

===European settlement===
[[File:B-19481.jpeg|thumb|Loading grain from horsedrawn wagons to the ketch ''Free Selector'']]
{{main |British colonisation of South Australia}} 
On 23 March 1802, British explorer [[Matthew Flinders]], commanding {{HMS|Investigator|1798|6}}, named the land "Kanguroo ''(sic)'' Island",<ref>{{cite web |publisher=State Library of South Australia |title=Transcription of Journal of Matthew Flinders |access-date=17 June 2008 |pages=170 |date=23 March 1802 |url=http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/encounter/collection/ocr_text/B12985211_263.htm |archive-date=2 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202032105/http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/encounter/collection/ocr_text/B12985211_263.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> due to the endemic subspecies of the [[western grey kangaroo]], ''Macropus fuliginosus fuliginosus'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reptilepark.com.au/animalprofile.asp?id=222 |title=Kangaroo Island kangaroo – Macropus fuliginosus |publisher=Australia Reptile Park |access-date=28 January 2013 |archive-date=26 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226030952/http://www.reptilepark.com.au/animalprofile.asp?id=222 |url-status=dead }}</ref> after landing near [[Kangaroo Head]] on the north coast of the [[Dudley Peninsula]]. He was closely followed by the French explorer Commander [[Nicolas Baudin]], who was the first European to circumnavigate the Island and who mapped much of the island (which is why so many areas have French names).{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}

Although the French and the British were at war at the time, the men met peacefully. They both used the fresh water seeping at what is now known as Hog Bay near Frenchman's Rock and the site of present-day [[Penneshaw]]. Baudin named the Island {{Lang|fr|Île Borda}}, in honour of [[Jean-Charles de Borda]], although the [[Freycinet Map of 1811|French chart]] published by [[Louis de Freycinet]] after Baudin's death referred to the Island as {{Lang|fr|Île Decres}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slsa.ha.sa.gov.au/encounter/collection/B1436312_4.htm |title=Encounter 1802–2002 |publisher=State Library of South Australia |access-date=27 October 2019 |archive-date=27 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027143349/http://www.slsa.ha.sa.gov.au/encounter/collection/B1436312_4.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

A community of [[Seal hunting|sealers]] and escaped [[convicts]] existed on Kangaroo Island from 1802 to the time of [[British colonisation of South Australia|South Australia's colonisation]] in 1836. A sealing gang led by Joseph Murrrell are reported landing at Harvey's Return in 1806–07, and they established a camp on the beach.<ref>Kostoglou & McCarthy, p.58-9.</ref> The sealers were rough men and several kidnapped [[Indigenous Australian|Aboriginal]] women from [[Tasmanian Aborigine|Tasmania]] and mainland South Australia. The women were kept prisoner as wives and virtual slaves.<ref>{{cite book |title=Atlas of Languages of Intercultural Communication in the Pacific, Asia, and the Americas, Vol. II.1 |editor1-last=Wurm |editor1-first=Stephen |editor2-last=Muhlhausler |editor2-first=Peter |editor3-last=Tryon |editor3-first=Darrell |year=1996 |publisher=Mouton de Gruyter, a division of Walter de Gruyter & Co |place=Berlin |isbn=3-11-013417-9 |page=86 }}</ref> At least two contemporary accounts (Taplin 1867, Bull 1884) report reputed crossings of Backstairs Passage from Kangaroo Island to the mainland by kidnapped women seeking to escape from their captors. "A fine specimen of her race" was pointed out to [[J. W. Bull]] as having swum the passage in 1835,<ref>{{cite book |last=Bull |first=JW |title=Early experience of life in South Australia |year=1884 |publisher=Wigg & Son |place=Adelaide }}</ref> and a woman and her baby were found dead on the beach after a presumed crossing in 1871.<ref>{{cite book |last=Taplin |first=G |title=Journal of George Taplin |year=1867 |volume=2 |page=291 }}</ref> In 1803, sealers from the American brig {{ship||Union|1802 ship|2}} built the schooner {{ship||Independence|schooner|2}}, the first ship built in South Australia, at what is now [[American River, South Australia|American River]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Parsons |first=Ronald |year=1986 |title=Southern Passages: A maritime history of South Australia |place=Netley, SA |publisher=Wakefield Press |isbn=0949268666 |page=6 }}</ref>

In 1812, [[Richard Siddins]] reached Kangaroo Island on the {{ship||Campbell Macquarie|1812 shipwreck|2}}, which was engaged in [[salt]] harvesting on the island.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cumpston |first1=J. S. |title=Kangaroo Island |date=1970 |publisher=Roebuck |location=Canberra |page=34 |edition=First }}</ref> When she was wrecked later that year, 30 tons of the mineral was recovered from her cargo.{{cn|date=October 2025}} 

In 1819 a whaler named [[Henry Wallen]] established a farm near "Three Wells River" (later [[Cygnet River]]) and with the assistance of a later arrival, "Fireball" Bates, and a friend William Day, exerted his dominance over the island's rag-tag population, who deferentially referred to him as "King Wally".<ref name=portrait>{{cite book|title=Portrait of an Island |author=Neville Cordes |year=1969 |publisher=Islander Newspapers}}</ref>  

Most ships of the "[[First Fleet of South Australia]]" that brought settlers for the new colony first stopped at [[Nepean Bay]]. The first was {{ship||Duke of York |1817 ship|2}} commanded by Captain [[Robert Clark Morgan]] on 27 or 28 July 1836; {{ship||Lady Mary Pelham|1816 ship|2}}, under Robert Ross, arrived a day or two later. The arrival of the {{ship||Africaine|1832 ship|2}}, under [[John Finlay Duff]], in November that year, was notable for the deaths of E. W. Osborne and Dr. John Slater, who perished on an exploratory trek from Cape Borda to Kingscote.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749656 |title=South Australian Company |newspaper=[[South Australian Register|South Australian Gazette And Colonial Register]] |volume=I |issue=3 |place=South Australia |date=8 July 1837 |access-date=16 December 2016 |page=3 |via=[[trove]] |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224235935/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/31749656 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191545165 |last=Lendon |first=Dr A. A. |title=Early History on K I |newspaper=The Kangaroo Island Courier |volume=XIX |issue=40 |place=Kangaroo Island |date=9 October 1926 |access-date=3 December 2020 |page=2 |via=Trove |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224230129/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/191545165 |url-status=live}} Serialization of extensive article on Slater-Osborne trek.</ref> [[Samuel Stephens (colonial manager)|Samuel Stephens]], the colonial manager, was so impressed with Wallen's farm that he annexed it for the [[South Australian Company]].<ref name=portrait/>
 
A number of shore-based bay whaling stations operated on the coast in the 1840s. These were located at Doyle's Bay, D'Estrees Bay and Hog Bay.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kostoglou |first1=Parry |last2=McCarthy |first2=Justin |year=1991 |title=Whaling and sealing sites in South Australia |publisher=Australian Institute for Maritime Archaeology |place=Fremantle, WA |pages=29–37 |edition=First }}</ref>

===Shipwrecks and lighthouses===
{{See also|List of lighthouses in Australia}}
[[File:Cape Willoughby Lighthouse.jpg|thumb|right|[[Cape Willoughby]] Lighthouse]]
[[File:Cape Borda Lighthouse.jpg|thumb|right|[[Cape Borda Lighthouse]]]]
Numerous ships have been wrecked on the Kangaroo Island coastline. The earliest was the cutter ''William'' (20 tons), which was wrecked while trying to enter [[Penneshaw, South Australia|Hog Bay]] on 23 August 1847.<ref>Chapman, p.3</ref> The largest vessel lost was ''Portland Maru'' (5,865 tons), which sank at Cape Torrens on 20 March 1935. The greatest loss of life occurred with the wreck of ''[[Loch Sloy]]'' on 24 April 1899 at [[Maupertuis Bay]], when 31 people were drowned, and one initial survivor subsequently perished. Twenty-seven people drowned at West Bay in September 1905, when ''[[Loch Vennachar]]'' was wrecked.<ref>Chapman, Gifford D,''Kangaroo Island Shipwrecks'': Roebuck Society Publications 1972, {{ISBN|0-909434-01-8}}.</ref><ref>"[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article55660083 The Loss of the Loch Vennachar] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224230129/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/55660083|date=24 February 2024}}", ''The Register'' (Adelaide, South Australia), 25 November 1905, page 6. Retrieved 17 August 2012.</ref>

The first lighthouse built was erected at [[Cape Willoughby]] in 1852; this was also the first lighthouse to be erected in South Australia. This was followed by the [[Cape Borda Lightstation]] in 1858, the [[Cape du Couedic Lighthouse]] in 1906 and Cape St Albans Lighthouse in 1908. All lighthouses continue to be operational.<ref>Chapman, Gifford D.''Kangaroo Island Shipwrecks'' Roebruck Society Publication, 1972, {{ISBN|0-909434-01-8 }}</ref>

== Settlements ==
The biggest town on Kangaroo Island is [[Kingscote, South Australia|Kingscote]]. Originally established at Reeves Point on 27 July 1836, it is South Australia's first colonial settlement. It was later suggested that Kingscote could serve as the capital of South Australia, but the island's resources were insufficient to support such a large community, so the settlement of Adelaide was chosen.{{cn|date=October 2025}} 

There are several smaller towns on the island. [[Penneshaw]], the second largest town on Kangaroo Island, has a population of around 300 and is located on the north eastern tip of the Dudley Peninsula, on the eastern end of the island. It contains the ferry terminal, which brings most of the visitors to the island, along with all the necessary freight to sustain the local population. [[Parndana]], in the centre of the island, has a population of about 150, but most do not live in the town; they are sprawled within a few kilometres. The historic area to the south-east of the township, known as the Research Centre to locals, was home to the research station that was set up in the 1940s and 1950s to research the viability of agriculture in the area and still has a small settlement of about 20 people.{{cn|date=October 2025}} 

[[American River, South Australia|American River]], on the north coast between Kingscote and Penneshaw, has{{when|date=October 2025}} about 300 residents. Penneshaw and Parndana each have basic facilities, including a general store and fuel, and are home to hotels. Facilities such as banking and large supermarkets are available in Kingscote and Penneshaw.{{cn|date=October 2025}} 

===Population===
At the [[2021 Australian census |2021 census]], the island had a population of 4,894.<ref>{{Census 2021 AUS|id= LGA42750|name= Kangaroo Island|quick= on|accessdate=9 September 2022 }}</ref> 

Population growth has slowed in past years, with the attraction of mainland Australia for younger adults being the key factor. Censuses show the number of residents aged 55 and over increased from 24.1% in 2001 to 29.8% in 2006, 34.9% in 2011, 41% in 2016, and 43.5% in 2021.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

==Economy== 
===Agriculture===
The economy is mostly [[agriculture|agricultural]] (grapes, honey, wool, meat and grain). Traditionally, sheep grazing has been the key element in agriculture on the Island; however, in recent times, more diverse crops, such as potatoes and [[canola]], have been introduced. Cattle farming has grown as well, with good quality beef cattle being raised in the higher rainfall areas. Tourism and fishing also play significant roles, with the island experiencing over 186,000 visitors per annum, and some of the best southern rock lobster being sourced from the island's rugged south coast. Kangaroo Island has South Australia's only [[eucalyptus oil]] distillery, with oil distilled from the [[endemism|endemic]] [[Eucalyptus cneorifolia|Kangaroo Island narrow leaf mallee]].<ref>[https://www.abc.net.au/local/archives/landline/content/2006/s1745319.htm Eucalyptus oil industry revival] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919194537/https://www.abc.net.au/local/archives/landline/content/2006/s1745319.htm |date=19 September 2020 }} ''[[Landline (TV series)|Landline]]'', 24 September 2006. Retrieved 25 January 2020.</ref>

The future of over 19,000 hectares, which had been planted (or were due to be planted) with blue gum for future harvesting, is now in doubt, following the collapse of Great Southern Plantation Ltd. in May 2009.<ref>[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-05-19/ki-fears-over-great-southern-collapse/1687656 KI fears over Great Southern collapse] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119120348/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-05-19/ki-fears-over-great-southern-collapse/1687656 |date=19 November 2022 }} ''ABC News'', 19 May 2009. Retrieved 25 January 2020.</ref>

===Wine industry===
{{Main|Kangaroo Island wine region}}
The island has 30 wine growers and 12 wineries. The first vineyard was planted near [[Eastern Cove (South Australia)|Eastern Cove]] in 1976 and the first wine made in 1982. This was blended with Tolleys [[Barossa wine]] and sold from the cellar door of Eastern Cove Wine as KI-Barossa blend. The Florance vineyard was established under supervision of B. Hayes, who produced its first wine – Eastern Cove Cygnet – and introduced it at the University of South Australia in 1990. The wine carried a Kangaroo Island appellation label as first wine 100% of the region.<ref name=growers>{{cite web |title=Kangaroo Island Wine Region |url=http://www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/foodwine |publisher=Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre, Tourism SA |access-date=7 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105165942/http://www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/foodwine |archive-date=5 November 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=JH-wineries>{{cite web |title=Wineries in the Kangaroo Island |url=http://www.winecompanion.com.au/wineries/south-australia/kangaroo-island/wineries |publisher=James Halliday Australian Wine Companion |access-date=7 November 2014 |archive-date=7 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107105430/http://www.winecompanion.com.au/wineries/south-australia/kangaroo-island/wineries |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Ligurian bees===
Kangaroo Island is noted for its [[honey]] and its [[Italian bee|Ligurian honey bees]]. The island has the world's only pure-bred and disease-free population of this type of bee. The exporting of pure-bred queen bees is a notable industry for the island. For this reason, there are significant quarantine restrictions on bringing bee products and bee-handling equipment onto the island. It is the world's oldest bee sanctuary.<ref name=schremmer2025>{{cite web |last1=Schremmer |first1=Jessica |last2=Hough |first2=Cassandra |last3=Green |first3=Selina |title=Scramble to protect Kangaroo Island bee colony, one of the world's purest colonies, from varroa mite |website=ABC News |date=8 October 2025 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-08/beekeepers-welcome-extra-varroa-biosecurity-for-kangaroo-island/105865160 |access-date=8 October 2025}}</ref> 

''The Advertiser'', 24 December 1883, reported "A few weeks since the Chamber of Manufactures forwarded an order to Mr. Carroll, a bee master, near Brisbane, for a swarm of [[Liguria]]n bees." ''The American Bee Journal'', 25 November 1885, stated "Several pure colonies were reared from this one, [the first hive from Queensland] and two of them were sent to Kangaroo Island, where they appear to thrive well." An almost word perfect report in the ''British Bee Journal'', 1 November 1885, added "They came from the apiary of Mr. Chas. Fullwood."

A. E. Bonney quickly commenced queen bee breeding near [[Adelaide]] at his Upper Kensington apiary in January 1884. In the ''South Australian Advertiser'', 7 March 1884, Bonney stated "About three weeks ago I divided the original colony, and the Chamber of Manufactures now possesses three good swarms of Ligurians; two of these will probably be ready to send out towards the end of the month." And on 9 May 1884 "To show that I think highly of the Ligurians, I may say that in March I imported two more colonies from Queensland. ... During Easter holidays Mr Justice Boucaut took one queen [bred and mated in Adelaide] in a full colony to Mr Buick, of American River, Kangaroo Island." From the ''South Australian Advertiser'', 1 August 1884 "On June&nbsp;25 the original hive of Ligurian bees, imported by the chamber from Queensland, was sent safely to Mr Turner, at Smith's Bay, Kangaroo Island."<ref>Barrett, Peter (2010) The Immigrant Bees, Volume 5. Caloundra, Queensland</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/22368127?selectedversion=NBD3301230 |title=Modern beekeeping: a paper / by A. E. Bonney. – Version details |publisher=[[National Library of Australia]] |access-date=5 January 2020 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224225927/https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/22368127?selectedversion=NBD3301230 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2025, authorities became concerned about the ''[[varroa destructor]]'' parasite, capable of wiping out hives of bees, had been found on mainland SA for the first time, after having previously been found in [[New South Wales]], [[Victoria (state) |Victoria]], [[Queensland]], and the [[Australian Capital Territory |ACT.]]. Extra biosecurity measures have been put in place, including the placement of sentinel beehives and extra checks on passengers arriving by ferry.<ref name=schremmer2025/>

===Tourism===
[[File:Remarkable Rocks 01.jpg|thumb|right|[[Remarkable Rocks]]]]
[[File:Admiral's Arch.jpg|thumb|right|Admiral's Arch]]
[[File:Eucalyptus cneorifolia on roadside.jpg|thumb|''[[Eucalyptus cneorifolia]]'' along Cape Willoughby Road, Kangaroo Island]]
Kangaroo Island is one of South Australia's most popular tourist attractions, attracting over 140,000 visitors each year, with international visitors, primarily from Europe, accounting for more than 25% of these visits.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tomm.info/reports_factsheets/visitor_exit_surveys/index.aspx |title=Visitor Exit Surveys |date=2005–2006 |access-date=22 June 2007 |author=Kangaroo Island Tourism Optimisation Model |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070521004636/http://www.tomm.info/reports_factsheets/visitor_exit_surveys/index.aspx |archive-date=21 May 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> There were 114 businesses operating in the sector in June 2016 and the visitor expenditure reached $123 million in December 2017. The expenditure is expected to reach the mark of $168 million by December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tourism.sa.gov.au/about/regions/kangaroo-island |title=Kangaroo Island |website=South Australian Tourism Commission |date=27 July 2021 |access-date=30 May 2019 |archive-date=30 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530104038/https://tourism.sa.gov.au/about/regions/kangaroo-island |url-status=live }}</ref> Some of the most popular tourist spots are:
* [[Seal Bay Conservation Park]] with ranger guided walks among basking Australian [[sea lion]]s.
* [[Flinders Chase National Park]] which includes [[Remarkable Rocks]], Admiral's Arch, lighthouses at Cape Borda and [[Cape du Couedic]], and multiple walking trails and camping areas.<ref>[http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/kangaroo-islands-beauties-blaze-a-trail-for-south-australias-tourism/news-story/00c010e52fdd1d77b6faa2353d251034 Kangaroo Island's beauties blaze a trail for South Australia's tourism] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004000806/http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/kangaroo-islands-beauties-blaze-a-trail-for-south-australias-tourism/news-story/00c010e52fdd1d77b6faa2353d251034 |date=4 October 2016 }} ''The Advertiser'', 30 September 2016. retrieved 1 October 2016.</ref>
* Cape Willoughby
* [[Kelly Hill Conservation Park|Kelly Hill Caves]]
* [[Little Sahara (Kangaroo Island)|Little Sahara]], huge [[dune|sand dunes]] on the south coast.
* The lookout Mount Thisby (officially designated Prospect Hill in 2002 to honour [[Matthew Flinders]]' original naming) with a 360-degree view around the island.
* Murray Lagoon with its abundant aquatic bird life.
* The Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park at Duncan includes local wildlife like [[koala]]s, [[kangaroo]]s, [[little penguin]]s and reptiles, but also animals such as [[brown capuchin monkey]]s, [[common marmoset]]s, [[dingo]]es, [[meerkat]]s and [[serval]].
* Kangaroo Island Penguin Centre (formerly Kangaroo Island Marine Centre) at Kingscote is now closed but a local tour operator, Kangaroo Island Hire a Guide, is still organising nocturnal tours from Kingscote.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kangaroo Island Hire a Guide & Nocturnal Tours |url=https://www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/experiences/kangaroo-island-hire-a-guide-nocturnal-tours |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Kangaroo Island, South Australia |language=en-AU }}</ref>
* Raptor Domain (In-flight bird of prey presentation and reptile show)
* The Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary koala walk and Nocturnal tour offer visitors a chance to see the local wildlife.
* A number of farms that sell honey from the Ligurian bees
* The Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery which manufactures eucalyptus oil using a very old furnace<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emuridge.com.au/ |title=Emu Ridge &#124; Kangaroo Island Eucalyptus Products |publisher=Emu Ridge |access-date=4 February 2014 |archive-date=2 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202004806/http://emuridge.com.au/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Kangaroo Island is also considered to be one of South Australia's best locations for scuba diving, with many popular locations along the north coast. Many of South Australia's iconic marine species can be seen there, including the [[Leafy seadragon]]. Penneshaw jetty is known for its Gorgonian corals and there are many other timber jetties and shipwrecks that can be dived and enjoyed around the island.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hutchison |first=Stuart |date=2001-12-01 |title=Travellin' South |journal=Australasia Scuba Diver |pages=18–30 }}</ref>

==Governance ==
The [[Kangaroo Island Council]] provides [[Local government in Australia|local government]] for the entire island and was formed in 1996, following amalgamation of the previous District Councils of [[District Council of Kingscote|Kingscote]] and [[District Council of Dudley|Dudley]]. Kangaroo Island is in the federal [[Division of Mayo]] and in the state [[Electoral district of Mawson]].{{cn|date=October 2025}} 

A 2005 enquiry into the financial sustainability of local government in South Australia determined that 26 out of 68 councils in South Australia were considered unsustainable in the long term.<ref>''[https://www.lga.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Financially_Sustainable_LG_-_Rising_to_the_Challenge_-_Volume_1_-_Final_Report_2005.pdf Rising to the Challenge: Towards Financially Sustainable Local Government in South Australia.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226012742/http://www.lga.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Financially_Sustainable_LG_-_Rising_to_the_Challenge_-_Volume_1_-_Final_Report_2005.pdf |date=26 February 2014 }}'' Australian Financial Sustainability Review Board, Adelaide, August 2005. Retrieved 10 February 2018.</ref> Among these was Kangaroo Island Council,<ref>[https://www.kangarooisland.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/KI_Council_Annual_Report_2006.pdf Kangaroo Island Council Annual Report 2005/6] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316231559/http://kangarooisland.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/KI_Council_Annual_Report_2006.pdf |date=16 March 2018 }} Retrieved 10 February 2018.</ref> due to its large land area, extensive road network, low population and high tourism visitation. A long term financial plan adopted by council included a rate increase of 2% above CPI for the ten years from 2010.

On 13 May 2010, a development plan was authorised, representing a comprehensive review of Kangaroo Island's planning regulations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Development Plan – Kangaroo Island Council |publisher=Government of South Australia |date=13 May 2010 |url=http://www.sa.gov.au/upload/franchise/Housing,%20property%20and%20land/PLG/Online%20DPs/Country/Kangaroo_Island_Council_Development_Plan.pdf |access-date=24 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110422142228/http://sa.gov.au/upload/franchise/Housing,%20property%20and%20land/PLG/Online%20DPs/Country/Kangaroo_Island_Council_Development_Plan.pdf |archive-date=22 April 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Recreation ==
[[File:Murray Lagoon.jpg|thumb|right|Murray Lagoon]]
Safe swimming is possible on the northern beaches, such as Emu Bay, Stokes Bay, or Snellings Beach, and at Island Beach on the Dudley Peninsula.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swim Safely at any of the 5 Best Beaches on Kangaroo Island |url=https://www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/stories/swim-safely-at-any-of-the-5-best-beaches-on-kangaroo-island |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=Kangaroo Island, South Australia |language=en-AU }}</ref> The south coast has dangerous [[Rip current|undertows]] and is more suitable for stronger and experienced swimmers only.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} An ocean pool with easy shore and pontoon access exists at Kingscote and is free to use.{{cn|date=October 2025}} 

The island is home to the [[Kangaroo Island Football League]] and has several other organised sporting competitions.{{cn|date=October 2025}} 

==Electricity supply==
Kangaroo Island is connected to the main South Australian [[power grid]] by a pair of 33&nbsp;kV [[submarine power cable|subsea cables]] across Backstairs Passage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.infrastructure.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/53116/ROKangarooIsland.pdf |title=Regional Overview – Kangaroo island |publisher=[[Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure]] |date=2010 |access-date=24 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216001008/http://infrastructure.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/53116/ROKangarooIsland.pdf |archive-date=16 February 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The original 30-year-old 10,000 kVA cable was retained when the second cable, with double its capacity, was laid in 2018 at a cost of $45&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/data/24536/kangaroo-island-undersea-cable-being-installed/ |title=Kangaroo Island undersea cable being installed |date=26 June 2018 |access-date=21 January 2019 |archive-date=21 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121121804/https://www.sapowernetworks.com.au/data/24536/kangaroo-island-undersea-cable-being-installed/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Before the new cable was commissioned, [[University of Technology Sydney]] conducted a study to assess the viability of renewable energy technology being used to independently generate the island's power with a combination of [[wind power|wind]], [[solar power|solar]] and [[biofuel|biomass]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsroom.uts.edu.au/news/2016/06/towards-100-renewable-energy-kangaroo-island-new-study-under-way |title=Towards 100% renewable energy for Kangaroo Island: new study under way |date=26 June 2018 |access-date=21 January 2019 |archive-date=21 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121232549/http://newsroom.uts.edu.au/news/2016/06/towards-100-renewable-energy-kangaroo-island-new-study-under-way |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the study concluded that it was indeed possible for the island to sustainably produce its own power for around the same price as the new cable,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dunstan |first1=Chris |editor-first1=Michael |editor-last1=Hopkin |url=https://theconversation.com/kangaroo-islands-choice-a-new-cable-to-the-mainland-or-renewable-power-65408 |title=Kangaroo Island's choice: a new cable to the mainland, or renewable power |date=16 September 2016 |doi=10.64628/AA.h3wj5mvdx |access-date=22 January 2019 |archive-date=22 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122044409/https://theconversation.com/kangaroo-islands-choice-a-new-cable-to-the-mainland-or-renewable-power-65408 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[SA Power Networks]] ultimately decided against the idea.

The [[Kangaroo Island power station]] has three 2&nbsp;MWe [[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar]] 3516B [[diesel generator]]s capable of providing a combined 6&nbsp;MW through the Kingscote [[electrical substation|substation]] to provide stability of supply if the submarine cables are unavailable.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sdaengineering.com.au/portfolio_page/glenorchy-copy/ |title=Kangaroo Island |publisher=SDA Engineering |date=27 June 2016 |access-date=21 January 2019 |archive-date=21 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121232440/https://www.sdaengineering.com.au/portfolio_page/glenorchy-copy/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Transport==
===Sea transport===
[[File:PRG280 1 3 295 The SS "Karatta" leaving Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island.jpg|thumb|{{SS|Karatta||2}} leaving Hog Bay]]
[[File:Sealion 2000 arriving at penneshaw.JPG|thumb|right|''Sealion 2000'' arriving at [[Penneshaw]]]]
Kangaroo Island is reliant on ferry services for the majority of its transport to and from the mainland. Ferry services are currently provided by two companies, [[Kangaroo Island SeaLink]] which uses two ferries, the ''[[Sealion 2000]]'' and the ''[[Spirit of Kangaroo Island]]'', to provide freight and passenger services, and Kangaroo Island Connect, which commenced services in June 2018 and provides passenger services only.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-01/kangaroo-island-second-ferry-service-starts/9823660 |title=Second Kangaroo Island ferry service starts after months of delays |publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |date=1 June 2018 |access-date=15 November 2018 |archive-date=2 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002095116/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-01/kangaroo-island-second-ferry-service-starts/9823660 |url-status=live }}</ref>

From 1907 to 1961, {{SS|Karatta||2}} was the prime freight and passenger vessel operating between Port Adelaide and Kingscote.<ref>{{cite web |title=SA Memory, SS Karatta |url=http://www.samemory.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?c=8699 |publisher=State Library of South Australia |access-date=25 October 2014 |archive-date=25 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025052109/http://www.samemory.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?c=8699 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following withdrawal from service of ''Karatta'', [[RW Miller]] operated the [[MV Troubridge|MV ''Troubridge'']], in later years as a joint venture with the South Australian Government. ''Troubridge'' was a roll on, roll off vessel of 1,996 tons, which used specially designed loading gantries at [[Port Adelaide]], [[Port Lincoln]] and Kingscote.<ref>Roll-on, Roll-off Ferry On Gulf Run This Month ''[[Truck & Bus Transportation]]'' October 1961 page 7</ref>

''Troubridge'' operated until 1 June 1987, when it was replaced by the government run $23 million ''[[Island Seaway]]''.<ref>{{cite thesis |last=Smith |first=Andrea |title=The maritime cultural landscape of Kangaroo Island, South Australia: A study of Kingscote and West Bay |publisher=Flinders University, SA |date=June 2006 |citeseerx=10.1.1.457.7228 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.samemory.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=613&c=3553 |author=State Library of South Australia |title=Loading sheep at Kingscote Jetty |access-date=15 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070906063120/http://www.samemory.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=613&c=3553 |archive-date=6 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.amol.org.au/newcastle/greta/rwmco.html |title=Summary of R. W. Miller & Co |author=Newcastle Regional Museum |access-date=15 June 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012031159/http://archive.amol.org.au/newcastle/greta/rwmco.html |archive-date=12 October 2007 }}</ref> Built locally in Port Adelaide by Eglo Engineering, ''Island Seaway'' used the same loading platforms as ''Troubridge''. ''Island Seaway'' was severely criticised as being unsuitable for the Backstairs Passage crossing. Seventy-five sheep and cattle died on the inaugural trip due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and the ship was once described as 'steering like a shopping trolley'.<ref>Adelaide Advertiser, State Opposition statement attributed to Ted Chapman MP, 26 August 1987</ref> The vessel subsequently underwent a A$1 million refit of its propulsion system in September 1989 which improved its reliability.

''Island Seaway'' began to experience competition from [[Kangaroo Island SeaLink]] which began services from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw in 1989.<ref>[http://www.sealink.com.au/company_info.html Our Company History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321135145/http://sealink.com.au/company_info.html|date=21 March 2009}} – Sealink Web Site</ref> SeaLink acquired the ferry service originally introduced by Peter March. His "Philanderer Ferries" pioneered the crossing from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw, with ''Philanderer 3'' being a passenger and vehicle carrying catamaran style vessel. In the 1980s, two passenger only services, ''Hydroflite H33'', and ''Islander'', operated for a short time from Glenelg to Kingscote.

SeaLink has outlasted several competing companies since it began operations. Boat Torque, a Western Australian company, operated ''Superflyte'' from 1994 until 1997, sailing from Glenelg to Kingscote. Kangaroo Island Ferries had a short-lived venture with ''SeaWay'', which travelled from Wirrina Cove to Kingscote from September 2004 until February 2005. ''SeaWay'' could not handle rough weather as well as SeaLink vessels which impacted the service's reliability. Under different proprietorship, ''SeaWay'' recommenced services in August 2007.<ref>{{cite news |title=KI Ferries expected to be operating by week's end |date=30 July 2007 |publisher=ABC News |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/30/1991481.htm |access-date=11 August 2007 |archive-date=2 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202024432/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/30/1991481.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, in May 2008, the operator of ''SeaWay'' announced suspension of services until October 2008, citing increased fuel prices.<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Adelaide Advertiser |date=22 May 2008 |access-date=22 May 2008 |title=Fuel price leaves KI ferry high and dry |url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23740398-5006301,00.html |first=Stuart |last=Innes |archive-date=2 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202102151/http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23740398-5006301,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2008 the ''SeaWay's'' operating company was placed in administration and the vessel advertised for sale.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ferry for sale |url=http://www.theislanderonline.com.au/news/local/news/general/ferry-for-sale/793244.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100101153351/http://www.theislanderonline.com.au/news/local/news/general/ferry-for-sale/793244.aspx |archive-date=1 January 2010 |work=The Islander News |access-date=20 June 2008 |date=19 June 2008 }}</ref>

With the introduction by SeaLink of the ''Island Navigator'', the fate of ''Island Seaway'' was sealed, with the service subsequently withdrawn and SeaLink drawing on Government subsidies to operate all freight services to and from the Island. SeaLink now holds a virtual monopoly on sea transport to Kangaroo Island, primarily due to its long term lease of the Cape Jervis berth. Sealink's agreement with the SA Government, expiring in 2024, precludes other operators from using the Cape Jervis facility for one hour before, and one hour after any scheduled SeaLink service. Kangaroo Island residents have expressed displeasure with the exclusive arrangement granted to SeaLink.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kangaroo Island residents unhappy about ferry agreement |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200208/s641804.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926221902/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200208/s641804.htm |archive-date=26 September 2009 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=15 June 2007 |date=7 August 2002 }}</ref>

===Air transport===
Guinea Airways operated the first commercial service to Kangaroo Island, commencing in the 1930s. In 1959, the airline was acquired by [[Airlines of South Australia]] (ASA), a subsidiary of [[Ansett Transport Industries]]. The airline's final service was on 4 April 1986. ASA primarily operated [[Convair]]s, [[Douglas DC-3]] and [[Fokker F-27]] aircraft. A [[Piaggio P.166]] was used infrequently in the 1970s, whilst [[Rossair (Australia)|Rossair]] operated [[Cessna 402]]s in an arrangement with ASA to replace the F27s in off-peak times.

Following the withdrawal of ASA, [[Kendell Airlines]] (another Ansett subsidiary), operated 19-seat [[Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner|Fairchild Metroliners]] and 34-seat [[Saab AB|Saab]] aircraft to the island. Upon Ansett's ultimate demise in 2002, [[Rex Airlines]] acquired the Kendell aircraft and continued services to [[Kingscote Airport]] until early 2020, when it ceased operation citing competition from Qantas<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/kangaroo-island-rex-to-end-flights-after-30-years/0dc6a345-4067-4e06-88f7-f96e763c297f |website=9 News |publisher=[[Nine News]]|access-date=16 January 2024 |title=Rex ends 30 years of flights to Kangaroo Island |date=3 February 2020 |archive-date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116030740/https://www.9news.com.au/national/kangaroo-island-rex-to-end-flights-after-30-years/0dc6a345-4067-4e06-88f7-f96e763c297f |url-status=live }}</ref>

In competition with the larger aircraft, and generally with more flexible timetables, a succession of smaller airlines from the 1970s tried with varying success to maintain a 'second string' presence. Island Air and Pagas operated briefly in the 1970s, whilst the most successful, [[Emu Airways]], commenced in 1980 and made its final flight in November 2005.{{Citation needed|date=September 2012}} Emu flew [[Piper PA-31 Navajo|Piper Chieftain]] aircraft to Kingscote, American River, Penneshaw and Parndana, before air regulations dictated abandonment of all airstrips except Kingscote. Air Kangaroo Island (formerly Air Transit), flew [[Cessna 402]]s to the Island in the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AirHistory.net - Air Kangaroo Island aircraft photos |url=https://www.airhistory.net/basic-operator/8752/Air-Kangaroo-Island |access-date=2024-03-28 |website=www.airhistory.net }}</ref>

From 1986 to 1990, Lloyd Aviation operated [[Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante]] aircraft, before flying the [[Short 330]]. For several years in the 1980s, Commodore Airlines (eventually becoming State Air) offered another alternative service. [[QantasLink]] briefly operated a service after the demise of Emu Airways, commencing 18 December 2005, but withdrew less than six months later. QantasLink also operated direct flights from Kangaroo Island to Melbourne, the first time the route was operated.<ref>{{cite news |title=Other News – 10/31/2005 |url=http://atwonline.com/airports-routes/news/other-news-10312005-0309 |newspaper=[[Air Transport World]] |date=1 November 2005 |access-date=20 August 2011 |quote=Qantas is expanding its QantasLink regional network into South Australia effective Dec.&nbsp;18. It will operate 58 flights per week between Adelaide and Port Lincoln, daily service between Adelaide and Kangaroo Island and four weekly services between Melbourne and Kangaroo Island, all aboard [[Bombardier Dash 8|Dash 8]]s. |archive-date=6 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606152847/http://atwonline.com/airports-routes/news/other-news-10312005-0309 |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2007, Air South<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airsouth.com.au |title=Air South |access-date=9 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304030448/http://airsouth.com.au/ |archive-date=4 March 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> commenced four services daily using Titan nine seat aircraft, but ceased flights in October 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theislanderonline.com.au/news/local/news/general/air-south-calls-it-quits-on-ki-route/1620358.aspx |title=Air South calls it quits |date=10 September 2009 |work=The Islander |access-date=17 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914194412/http://www.theislanderonline.com.au/news/local/news/general/air-south-calls-it-quits-on-ki-route/1620358.aspx |archive-date=14 September 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

In June 2017, Qantas announced direct Qantaslink flights to Kangaroo Island from Adelaide and Melbourne from December 2017, offering five flights a week from Adelaide over the peak summer months, reducing to three flights a week after Easter, and two flights a week from Melbourne over the peak tourist season in December and January. An $18 million upgrade of the Kingscote Airport was completed in May 2018.<ref>[https://www.theislanderonline.com.au/story/5420090/first-flights-processed-at-kangaroo-island-airports-new-terminal/?cs=1525 First flights processed at Kangaroo Island Airport’s new terminal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522042045/https://www.theislanderonline.com.au/story/5420090/first-flights-processed-at-kangaroo-island-airports-new-terminal/?cs=1525 |date=22 May 2018 }} ''The Islander'', 21 May 2018. Retrieved 21 May 2018.</ref>

===Rail transport===
[[File:Railway on Kangaroo Island.jpeg|thumb|Salt railway on Kangaroo Island]]
Around 1938, the Salt Company on Kangaroo Island used a rail tractor built by W. Day & Sons of [[South Melbourne]] to transport salt on a short narrow gauge railway between its factory and the port in [[Muston, South Australia|Muston]]. Salt was obtained from Muston Lake, White Lagoon, Salt Lagoon and smaller lagoons near [[Kingscote, South Australia|Kingscote]]. It was sold to domestic and industrial users, e.g. for fish and meat preservation and tanning. The salt exports from Kangaroo Island to Adelaide rose from 13 tons in 1843 to 20,000 tons in 1913.<ref>[https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+10351 Railway, Kangaroo Island (B 10351)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408073316/https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+10351 |date=8 April 2018 }}, State Library of South Australia.</ref> Plans for further railway lines did not pass the planning stage.<ref>[http://bernie-ki.tripod.com/KIRailway.html Kangaroo Island Railway.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408010135/http://bernie-ki.tripod.com/KIRailway.html|date=8 April 2018}} Chronicle (Adelaide), 19 October 1907.</ref><ref>[https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/58142616 Kangaroo Island Railway. Condemnatory Evidence, Experts on Soil.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408011735/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/58142616 |date=8 April 2018 }} The Register (Adelaide, SA, 1901 – 1929), 18 May 1910, Page 10.</ref><ref>[http://bernie-ki.tripod.com/KIRailway.html Kangaroo Island Railway. Proposal Rejected.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408010135/http://bernie-ki.tripod.com/KIRailway.html |date=8 April 2018 }} Chronicle (Adelaide) 25 February 1911.</ref>

==Environment==
===Climate===
[[File:Little Sahara, Kangaroo Island.jpg|thumb|right|Little Sahara]]
Having a [[warm-summer Mediterranean climate]] (''[[Köppen climate classification|Csb]]''), the winters between June and September are mild and wet, the summers usually warm and dry. Tempered by the ocean, particularly on the coastline, maximum temperatures in summer rarely exceed {{convert|35|C}}.

Average temperatures in August range between {{convert|13|and|16|C}} and in February, the hottest month, between {{convert|20|and|25|C}}.

Between May and September the island receives two-thirds of its annual rainfall, varying from {{convert|450|mm|in}} in Kingscote to around {{convert|900|mm|in|0}} near Roo Lagoon on the top of the central plateau. The wettest month is July.<ref>{{cite web |author=Bureau of Meteorology, Australia |title=Climate statistics for Australian locations |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_022807.shtml |access-date=18 June 2007 |archive-date=4 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204021257/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_022807.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = [[Kingscote Airport]], [[Cygnet River, South Australia|Cygnet River]], Kangaroo Island
|open = y
|single line = y
|metric first = y
|Jan record high C = 43.8
|Feb record high C = 43.8
|Mar record high C = 39.9
|Apr record high C = 33.9
|May record high C = 27.1
|Jun record high C = 22.4
|Jul record high C = 24.0
|Aug record high C = 25.0
|Sep record high C = 27.8
|Oct record high C = 33.8
|Nov record high C = 38.8
|Dec record high C = 43.0
|year record high C = 43.8
|Jan high C = 26.6
|Feb high C = 26.6
|Mar high C = 24.5
|Apr high C = 21.6
|May high C = 18.6
|Jun high C = 16.1
|Jul high C = 15.4
|Aug high C = 16.1
|Sep high C = 18.0
|Oct high C = 20.1
|Nov high C = 23.0
|Dec high C = 24.8
|year high C = 21.0
|Jan low C = 13.2
|Feb low C = 13.6
|Mar low C = 11.1
|Apr low C = 8.7
|May low C = 7.9
|Jun low C = 6.8
|Jul low C = 6.0
|Aug low C = 5.7
|Sep low C = 6.5
|Oct low C = 7.1
|Nov low C = 9.6
|Dec low C = 10.9
|year low C = 8.9
|Jan record low C = 3.1
|Feb record low C = 5.3
|Mar record low C = -0.4
|Apr record low C = -1.0
|May record low C = -0.6
|Jun record low C = -2.4
|Jul record low C = -2.1
|Aug record low C = -1.9
|Sep record low C = -2.0
|Oct record low C = -2.0
|Nov record low C = 0.4
|Dec record low C = 1.0
|year record low C = -2.4
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 14.4
|Feb precipitation mm = 16.2
|Mar precipitation mm = 25.8
|Apr precipitation mm = 27.1
|May precipitation mm = 46.9
|Jun precipitation mm = 67.2
|Jul precipitation mm = 66.0
|Aug precipitation mm = 56.3
|Sep precipitation mm = 45.0
|Oct precipitation mm = 30.0
|Nov precipitation mm = 22.0
|Dec precipitation mm = 19.3
|year precipitation mm = 436.4
|unit precipitation days = 0.2 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 4.1
|Feb precipitation days = 3.7
|Mar precipitation days = 6.4
|Apr precipitation days = 8.9
|May precipitation days = 15.0
|Jun precipitation days = 18.2
|Jul precipitation days = 19.4
|Aug precipitation days = 19.0
|Sep precipitation days = 15.5
|Oct precipitation days = 10.1
|Nov precipitation days = 7.9
|Dec precipitation days = 7.2
|year precipitation days = 159.4
|source = [[Bureau of Meteorology]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_022841_All.shtml |title=Climate Statistics for KINGSCOTE AERO |publisher=[[Bureau of Meteorology]] |work=Climate statistics for Australian locations |access-date=6 May 2015 |archive-date=19 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219151616/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_022841_All.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

===Conservation===
[[File:Sea lion and pup in Seal Bay - Kangaroo Island.jpg|thumb|right|Seal Bay's [[Australian sea lion]]s]]
Nearly half of the island has never been cleared of vegetation,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/nature/island/ep6/about.htm |title=Kangaroo Island – About |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |access-date=25 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402162158/http://www.abc.net.au/nature/island/ep6/about.htm |archive-date=2 April 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and a quarter of it is conserved in [[National Park]]s, [[Conservation park (Australia)|Conservation Park]]s, and five Wilderness Protection Areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/kisland.html |publisher=South Australian Government Department for Environment and Heritage |title=South Australian National Parks & Reserves – Kangaroo Island Region |access-date=3 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080728053133/http://environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/kisland.html |archive-date=28 July 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The main protected areas are:
* [[Flinders Chase National Park]]
* [[Seal Bay Conservation Park]]
* [[Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park]]
* [[Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area]]
* [[Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area]]

Because of its isolation from mainland Australia, [[fox]]es and [[rabbit]]s are absent from and prohibited from entering the island.

The [[Western grey kangaroo|Kangaroo Island kangaroo]], [[Rosenberg's monitor|Rosenberg's sand goanna]], [[southern brown bandicoot]], [[tammar wallaby]], [[common brushtail possum]], [[short-beaked echidna]], [[Australian sea lion]] and [[New Zealand fur seal|long-nosed fur seal]] are native to the island, as well as six [[bat]] and [[frog]] species. The sole [[endemism|endemic]] vertebrate species is a small marsupial carnivore, the [[Kangaroo Island dunnart]].

[[Feral cat]]s are a major threat to endangered endemic native fauna, including the Kangaroo Island dunnart, the
Kangaroo Island echidna, and the Southern brown bandicoot. And also, because of their ability to spread livestock diseases such as [[Sarcocystis]] and [[Toxoplasmosis]], a program to eradicate an estimated population of between 3,000 and 5,000 cats within 15 years was started in 2016.<ref name="ABC1">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-07/kangaroo-island-plans-to-be-feral-cat-free-in-15-years/7908068 |title=Feral cats: Kangaroo Island's plan to eradicate all felines in 15 years |first=Prue |last=Adams |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=7 October 2016 |access-date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=7 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807201223/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-07/kangaroo-island-plans-to-be-feral-cat-free-in-15-years/7908068 |url-status=live }}</ref> Then mayor Peter Clements said: "We have to reach a point where we don't have any cats on this island. The feral cat is an [[apex predator]]. It is ruining our species here on the island and we are totally committed to eliminating all cats."<ref name="ABC1"/> Registration and microchipping of cats is mandatory.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Kangaroo Island Council |url=http://www.kangarooisland.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Dog_and_Cat_Management_Plan_2005_MD_App.pdf |title=Dog and Cat Management Plan |year=2005 |access-date=3 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518205825/http://www.kangarooisland.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Dog_and_Cat_Management_Plan_2005_MD_App.pdf |archive-date=18 May 2009 }}</ref>

The [[koala]], [[common ringtail possum]] and [[platypus]] have been introduced and still survive there. The introduced koalas have flourished, to the degree that their preferred food source, the [[Eucalyptus viminalis|manna gum]], is at risk of local extinction. The idea of a [[culling|cull]] of the burgeoning koala numbers is distasteful to the public, and the state government prefers to use [[neutering|sterilisation]] for [[population control]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/28/kangaroo-island-koala-cull-rejected-by-south-australian-government |title=Kangaroo Island koala cull rejected by South Australian government |last=Wahlquist |first=Calla |date=28 August 2017 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=22 January 2019 |archive-date=22 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122044131/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/28/kangaroo-island-koala-cull-rejected-by-south-australian-government |url-status=live }}</ref> Although [[chlamydophila pneumoniae]] is widespread in most koala populations, the disease is not present on Kangaroo Island due to its isolation from other colonies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.savethekoala.com/our-work/island-and-isolated-populations |title=Island and Isolated Populations |work=Australian Koala Foundation |access-date=23 January 2018 |archive-date=16 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716140450/https://www.savethekoala.com/our-work/island-and-isolated-populations |url-status=live }}</ref>
{{see also|Koala conservation}}

====Conflict between conservation and development====
Conservation interests have come into conflict with proponents of various development proposals made since the 2000s. These include a helipad in the island's south-western wilderness,<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.edo.org.au/kangaroo |title=Kangaroo Island, South Australia |work=EDOs of Australia |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=24 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124135655/http://www.edo.org.au/kangaroo |url-status=dead }}</ref> a [[southern bluefin tuna]] pen on the north coast of the island<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/kangaroo-island-residents-reject-plan-to-relocate-a-tuna-pen-and-pontoon-from-port-lincoln/news-story/f821ab7d034b5b253fb1303e5755ff99 |title=Tuna canned in marine tourism row |work=The Advertiser |date=21 September 2012 |access-date=24 January 2018 |archive-date=21 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121185908/http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/kangaroo-island-residents-reject-plan-to-relocate-a-tuna-pen-and-pontoon-from-port-lincoln/news-story/f821ab7d034b5b253fb1303e5755ff99 |url-status=live }}</ref> (which resulted in the withdrawal of the proposal), The Cliffs Golf Resort near Pennington Bay (for which Crown land was considered for private sale or lease to developers)<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/golf-course-developers-to-benefit-of-crown-land-disposal-on-ki/news-story/1e312b33303de015a83a91b56e6f0ced |title=KI group tees off over golf course plant |last=Kellner |first=Lydia |date=21 December 2017 |work=The Advertiser |access-date=24 January 2018 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> and a port proposal at Smith Bay to facilitate timber exports<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-02-22/sach-ki-wharf-proposal/8293660 |title=Tension brewing over location of proposed timber export facility on KI |last=Fowler |first=Courtney |date=22 February 2017 |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |access-date=23 January 2018 |archive-date=8 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508155442/http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-02-22/sach-ki-wharf-proposal/8293660 |url-status=live }}</ref> and cruise ship visitation.

===Birds===
{{See also|List of birds of Kangaroo Island, South Australia}}
An endemic species of [[emu]], the [[Kangaroo Island emu]], became extinct between 1802 and 1836.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.birdlife.org/ |title=Kangaroo Island Emu |access-date=31 December 2012 |work=BirdLife data zone: Species factsheet |publisher=BirdLife International |year=2012 |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211131207/https://www.birdlife.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The island is the last South Australian refuge of an [[endangered]] [[subspecies]] of the [[glossy black cockatoo]] (''Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.birdlife.org/ |title=Glossy Black-cockatoo |access-date=31 December 2012 |work=BirdLife data zone: Species factsheet |publisher=BirdLife International |year=2012 |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211131207/https://www.birdlife.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=64436 |title=''Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus'' — Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Kangaroo Island), Glossy Black-Cockatoo (South Australian) |access-date=31 December 2012 |work=SPRAT profile |publisher=Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Australia |date=13 March 2012 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222014510/http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=64436 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Kangaroo Island Important Bird Area====
Kangaroo Island has been identified by [[BirdLife International]] as an [[Important Bird Area]] (IBA) because it supports populations of the [[Vulnerable species|vulnerable]] [[fairy tern]], the [[near threatened]] [[bush stone-curlew]], [[hooded plover]] and [[western whipbird]], and the [[biome]]-restricted [[rock parrot]] and [[purple-gaped honeyeater]]. It also supports over 1% of the world populations of [[Cape Barren geese]], [[black-faced cormorant]]s, [[Pacific gull]]s and [[pied oystercatcher]]s, and sometimes of [[musk duck]]s, [[blue-billed duck]]s, [[freckled duck]]s, [[Australian shelduck]]s, [[chestnut teal]]s and [[banded stilt]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Important Bird Areas factsheet: Kangaroo Island |url=http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sitefactsheet.php?id=23940 |publisher=BirdLife International |access-date=27 February 2015 |date=2015 |archive-date=9 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509023228/http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sitefactsheet.php?id=23940 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Little penguin colonies====
[[Little penguin]] colonies at Penneshaw and Kingscote can be accessed by joining guided nocturnal tours. Both colonies are currently in decline. Several colonies elsewhere on the island are believed to now be extinct, or contain only 'a few' birds. Historic colonies on Kangaroo Island include [[Cape Gantheaume]], [[Ravine des Casoars]] and Harvey's Return.<ref>Wiebken, A. [http://www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au/Portals/2/Coast/Reports/FINAL%20for%20web%20-%20penguin%20report%2013-9-11.pdf "Conservation Priorities for Little Penguin Populations in Gulf St Vincent"] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140222182949/http://www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au/Portals/2/Coast/Reports/FINAL%20for%20web%20-%20penguin%20report%2013-9-11.pdf|date=22 February 2014}} (PDF) ''SARDI'', South Australia (2011-06). Retrieved 21 February 2014.</ref> In 1950 and 1972, author [[Mervinia Masterman]] claimed that little penguins could be found at Flinders Chase in "thousands".<ref>{{cite book |last=Masterman |first=Mervina |year=1950 |title=Flinders Chase – Kangaroo Island, South Australia |place=Melbourne |publisher=Georgian House}}{{page needed|date=December 2020 }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=Flinder's Chase Revisited |last=Masterman |first=Mervinia |publisher=Griffin Press |year=1972 |place=Netley, SA |pages=63, 68, 73 }}</ref> She described the population utilizing the limestone caves at [[Ravine des Casoars|Ravine de Casoars]] as "innumerable" and described watching "dozens" come ashore at Sandy Beach.<ref name=":0"/> Penguins were also present at Hanson Bay on the island's south coast in the 1950s.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article93863858 |title=Eleanor Barbour's Pages for Country Women |newspaper=[[The Chronicle (South Australia)|The Chronicle]] |place=Adelaide |date=13 December 1951 |via=Trove |access-date=14 March 2014 |archive-date=24 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224235935/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/93863858 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The decline of penguin populations has prompted expanded monitoring regimes from 2011 to the present. The 2013 Kangaroo Island little penguin census revealed that numbers had decreased by 44 to 100 percent at all surveyed colonies over the prior two years. The census included eight survey sites.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.theislanderonline.com.au/story/2439107/penguin-populations-dropping/ |title=Penguin populations dropping |date=2014-07-24 |access-date=2014-07-26 |newspaper=The Islander |place=Kangaroo Island |archive-date=28 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728100010/http://www.theislanderonline.com.au/story/2439107/penguin-populations-dropping/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Fires===
====2007 bushfires====
[[File:Kangaroo Island with burn scars, Dec 2007.jpg|thumb|Burn scars from 2007 show red in this false-colour satellite image]]
{{main|2007 Kangaroo Island bushfires}}
Lightning strikes on Thursday 6 December 2007 caused several fires on the Island. Before being contained on 16 December 2007, over 20% of the Island had been burnt, totaling {{convert|900|sqkm|acre}}, principally within National Park and Conservation Reserves.

The most serious outbreak occurred in [[Flinders Chase National Park]], with 630 square kilometres (or 85% of the total park area) having been burnt.<ref>The Islander 2007-12-20</ref>

====2020 bushfires====
[[File:2020-01-08_Kangaroo_Island_Fire_Terra_MODIS-7-2-1-LABELS-EN.png|thumb|False colour imagery from [[Terra (satellite)|Terra]] satellite showing burnt area from 2019–20 bushfire season]]
In January 2020, the island was one of many places nationwide affected by bushfire as part of the [[2019–20 Australian bushfire season|2019–2020 Australian bushfire season]].

Across Kangaroo Island, several fires burnt in excess of {{convert|2100|sqkm|acre}}, about 52 percent of the island. A bushfire emergency warning was issued on 3 January 2020 as the fire advanced towards [[Vivonne Bay]], and the town of {{SAcity|Parndana}} was evacuated.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-03/cfs-battles-kangaroo-island-fire-amid-extreme-heat/11838600 |title=Kangaroo Island bushfire emergency declared as firefighters warn they can't stop fire spreading, Adelaide Hills ablaze again |work=ABC News |place=Australia |date=3 January 2020 |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=3 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103033304/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-03/cfs-battles-kangaroo-island-fire-amid-extreme-heat/11838600 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mott |first=Mitch |url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/ravine-fire-burning-on-kangaroo-island-virtually-unstoppable-in-current-conditions-cfs-says/news-story/e8ce03fa2178a0148a324627cabeb611 |title=Ravine fire burning on Kangaroo Island 'virtually unstoppable' as major towns only safe place left on island |work=The Advertiser |place=Adelaide |date=3 January 2020 |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=3 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103125021/https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/ravine-fire-burning-on-kangaroo-island-virtually-unstoppable-in-current-conditions-cfs-says/news-story/e8ce03fa2178a0148a324627cabeb611 |url-status=live }}</ref> The fires were not declared contained until 21 January.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://7news.com.au/news/bushfires/kangaroo-island-fire-officially-contained-c-657459 |title=Kangaroo Island fire officially contained |publisher=[[Australian Associated Press]] |date=21 January 2020 |access-date=21 January 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920204808/https://7news.com.au/news/bushfires/kangaroo-island-fire-officially-contained-c-657459 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Two people died on Kangaroo Island due to the fires.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://7news.com.au/news/bushfires/kangaroo-island-fires-two-confirmed-dead-as-blazes-continue-to-burn-c-632266 |series=Kangaroo Island fires |title=Two confirmed dead as blazes continue to burn |id=632266 |website=7news.com.au |access-date=4 January 2020 |archive-date=4 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104021731/https://7news.com.au/news/bushfires/kangaroo-island-fires-two-confirmed-dead-as-blazes-continue-to-burn-c-632266 |url-status=live }}</ref> A number of wildlife species, some unique to Kangaroo Island and some already endangered before the 2019–2020 bushfires, might be facing extinction in the wild as a result of the fires.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/bushfires-take-a-devastating-toll-on-kangaroo-island-s-unique-wildlife-20200106-p53p33.html |title=Bushfires take a devastating toll on Kangaroo Island's unique wildlife |date=6 January 2020 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=6 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105194209/https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/bushfires-take-a-devastating-toll-on-kangaroo-island-s-unique-wildlife-20200106-p53p33.html?js-chunk-not-found-refresh=true |archive-date=5 January 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Readfearn |first=Graham |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/04/ecologists-warn-silent-death-australia-bushfires-endangered-species-extinction |title='Silent death': Australia's bushfires push countless species to extinction |date=3 January 2020 |website=www.theguardian.com |access-date=6 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104181959/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/04/ecologists-warn-silent-death-australia-bushfires-endangered-species-extinction |archive-date=4 January 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Brulliard |first1=Karin |last2=Fears |first2=Darryl |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2020/01/09/australia-fire-animals-killed/ |title=A billion animals have been caught in Australia's fires. Some may go extinct. |date=9 January 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=11 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109192631/https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2020/01/09/australia-fire-animals-killed/ |archive-date=9 January 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> An estimated 80% of the 50,000 koalas on the island died in the fires.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theislanderonline.com.au/story/7054046/ki-koala-numbers-estimated-down-to-8500-from-48000-before-bushfires/ |title=KI koala numbers estimated down to 8500 from 48,000 before bushfires |date=14 December 2020 |access-date=21 March 2022 |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324064738/https://www.theislanderonline.com.au/story/7054046/ki-koala-numbers-estimated-down-to-8500-from-48000-before-bushfires/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Flinders Chase National Park]] was again damaged in the [[2019–20 Australian bushfire season]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/gallery/2020/jan/08/scorched-earth-the-bushfire-devastation-on-kangaroo-island-in-pictures |title=Scorched earth: the bushfire devastation on Kangaroo Island – in pictures |newspaper=The Guardian |date=7 January 2020 |access-date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=28 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128055403/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/gallery/2020/jan/08/scorched-earth-the-bushfire-devastation-on-kangaroo-island-in-pictures |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Fossils===
{{Infobox rockunit
| image = EmuBayloc.JPG
| caption = North Coast of Kangaroo Island, Emu Bay
| type = [[Formation (stratigraphy)|Geological formation]]
| prilithology = [[Shale]]
| otherlithology =
| namedfor =
| namedby =
| region = The north coast of Kangaroo Island, around [[Emu Bay, South Australia|Emu Bay]] and [[Cape D'Estaing]]
| country =[[South Australia]], [[Australia]].
| coordinates = {{Coord|35|35|S|137|30|E|region:AU-SA}}
| unitof =
| subunits =
| thickness =
| extent =
| area =
| age = {{geological range |Cambrian Stage 4 |ps=("Lower Cambrian") |refs=<ref name="García-Bellido2013">{{Cite journal |last1=García-Bellido |first1=D. C. |last2=Paterson |first2=J. R. |last3=Edgecombe |first3=G. D. |doi=10.1016/j.gr.2012.12.002 |title=Cambrian palaeoscolecids (Cycloneuralia) from Gondwana and reappraisal of species assigned to Palaeoscolex |journal=Gondwana Research |volume=24 |issue=2 |pages=780–795 |year=2013 |bibcode=2013GondR..24..780G }}</ref>}}
|period= Cambrian Stage 4
}}
The northern coast of Kangaroo Island contains important fossil-bearing deposits, dating from the late Lower [[Cambrian]], such as the [[Emu Bay Shale]] (late [[Botomian]], 517 million years old).<ref name="Jago">{{cite web |title=Correlation within early Palaeozoic basins of eastern South Australia |first1=JB |last1=Jago |first2=Xiaowen |last2=Sun |first3=Wen-long |last3=Zang |date=December 2002 |pages=1–22 |url=http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/38804/Correlation_palaeozoic_sa.pdf |access-date=4 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091013022216/http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/38804/Correlation_palaeozoic_sa.pdf |archive-date=13 October 2009 }}</ref> A variety of primordial marine arthropods left their remains in this [[Burgess shale type preservation]], but the larger grain size of the Emu Bay rock means that the quality of preservation is lower.<ref name=Glaessner1979>{{Cite journal |last=Glaessner |first=M. F. |year=1979 |title=Lower Cambrian Crustacea and annelid worms from Kangaroo Island, South Australia |journal=Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=21–31 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |url=http://www.informaworld.com/index/795083400.pdf |doi=10.1080/03115517908565437 |bibcode=1979Alch....3...21G }}</ref>

A few genera of non-biomineralized arthropods, among them ''Squamacula'', ''[[Kangacaris]]'', and the megacheiran ''Tanglangia'', are known only from the Emu Bay Shale and [[Chengjiang County|Chengjiang]]. The site is also the source of magnificent specimens of [[trilobite]]s such as ''[[Redlichia takooensis]]'', ''[[Emuella polymera]]'', ''[[Balcoracania dailyi]]'', ''Megapharanaspis nedini'', ''Holyoakia simpsoni'', and ''[[Estaingia bilobata|Estaingia (=Hsuaspis) bilobata]]''.<ref name="Pocock">{{cite journal |last=Pocock |first=K. J. |year=1970 |title=The Emuellidae, a new family of trilobites from the Lower Cambrian of South Australia |journal=Palaeontology |volume=13 |pages=522–562 }}</ref> ''[[Balcoracania]]'' and ''[[Emuella]]'' are the only known genera of the distinctive ''[[Redlichiina]]'' family ''[[Emuellidae]]'', known for possessing the greatest number of thoracic segments known for Trilobita as a whole (a record of 103 in one ''Balcoracania'' specimen), and so far entirely restricted to Australia and Antarctica.

The [[Sedimentary depositional environment|depositional environment]] of the majority of Burgess-Shale-type assemblages is outer shelf, deeper water. The Emu Bay Shale in contrast, appears to represent deposition in restricted basins on the inner shelf, indicating that soft tissue preservation occurred in a range of environmental settings during the Cambrian. Some Emu Bay fossils display extensive mineralization of soft tissues, most often of blocky [[apatite]] or fibrous [[calcium carbonate]], including the oldest phosphatized muscle tissue – along with records from [[Sirius Passet]] in Greenland, the first thus far reported from the Cambrian. Mid-gut glands are preserved three-dimensionally in calcium phosphate in the arthropods ''Isoxys'' and ''Oestokerkus'', as in related species from the Burgess Shale.

[[Pleistocene]] fossilised footprints indicate extinct [[Australian megafauna]], such as [[diprotodon]]s, [[Sthenurinae|short faced kangaroos]], and [[thylacine]]s were once distributed on the island.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-23/kangaroo-island-fossil-footprints-reveal-ancient-wildlife/8735572 |title=Fossil footprints reveal Kangaroo Island's diverse ancient wildlife |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |first=Tom |last=Fedorowytsch |date=24 July 2017 |access-date=24 July 2017 |archive-date=24 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724074546/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-23/kangaroo-island-fossil-footprints-reveal-ancient-wildlife/8735572 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{clear}}

==In film==
The 2024 drama feature film ''[[Kangaroo Island (film)|Kangaroo Island]]'', directed by [[Tim Piper|Tim Piper/Timothy David]] and written by his wife [[Sally Gifford]], was filmed on the island. It has its world premiere on the closing night of the 2024 [[Adelaide Film Festival]] on 3 November 2024.<ref>{{cite web |first=Penelope |last=Debelle |title=Kangaroo Island sets the scene for Film Festival gala screening |website=[[InReview]] |date=9 October 2024 |url=https://inreview.com.au/inreview/film/2024/10/10/kangaroo-island-sets-the-scene-for-film-festival-gala-screening/ |access-date=13 October 2024}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=aff>{{cite web |title=Closing Night Gala |website=Adelaide Film Festival |url=https://www.adelaidefilmfestival.org/program/2024/kangaroo-island-closing-night-gala |access-date=14 October 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Slatter |first=Sean |title=Timothy David's 'Kangaroo Island' to close Adelaide Film Festival as full line-up, jury announced |website=IF Magazine |date=17 September 2024 |url=https://if.com.au/timothy-david-pipers-kangaroo-island-to-close-adelaide-film-festival-as-full-line-up-jury-announced/ |access-date=14 October 2024 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Proclamation Day (South Australia)|Proclamation Day]]
* [[List of islands of Australia]]
* [[Western Kangaroo Island Commonwealth Marine Reserve]]
* [[Southern Kangaroo Island Commonwealth Marine Reserve]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|32em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Kangaroo Island}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
* [http://rgssamachupicchu.blogspot.com.au/2017/10/2017-exhibition-catalogue-mapping-south.html 1803 map of Kangaroo Island by Louis de Freycinet (1779–1842). Royal Geographical Society of South Australia] 
* [https://www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/ South Australian Tourism Commission site for Kangaroo Island]
* [http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/hindsight/kangaroo-island-unearthed/3133586 ABC Radio National, ''Hindsight'' program "Kangaroo Island unearthed" broadcast 29 March 2009]
* Online guide to [https://web.archive.org/web/20150630011332/http://www.exceptionalkangarooisland.com/island-wildlife-birds.php Kangaroo Island bird wildlife] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20150630012013/http://www.exceptionalkangarooisland.com/island-wildlife-vertebrates.php vertebrates wildlife]
* [https://www.inspirationoutdoors.com.au/blog/uncovering-the-history-and-heritage-of-kangaroo-island/ Uncovering the History and Heritage of Kangaroo Island] 
* [https://lookoutaustralia.com/ultimate-guide-to-kangaroo-island/ Kangaroo Island Guide] 

{{Kangaroo Island}}
{{Islands of South Australia|state=collapsed}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Kangaroo Island| ]]
[[Category:IBRA subregions]]
[[Category:Islands of South Australia]]
[[Category:South Australian soldier settlements]]
[[Category:Whaling stations in Australia]]
[[Category:Seal hunting]]