In what has been described by locals as a once in 40 year event, 62.8mm of rain was recorded at the ATCO base at the Arid Recovery Reserve overnight on Thursday 8 April, but it is estimated that there were greater falls in other parts of the 123sqkm reserve. Roxby Downs airport reported 85mm and Andamooka reported 96mm with other reports up to 117mm in outlying areas. This followed local falls on Monday 5th April of over 30ml with 28ml recorded at the ATCOm meaning that the Reserve experienced almost 100ml of rain within 5 days.
These massive downpours transformed the Reserve and surrounding areas into a series of lakes and surging creeks and have set off a chain of events for both animal and plant species. Frogs emerged from deep underground abounding in vast numbers to quickly breed, attracting predators from the sky and ground. Agile birds and dragon flies skim the surfaces of lakes and water logged sands gorging on insects, and with an abundance of available food so begins a dynamic expansion of the local eco-chain.
After the storm, water lying across the land in the light of calm, balmy autumn days has created a beautiful, surreal landscape exploding with colour as it reflects the magnificent rich brilliance of outback soils and escarpments, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Vegetation that had sprouted after the last significant rain event about a month ago has created a verdant green carpet extending across swales and gibber plains, and creek beds are filled with a variety of plants that have laid dormant during the recent extensive drought and so with the newly rain-filled gilgais and waterholes and deep ground seepage, we are anticipating the emergence of new tree and bush seedlings, carpets of grasses and wild flowers, and regrowth on existing vegetation.
The reserve experienced several wash outs and some damage to the fenceline which was quickly attended to in order to prevent feral incursions or escapes from the Reserve, but there is significant work to do to fully repair the damage and to ensure that the fences integrity is maintained. Staff worked quickly and tirelessly on the fenceline after the rain but all agreed that despite little sleep, and back-breaking work, it was wonderful to experience such an exceptional event in the arid zone.
The Reserve may well be looking at its best over the next few months, so this presents a great opportunity to join a tour and to experience the outback after big rain. Check out more photos on our website Photo Gallery.
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