Wetlands
Lochiel Park’s wetlands are planted with aquatic plants to provide a natural filter system for the stormwater as well as a habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The wetlands are stocked with native fish including the Big-headed gudgeon, the Purple-headed gudgeon and the Rainbow fish. Each species occur naturally in the Adelaide plains waterways including the River Torrens but are under threat from pest fish invading their native habitat.
The wetlands will be home to at least four species of native frogs. Frogs are more commonly heard than seen and only male frogs have a voice. Just like birds, frogs have their own characteristic songs and they sing at particular times of the year. The sound of a frog chorus is a good indication that the aquatic environment is healthy.
Frog expert Mike Tyler says: "One frog species most likely to be seen is Ewing's Tree Frog because it may be an evening visitor to your home. It is attracted to light and walks up the glass on windows to feed on small moths."
The wetlands will be a major feature of the Lochiel Park environment. Native fish such as the Purple spotted gudgeon will be introduced to control any threat from mosquitoes. Stormwater collected in the southern wetlands – and will be ultimately used for irrigation, toilet flushing and cold tap washing machine connection - must meet specific minimum quality standards. This is controlled partly by treatment processes in the wetland prior to entering the aquifer and before pumping to houses. It is very important that the health of the wetland ecosystem and the quality of the water is maintained.
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