Preliminary surveys have revealed 14 native mammal species, 52 reptiles and 162 bird species; but many habitats remain to be comprehensively surveyed, so these records are likely to be significantly expanded in the near future.
Several species that are nationally classified as vulnerable to extinction still persist in significant numbers on Newhaven, including the Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi), a small brushy tailed carnivorous marsupial, and the richly coloured great desert skink (Egernia kintorei). The last authenticated sighting of Australia’s rarest bird, the critically endangered Night Parrot was made on Newhaven.
The Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagostis) has recently been recorded nearby, and further surveys on Newhaven, where suitable habitat occurs, are expected to reveal its presence.
The Burrowing Bettong (Bettongia lesueur), now extinct in the wild on mainland Australia, occurred on Newhaven, as evidenced by its distinctive communal burrows. Feral cats are the likely cause of its continental extinction and feral animal control on Newhaven may make reintroduction of the Burrowing Bettong, and several other species, from isolated offshore populations an exciting possibility.
The MacDonnell ranges race of the Black Footed Wallaby, which is now absent from Uluru and Kata Tjuta and declining elsewhere, is still present on the Quartzite ranges of Newhaven. Its continued survival will depend on effective predator control and fire management.
