Anna's Reservoir Conservation Reserve facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anna's Reservoir Conservation Reserve Anmatjere, Northern Territory
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
Anna's Reservoir Conservation Reserve Location in Northern Territory
Established	1971
Area	85 hectares (210 acres)
Managing authorities	Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
See also	Protected areas of the Northern Territory

Anna's Reservoir Conservation Reserve is a special protected area in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is about 165 kilometers (102 miles) north of Alice Springs. This important reserve is found within the large Aileron Station.

The traditional owners of this land are the Anmatyerre people. They have lived here for a very long time.

What is Anna's Reservoir?

Anna's Reservoir Conservation Reserve is a place where nature and history are protected. It covers about 85 hectares (210 acres) of land. Being a "protected area" means the government works to keep its natural environment safe.

Why is it Protected?

The reserve is listed as an IUCN Category V protected area. This means it is a "Protected Landscape/Seascape/Area." These areas are important for both nature and culture. They show how people and nature have interacted over time.

A Look Back in Time

Anna's Reservoir has a rich history, important to both Indigenous Australians and European explorers.

First European Visitors

The first European to visit this area was John McDouall Stuart. He arrived in April 1860 during an expedition. Stuart was exploring the land to find a way across Australia.

How it Got its Name

Stuart named the rock-hole "Anna's Reservoir." He named it after the youngest daughter of James Chambers. Mr. Chambers was a person who helped pay for Stuart's expedition. Stuart used this water source on his next three trips to reach Australia's north coast.

A Vital Water Stop

Many other travelers and workers used the reservoir for water. This included the people who built the Australian Overland Telegraph Line. This telegraph line was a huge project. It connected Australia to the rest of the world by telegraph in the late 1800s.

Moving Livestock

In 1879, Alfred Giles also used the reservoir. He was "overlanding" a huge number of animals. He moved 4,000 cattle and 8,000 sheep. His goal was to start Springvale Station near Katherine. "Overlanding" means moving large groups of livestock over long distances.

Protecting the Reserve

Anna's Reservoir Conservation Reserve has been officially recognized for its importance.

Heritage Listings

In 1980, the reserve was listed on the Register of the National Estate. This list no longer exists, but it showed the place was important. Later, in 1995, it was added to the Northern Territory Heritage Register. This listing helps make sure the reserve's history and nature are preserved for the future.