Bool Lagoon Game Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bool Lagoon Game ReserveSouth Australia |
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IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
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Bool Lagoon. The red plant is samphire.
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 Bool Lagoon Game Reserve
Location in South Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Naracoorte |
| Established | 8 June 1967 |
| Area | 31.03 km2 (12.0 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | Department for Environment and Water |
| Website | Bool Lagoon Game Reserve |
| Footnotes | |
| Official name: Bool and Hacks Lagoons | |
| Designated: | 1 November 1985 |
| Reference #: | 322 |
| See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
Bool Lagoon Game Reserve is a special protected area in the Limestone Coast region of South Australia. It is about 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of the town of Naracoorte. This reserve is famous for its wetlands, which are important homes for many different kinds of birds. It is a great place to learn about nature and see wildlife.
A Special Place: Bool Lagoon's Story
Bool Lagoon Game Reserve became a protected area on June 8, 1967. This meant the land was set aside to protect its wildlife. Later, in 1972, it was officially named the Bool Lagoon Game Reserve under a new law.
In 1985, Bool Lagoon, along with a nearby area called Hacks Lagoon, became even more important. They were added to a special list called the Ramsar List. This list includes wetlands around the world that are very important for nature.
Wildlife and Nature at Bool Lagoon
Bool Lagoon is known as a "game reserve." This means that while it protects animals, sometimes hunting is allowed under strict rules. Even so, Bool Lagoon is a very important place for many waterbirds, especially during dry years.
Many different kinds of birds visit the lagoons. Some of these birds travel all the way from the Northern Hemisphere! You can often see up to 150 different bird species here.
To help people enjoy and learn about the birds, there are special boardwalks and bird hides. These are great for birdwatching without disturbing the animals.
In the past, hunters used lead shot, which can be harmful to wildlife. Now, when hunting is allowed, only steel shot can be used. This helps keep the environment safer for the birds and other animals.
The reserve is part of a group of protected areas called IUCN class VI protected areas. This means the area is managed to protect nature while also allowing some sustainable use of its natural resources.
How Water Flows at Bool Lagoon
Mosquito Creek flows into Hacks Lagoon. Any extra water from Hacks Lagoon then flows into Bool Lagoon.
In the past, Mosquito Creek used to continue past Hacks Lagoon and spread out near Naracoorte. Now, the water is directed through a drain from Bool Lagoon. This drain carries the extra water all the way to the coast near Beachport.
