Boullanger Island facts for kids
Boullanger Island seen from Jurien Bay
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Indian Ocean |
| Coordinates | 30°18′55″S 115°00′13″E / 30.31528°S 115.00361°E |
| Administration | |
| State | Western Australia |
| LGA | Shire of Dandaragan |
Boullanger Island is a small island located off the coast of Western Australia. It covers an area of about 35 hectares (which is about 86 acres). The closest town on the mainland is Jurien Bay. This island is a special place because it's part of the Jurien Bay Marine Park. It also belongs to a nature reserve that includes several other islands.
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Exploring Boullanger Island and Jurien Bay
Boullanger Island is an important part of the Jurien Bay Marine Park. This park was created in August 2003 to protect the amazing ocean life and islands in the area. The park stretches along the Indian Ocean Drive, about 200 to 300 kilometers north of Perth. It covers a big section of Western Australia's central west coast.
Why is the Marine Park important?
The Jurien Bay Marine Park helps keep the marine environment safe. It protects many islands, including Boullanger, Whitlock, and Escape islands. These areas are home to unique plants and animals, both on land and in the water.
How Boullanger Island got its name
Both Boullanger Island and Jurien Bay were named a long time ago, on July 1, 1801. This happened during a French expedition led by Nicolas Baudin. The expedition was on a ship called the Géographe. Boullanger Island was named after Charles-Pierre Boullanger, who was the mapmaker for the expedition. Jurien Bay was named after Charles-Marie Jurien, a French naval leader.
Animals and Plants on Boullanger Island
Boullanger Island is home to a very special animal. It's a type of marsupial mouse called the Boullanger Island dunnart (scientific name: Sminthopsis boullangerensis). This little creature is endemic to the island, which means it lives only there and nowhere else in the world!
The Boullanger Island Dunnart: A Special Mouse
The Boullanger Island dunnart is a small marsupial, similar to a tiny kangaroo or koala, but it looks like a mouse. It used to be thought of as a type of grey-bellied dunnart. However, scientists now know it's its own unique species.
Protecting the Dunnart
Because it lives only on Boullanger Island, the dunnart is very special and needs protection. It is currently classified as a vulnerable species. This means its population is at risk, and efforts are being made to ensure it can survive and thrive on the island. Protecting its home is key to keeping this unique animal safe for the future.
