Boullanger Island facts for kids
Boullanger Island (30°18′55″S 115°00′13″E / 30.31528°S 115.00361°E) is a small island off the coast of Western Australia. It covers an area of about 35 hectares (about 86 acres). The closest town on the mainland is Jurien Bay.
This island is part of the Jurien Bay Marine Park. This park was created in August 2003. It stretches along the Indian Ocean Drive, about 200 to 300 kilometers (124 to 186 miles) north of Perth. The park protects a very important part of Western Australia's central west coast. This includes Boullanger Island, along with Whitlock and Escape islands.
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Discovering Boullanger Island
Boullanger Island and Jurien Bay were both named on July 1, 1801. This happened during a French expedition led by Captain Nicolas Baudin. His ship was called the Géographe.
Who Was Boullanger?
Boullanger Island was named to honor Charles-Pierre Boullanger. He was the mapmaker, or cartographer, for the expedition. He helped create the maps of the areas they explored.
Who Was Jurien?
Jurien Bay was named after Charles Marie Vicomte Jurien. He was a French naval administrator. This means he helped manage the French navy.
Animals and Plants on the Island
Boullanger Island is home to a special type of tiny marsupial mouse. It is called the Sminthopsis boullangerensis, also known as the Boullanger Island dunnart. This animal is found only on this island.
Protecting the Dunnart
The Boullanger Island dunnart is considered a vulnerable animal. This means it needs protection to survive. It was once thought to be a type of grey-bellied dunnart. However, scientists now know it is its own unique species.
