Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Catahoula Parish, LaSalle Parish, Louisiana, United States |
| Nearest city | Jena, Louisiana |
| Area | 25,162 acres (101.83 km2) |
| Established | 1958 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge |
The Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge is a special natural area in central Louisiana, United States. It is located about 12 miles (19 km) east of Jena. This refuge was set up in 1958. Its main purpose is to provide a safe place for migratory waterfowl (birds that fly long distances) during the winter.
The refuge covers a large area of 25,162 acres (101.83 km2). It is split into two main parts. The land here is mostly lowland forest. These forests often get flooded when the Ouachita and Red Rivers overflow.
Contents
What is the Catahoula Refuge?
The Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This agency works to protect wildlife and their natural homes. The refuge helps keep many different animals safe. It also protects important natural areas in Louisiana.
Headquarters Unit
One part of the refuge is called the Headquarters Unit. It covers 6,671 acres (27.00 km2). This unit is next to Catahoula Lake. This lake is a huge natural wetland (an area of land covered by shallow water). It is famous for having many migratory waterfowl.
Bushley Bayou Unit
The second part is the Bushley Bayou Unit. It is much larger, covering 18,491 acres (74.83 km2). This unit was added to the refuge in 2001. It was made possible through teamwork. The Conservation Fund, American Electric Power, and the Fish and Wildlife Service worked together.
Animals and Nature at the Refuge
The refuge is home to many different kinds of animals. It is a great place to see wildlife.
Common Animals You Might See
You can often spot many animals throughout the refuge.
- White-tailed deer
- Small game mammals (like rabbits and squirrels)
- Songbirds (birds that sing)
- Raptors (birds of prey, like hawks and owls)
- Waterbirds (birds that live near water)
- Reptiles (like snakes and turtles)
- Amphibians (like frogs and salamanders)
Winter Waterfowl Haven
During the winter, many waterfowl come to the refuge. Sometimes, as many as 75,000 ducks have been counted here! In 1979, a special area called the Duck Lake Impoundment was created. This 1,200 acres (4.9 km2) area helps provide even more habitat for waterfowl. Managers control the water levels here. This helps grow plants that waterbirds like to eat.
Important Bird Area Recognition
Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge is very important for birds.
- In 2001, it was named a Globally Important Bird Area. This means it's recognized worldwide as a key place for birds.
- Catahoula Lake is also a Wetlands of International Importance, or a Ramsar site. This means it's a historic and vital place for many types of birds. These include shorebirds, waterbirds, and birds that migrate or spend the winter there.
The refuge is also next to part of the Dewey Wills Wildlife Management Area. Together, these places create a large safe zone for wildlife. They help protect examples of the unique natural habitats found in the lower Mississippi River area.
