Cocata Conservation Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cocata Conservation Park South Australia
IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
Cocata Conservation Park Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Kyancutta.
Established	11 November 1993 (1993-11-11)
Area	167.62 km2 (64.7 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department for Environment and Water
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

Cocata Conservation Park is a special protected area in South Australia. It's found on the Eyre Peninsula, near the towns of Cocata and Warramboo. This park helps keep nature safe and sound. It's about 26 kilometers southwest of Kyancutta.

What is Cocata Conservation Park?

Cocata Conservation Park is a place where nature is protected. It covers a large area of about 167.62 square kilometers. This park is managed by the Department for Environment and Water. Their job is to look after the land and its wildlife.

Why are Conservation Parks Important?

Conservation parks are like big outdoor classrooms and safe havens for animals. They help protect different types of plants and animals. They also keep natural landscapes healthy for future generations. This park is a great example of how we can look after our environment.

How the Park Was Created

Cocata Conservation Park became an official protected area on 20 August 2009. Before that, it was a "conservation reserve" since 1993. This change meant it got even stronger protection under the state's National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

From Reserve to Park

The land was first set aside as a reserve on 11 November 1993. This was done under an older law called the Crown Land Act 1929. Later, it was upgraded to a conservation park. This shows how important it is to keep these natural places safe.

Where Does the Name Come From?

The park's name, Cocata, comes from a nearby hill called Cocata Hill. But the name has an even older history. It comes from "Cokata," which was the name of the Aboriginal people. They lived on the land between Mount Wedge and the Gawler Ranges. This name connects the park to its rich Indigenous heritage.

Protecting Nature for the Future

Cocata Conservation Park is classified as an IUCN Category VI protected area. This means it's a place where people can use natural resources in a careful and sustainable way. It's all about balancing human activities with protecting nature.

What Does IUCN Category VI Mean?

Being an IUCN Category VI park means the area is managed for long-term protection of nature. It also allows for some sustainable use of its natural resources. This helps local communities while still keeping the environment healthy. It's a way to make sure the park stays special for many years.