Dragon Tree Soak Nature Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dragon Tree Soak Nature Reserve |
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| Type | Nature reserve |
| Location | Great Sandy Desert, Kimberley, Western Australia |
| Area | 180 square kilometres |
The Dragon Tree Soak Nature Reserve is a special protected area in the Great Sandy Desert. This desert is located in the southern part of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It's a unique place because it holds old, dry lake beds and is far away from any roads or towns.
Contents
What is Dragon Tree Soak?
Dragon Tree Soak is a nature reserve that covers about 180 square kilometres (which is about 69 square miles). It is located about 210 kilometres (130 miles) east of the Great Northern Highway. This reserve is known for its swamp, which is a very important wetland.
Where is it Located?
Imagine a huge desert in Western Australia. Dragon Tree Soak is right in the middle of it! It's part of the Great Sandy Desert, a vast and dry area. Because it's so remote, it's a quiet place where nature can thrive without much human disturbance.
Why is it Special?
Dragon Tree Soak is a swamp that is thought to be a leftover from an ancient river. This river, called the Mandora Palaeoriver, flowed during a time when the climate was much wetter, thousands of years ago. This makes the soak a very old and important natural feature.
Unique Plants and Animals
This special wetland is a home for many birds. Some birds come from the surrounding grasslands. Others are species usually found near water, like rivers or streams. Two bird species, the Clamorous Reed-Warbler and the Australian Crake, have been seen here. These birds are not usually found anywhere else in this part of the desert. The swamp has plants like bullrush (Typha domingensis) and dragon tree (Sesbania formosa).
An Oasis in the Desert
Dragon Tree Soak is truly an oasis in the desert. It has a freshwater spring and a permanent freshwater marsh. There is also an area of peatland, which is like a spongy ground made of decaying plants. The main water area is about 1 hectare (2.5 acres). This wetland supports plants and animals that are rare or not found anywhere else in the desert. It's a vital spot for life in a very dry landscape.
Protecting the Reserve
Like many natural areas, Dragon Tree Soak faces challenges. Wild camels have caused a lot of damage to the plants and environment. To help protect this special place, programs have been put in place. These programs aim to reduce the impact of the camels on the reserve. This helps keep the unique plants and animals safe.
