Forrestdale and Thomsons Lakes Ramsar Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Designations
|
|
| Official name: Forrestdale and Thomsons Lakes | |
| Designated: | 7 June 1990 |
|---|---|
| Reference #: | 481 |
The Forrestdale and Thomsons Lakes Ramsar Site is made up of two separate nature reserves. These reserves cover a total area of 754 hectares (about 1,863 acres). They protect two shallow lakes in south-western Western Australia. These lakes can be fresh or a bit salty, and they often dry out in summer. They are surrounded by suburbs and farms.
This area is part of the Swan Coastal Plain. Many people enjoy birdwatching and walking here. The site is super important around the world. It was named Ramsar Site 481 on 7 June 1990, under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This convention helps protect important wetlands globally.
About the Lakes
Forrestdale Lake and Thomsons Lake are about 10 kilometers (6 miles) apart. They are both located in the southern part of Perth. The lakes are similar in size and shape. They are oval, about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) long and 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) wide.
When full, they have large open water areas. Their edges are covered with plants like the introduced bulrush (Typha orientalis), sedges, and paperbark trees. These plants can handle being wet for part of the year. Both lakes usually dry up in the summer. However, Thomsons Lake sometimes keeps water all year. Both reserves also have areas of native woodland.
These lakes are the best examples left of their kind. They are brackish (a bit salty) and seasonal. They have lots of sedges around their edges, which is typical for the Swan Coastal Plain. For the whole region, these lakes are a major spot. They are used for breeding, as a stop-over during migration, and as a safe place during dry times for shorebirds and other waterbirds.
The site meets several important Ramsar rules because it:
- Has a special example of a natural wetland type.
- Supports many important plants and animals.
- Regularly has 20,000 or more waterbirds.
- Regularly supports 1% of a certain waterbird species' population.
Protecting the Lakes
Looking after the Forrestdale and Thomsons Lakes involves several key actions:
- Keeping Water Clean: The lakes have high levels of nutrients. Also, water levels can change. This happens because people use groundwater for homes and farms. More water also flows in from nearby urban areas. So, keeping the water clean and at the right level is important.
- Controlling Bulrush: The Typha orientalis bulrush is not native. It can spread too much throughout the lakes. Efforts are made to stop it from taking over.
- Managing Insects: There are many small insects called chironomids. They can be a bother to people living nearby. So, their numbers need to be managed.
- Reducing Visitor Impact: Too many visitors can harm the plants and trees around the lakes. Plans are in place to stop further damage from people using the area.
