Franklin Harbor Conservation Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Franklin Harbor Conservation ParkSouth Australia |
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IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
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Aerial view of the east coast of Eyre Peninsula near Cowell - the peninsula on the right side is within the conservation park.
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 Franklin Harbor Conservation Park
Location in South Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Cowell. |
| Established | 22 January 1976 |
| Area | 13.56 km2 (5.2 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | Department for Environment and Water |
| See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
The Franklin Harbor Conservation Park is a special protected area in South Australia. You can find it on the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula, near the town of Cowell. It's about 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of the town center.
This park helps protect important natural places. It includes land on a peninsula that surrounds the southeast part of Franklin Harbor. It also includes four islands inside Franklin Harbor, like Entrance Island.
About the Park
The Franklin Harbor Conservation Park was officially created on 22 January 1976. It was established under a law called the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.
As of 2016, the park covers an area of 13.56 square kilometers (about 5.2 square miles). Since 2012, this conservation park has also been part of a larger protected area. This bigger area is known as the Franklin Harbor Marine Park.
Why This Park Is Special
The Franklin Harbor Conservation Park is very important for several reasons. It protects areas of mangrove and samphire plants. These types of plant habitats are rare in South Australia.
The islands within the park are also special. They provide a safe place for seabirds to rest and find food. One of the islands, Entrance Island, is also home to a population of death adders.
Plants and Animals
The park is home to many different types of plants. On some of the islands and the protected side of the peninsula, you can find low woodlands. These woodlands are mostly made up of Avicennia marina trees. There are also areas of samphire shrubland, which include different types of Arthrocnemum plants.
Along the sandy beaches on the seaward side of the peninsula, you'll find other plants. These include open scrubland areas with boxthorn. You might also see scattered Callitris, Santalum, Leucopogon, and Nitraria plants.
Protecting Nature
The Franklin Harbor Conservation Park is classified as an IUCN Category Ia protected area. This means it is a "Strict Nature Reserve." These reserves are managed mainly for scientific research or to protect wilderness.
In 1982, the park was also listed on the Register of the National Estate. This register was a list of important natural and cultural places in Australia.
