Investigator Group Wilderness Protection Area facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Investigator Group Wilderness Protection Area South Australia
IUCN Category Ib (Wilderness Area)
View of the southern end of Pearson Island
Investigator Group Wilderness Protection Area Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Elliston
Established	25 August 2011
Area	4.4 km2 (1.7 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department for Environment and Water
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

The Investigator Group Wilderness Protection Area is a special protected place in South Australia. It is made up of islands in the Investigator Group, located off the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula. These islands are found between 25 and 70 kilometers southwest of the town of Elliston.

About the Investigator Group Wilderness Protection Area

This protected area was officially created in August 2011. It was set up under a law called the Wilderness Protection Act 1992. The main goal is to keep these islands wild and safe for animals.

Why is it Protected?

The area is very important for several reasons. It protects places where Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals rest and gather. These spots are called "haul-out areas."

It also provides a safe home for many other animals, including:

• White-faced storm petrels (a type of seabird)
• Cape Barren geese
• Mutton birds
• The rare Pearson Island black-footed rock-wallaby

Where is it Located?

The wilderness protection area was once part of the Investigator Group Conservation Park. It includes several islands:

• The Ward Islands
• The Top Gallant Isles
• The Pearson Isles, which include Dorothee Island, Pearson Island, and Veteran Isles

There is one small part of Pearson Island that is not included. This land is used by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority for a lighthouse.

Connected to the Sea

Since 2012, the ocean waters around these islands have also been protected. They are part of the Investigator Marine Park. This helps protect the sea creatures and their homes too.

What Kind of Protected Area Is It?

The Investigator Group Wilderness Protection Area is known as an IUCN Category Ib protected area. This means it is a "Wilderness Area." These areas are kept as natural as possible, with very little human activity, to protect their wild nature.