Kathai Conservation Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kathai Conservation ParkSouth Australia |
|
---|---|
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
|
|
Nearest town or city | Port Lincoln |
Established | 7 November 1985 |
Area | 81 hectares (200 acres) |
Managing authorities | Department for Environment and Water |
See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
Kathai Conservation Park is a special protected area in South Australia. It's located on the Eyre Peninsula, near a place called Duck Ponds. This park is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) southwest of Port Lincoln.
Contents
About Kathai Conservation Park
This park was created to protect important plants and animals. It's also home to a large hill called Northside Hill, which is about 145 meters (476 feet) high. The park was officially opened on November 7, 1985.
Why the Name Kathai?
When the park was first planned, it was going to be called Northside Hill Conservation Park. But then, a special name was chosen: 'Kathai'. This is an Aboriginal name for the hill. It was approved by the Geographic Names Board.
Park Size and Purpose
As of July 2016, Kathai Conservation Park covers an area of 81 hectares (about 200 acres). Its main goal is to protect the natural homes and wildlife found in the Uley catchment basin. A catchment basin is an area where all the water drains into a common spot.
Plants and Trees in the Park
The park has a special type of forest called an "open mallee forest." This means it has many coastal white mallee trees. These trees are a type of eucalyptus.
Unique Plant Species
Underneath the mallee trees, you'll find tall shrubs of dryland tea-tree. The park is also home to a rare plant called the purple-flowered mallee. This plant is considered "regionally rare," meaning it's not found very often in this part of the world.
Protecting Nature
Kathai Conservation Park is recognized internationally for its importance. It's classified as an IUCN Category III protected area. This means it's a natural monument or feature that is protected for its unique natural value.