Lake Numalla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Numalla |
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 Lake Numalla
Location in Australia
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| Location | Mulga Lands, Queensland, Australia |
| Coordinates | 28°44′S 144°19′E / 28.733°S 144.317°E |
| Type | lake |
Lake Numalla is a special freshwater lake. It is found in a very dry part of Western Queensland, Australia. This area is known as the Mulga Lands. It usually gets only a small amount of rainfall each year.
Even though the region is dry, Lake Numalla holds fresh water. This is different from a nearby lake, Lake Wyara, which is salty. Lake Numalla is very important for many waterbirds. It provides a safe home for them, especially during dry periods. Many birds that travel across inland Australia also stop here. More than 200 different types of birds have been seen at the lake.
The lake is part of a larger protected area called Currawinya National Park. It is also recognized internationally under the Ramsar Convention. This means it is a wetland that is important around the world.
Where is Lake Numalla?
Lake Numalla is located in the western part of Queensland, Australia. This region is called the Mulga Lands bioregion. A bioregion is a large area of land or water. It has similar plants, animals, and natural features.
The climate here is very dry. It gets low and unpredictable rainfall. This means you can't always count on when or how much rain will fall. On average, the area receives about 450 to 650 millimeters of rain per year. This is not much compared to other parts of Australia.
A Home for Wildlife
Lake Numalla is a vital place for many animals. It is especially important for waterbirds. During times of drought, when other water sources dry up, Lake Numalla remains a freshwater haven. This makes it a critical refuge for birds.
Many different kinds of birds use the lake. Some live there all the time. Others are migrating waders. These birds travel long distances across inland Australia. They stop at Lake Numalla to rest and find food. Scientists have recorded over 200 different bird species in the park. This shows how rich and diverse the bird life is around the lake.
Special Protection for the Lake
Lake Numalla is part of Currawinya National Park. National parks are special areas. They are protected by the government to preserve nature. This helps keep the lake and its wildlife safe.
The lake is also listed under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement. It aims to protect wetlands around the world. Wetlands are areas like lakes, swamps, and marshes. They are important for water, wildlife, and the environment. Being a Ramsar site means Lake Numalla is recognized globally for its importance. It highlights the need to protect this unique freshwater ecosystem.
