Lake Urana Nature Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Urana Nature ReserveNew South Wales |
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IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
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 Lake Urana Nature Reserve
Location in New South Wales
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| Nearest town or city | Urana |
| Established | April 1996 |
| Area | 3.02 km2 (1.2 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service |
| Website | Lake Urana Nature Reserve |
| See also | Protected areas of New South Wales |
| Lake Urana | |
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| Location | Riverina, New South Wales |
| Lake type | Saline |
| Primary inflows | Intermittent flooding from Cocketgedong Creek and Urana Creek |
| Primary outflows | Evaporation |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Surface area | 6,100 ha (15,000 acres) |
| Settlements | Urana |
The Lake Urana Nature Reserve is a special protected area in New South Wales, Australia. It's right next to Lake Urana, which is a unique salt lake. This reserve helps protect the plants and animals that live around the lake. It was set up in 1996.
The reserve covers about 302-hectare (750-acre) (that's like 746 football fields!). It's located near the small town of Urana in the Riverina region.
Lake Urana itself is quite large, about 6,100-hectare (15,000-acre). It's a shallow lake that doesn't always have water. It fills up only when there's a lot of rain and floods from nearby creeks. This happens about every 10 to 20 years. When it fills, the water can stay for several years. Since there's no river flowing out, the water slowly disappears through evaporation.
Contents
Plants of the Reserve
The Lake Urana Nature Reserve is home to many different types of plants. These plants are important for the animals that live there.
Trees and Shrubs
The woodlands in the reserve have tall yellow box trees and white cypress pine trees. You can also find various shrubs here. These include thorny saltbush, ruby saltbush, western golden wattle, emu bush, and black cottongrass.
Ground Cover and Grasses
On the ground, you'll find many types of grasses and herbs. Over 70 different species have been recorded! Some common ones are wiregrass and speargrass. You might even spot the pretty nodding chocolate lily.
Lakeside Woodland
Right along the edge of Lake Urana, there's a narrow area of red gum trees. These trees are well-suited to living near the water.
Animals of the Reserve
The reserve is a great place for many animals, especially when the lake has water.
Mammals
You can often see eastern grey kangaroos hopping around the reserve. They are one of the larger animals that call this place home.
Bird Species
Bird watchers will love Lake Urana. So far, 37 different kinds of birds have been seen here. When the lake fills up with water, it becomes a popular spot for waterbirds.
Waterbirds at the Lake
When the lake is full, many waterbirds come to visit. You might see wood ducks, Pacific black ducks, and Australian grey teal swimming on the water. Other birds like the yellow-billed spoonbill and black-fronted dotterel also come to feed. Even common birds like magpie larks can be found near the lake.
