Lancelin Island facts for kids
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Lancelin Island is a cool island located off the coast of Western Australia. It's very close to the town of Lancelin. This island is a special place for wildlife and nature.
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About Lancelin Island
Lancelin Island covers an area of about 8.16 hectares (that's like 20 football fields!). It sits only 600 meters away from the mainland. The highest point on the island is about 27 meters above sea level.
The island is made of limestone, which is a type of rock often formed from ancient shells. It's connected to another island, Edwards Island, by underwater and tide-exposed reef platforms. Both islands are protected as "A Class nature reserves." This means they are very important for nature and are kept safe.
The island has a big sandy beach facing the mainland. There's also a smaller beach on the side facing the open ocean. The ocean waters on the western side of the island are also protected. This area is called the Lancelin Island Lagoon Fish Habitat Protection Area. It has important seagrass beds and amazing reef systems.
Lancelin Island and Edwards Island are at the southern end of the Turquoise Coast islands. This is a chain of about 40 islands that stretch for 150 kilometers along the coast.
How Lancelin Island Was Formed
Lancelin Island was created around 10,000 years ago. Back then, sea levels changed a lot. This caused erosion on large parts of the ocean floor during very cold periods called ice ages.
After that, big sand dunes formed in rows. Over time, these sand dunes hardened into limestone. This is how many of the islands, including Lancelin Island, were formed. Most of these islands have been separate from the mainland for about 6,500 years.
The Noongar peoples are the traditional owners of the land around Lancelin. They have lived in this area for a very long time.
History of the Island's Name
The first European to discover and name the island was a French explorer. His name was Jacques Félix Emmanuel Hamelin, and he was on a ship called Naturalist in 1801. He named the island after a scientific writer named P.J. Lancelin.
In the 1920s, the area became a popular spot for holidays. Many small shacks were built on the mainland. During World War II, the island was used by the Royal Australian Air Force. They used it for training exercises, including bombing practice.
Later, in 1947, the business of catching crayfish (a type of lobster) started in the area.
Plants and Animals of Lancelin Island
Lancelin Island has many different types of plants. There are over 50 plant species found here! Most of the plants grow close to the ground. They are usually salt-tolerant grasses and shrubs.
Sandy areas have low heath plants. Places with shallower soil over limestone have herbfields and grasslands. A plant called the nitre bush covers the slopes and flat areas of the island.
Many different seabirds live on the island. Some species even use the island as a safe place to lay their eggs and raise their young.
A special type of lizard called the Lancelin Island skink (its scientific name is Ctenotus lancelini) lives only on this island. It's named after the island and is a threatened species, meaning it needs protection.
Sea lions are also known to visit Lancelin Island. However, they don't use it as a place to have their pups.
The Lancelin Island Lagoon Fish Habitat Protection Area is home to even more amazing wildlife. Over 200 different types of plants and animals have been found living in this protected ocean area.
