Lowan Conservation Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lowan Conservation Park Bowhill, South Australia
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
Lowan Conservation Park Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Perponda
Established	9 September 1971 (1971-09-09)
Area	6.75 km2 (2.6 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department for Environment and Water
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

Lowan Conservation Park is a special protected area in South Australia. It's located near Bowhill, about 99 kilometers (62 miles) east of Adelaide. This park helps protect nature and wildlife. It used to be called Lowan National Park.

History of Lowan Conservation Park

Lowan Conservation Park is on land owned by the government, known as "crown land." The government bought this land because they wanted to keep it wild. They wanted to protect the natural scrub and plants there.

How the Park Was Created

The park first became a protected area on 9 September 1971. It was called Lowan National Park back then. This happened under a law called the National Parks Act 1966.

A short time later, on 27 April 1972, its name changed. It became Lowan Conservation Park. This new name came from a different law, the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. In 1973, more land was added to the park. As of 2016, the park covers about 6.75 square kilometers (2.6 square miles).

What You Can Find in the Park

Lowan Conservation Park is a gently rolling area covered in "mallee scrub." Mallee scrub is a type of bushland with many small eucalyptus trees. These trees have multiple stems growing from the ground.

Plants and Trees

The main trees you'll see are different kinds of Eucalyptus species. These include Eucalyptus socialis, Eucalyptus gracilis, and Eucalyptus dumosa. Below these trees, you'll find smaller plants like acacia species.

Animals and Wildlife

This park is an important home for many animals. It's especially known for its breeding populations of Malleefowl. These are unique Australian birds that build large mounds to incubate their eggs. You might also spot large birds like wedge-tailed eagles flying overhead.

However, there are many rabbits in the park. Too many rabbits can eat young plants, which stops new trees and bushes from growing. The land around the park is mostly used for farming wheat and raising sheep.

Protecting Lowan Conservation Park

Lowan Conservation Park is a very important place for conservation. It is listed as an IUCN Category III protected area. This means it's recognized internationally for protecting natural features. It's like a special natural monument.

In 1980, the park was also listed on the now-closed Register of the National Estate. This register used to list places important to Australia's natural and cultural history.