Middlecamp Hills Conservation Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Middlecamp Hills Conservation Park South Australia
IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
Middlecamp Hills Conservation Park Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Cowell
Established	24 November 1977 (1977-11-24)
Area	8.35 km2 (3.2 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

Middlecamp Hills Conservation Park is a special protected area in South Australia. It is located on the Eyre Peninsula, near the town of Cowell. This park helps to keep nature safe.

The park is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) west of Cowell's town center. It was officially created on 24 September 1977. This happened under a law called the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Middlecamp Hills Conservation Park covers an area of 8.35 square kilometers (3.22 square miles). This is about the size of 835 football fields! It is classified as an IUCN Category IA protected area. This means it is a very strict nature reserve. It is mainly for scientific research and protecting wild nature.

What is a Conservation Park?

A conservation park is a place where nature is protected. It helps to keep plants and animals safe. These parks are important for the environment. They make sure that natural habitats are not destroyed.

Why Protect Middlecamp Hills?

Middlecamp Hills is protected to save its unique environment. It helps to keep the local plants and animals safe. This area is important for biodiversity. It ensures that different types of life can thrive.

Strict Nature Reserve Status

Being an IUCN Category IA means the park is a "Strict Nature Reserve." This is the highest level of protection. It means human visits are very limited. The main goal is to protect the ecosystem. Scientists can study the area.

Location and Geography

Middlecamp Hills Conservation Park is on the Eyre Peninsula. This peninsula is a large triangle of land in South Australia. It has a mix of coastal areas and dry inland regions. The park's location helps protect a specific part of this landscape.

How to Find the Park

The park is west of Cowell. Cowell is a small town known for its fishing and farming. The park is not usually open for public visits. This is because of its strict protection status.

History of the Park

The park was established in 1977. This was a time when many areas in South Australia were being protected. The government wanted to save important natural places. The National Parks and Wildlife Act helped make this possible.

Why 1977 Was Important

The year 1977 marked a step forward for conservation. It showed a growing understanding of nature's value. Protecting areas like Middlecamp Hills ensures they remain wild. This is important for future generations.