Monarto Conservation Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monarto Conservation ParkSouth Australia |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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 Monarto Conservation Park
Location in South Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Murray Bridge |
| Established | 15 September 1983 |
| Area | 2.40 km2 (0.9 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | Department for Environment and Water |
| Website | Monarto Conservation Park |
| See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
Monarto Conservation Park is a special "protected area" in South Australia, Australia. It's a place where nature is kept safe. You can find it in a suburb called Monarto South.
The park is about 53 kilometers (33 miles) south-east of Adelaide, which is the capital city. It's also about 15 kilometers (9 miles) south-west of the town of Murray Bridge.
What is Monarto Conservation Park?
Monarto Conservation Park is a natural space that helps protect local plants and animals. It's managed by the Department for Environment and Water. This park is important for keeping the environment healthy.
When Was it Created?
This conservation park was officially created on September 15, 1983. It was set up under a law called the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. This law helps to protect important natural places across South Australia.
How Big is the Park?
As of 2016, Monarto Conservation Park covers an area of 2.4 square kilometers (about 0.9 square miles). That's roughly the size of 240 soccer fields!
History of the Land
Before it became a park, this land was known as Braendlers Scrub. It was once part of a bigger plan for a new city called Monarto. However, the plan for the city was later stopped.
Even though some parts of the land were cleared before 1983, the area has grown back well. By the year 2000, people noted that the park was "known for its prolific flowering plants." This means it had many beautiful flowers.
Plants and Nature
In 1992, experts studied the plants in the eastern part of the park. They found that the area had an "Open Mallee" type of forest. This means it had many small, multi-stemmed trees.
The main trees found were Eucalyptus incrassata and Eucalyptus socialis. These are types of eucalyptus trees. Below these trees, there were many Hysterobaeckea behrii plants.
The survey was done on a sand dune. It found 50 different kinds of native plants living in the park. It also found one type of plant that was brought in from another country.
Why is it Protected?
Monarto Conservation Park is a "Category III protected area" according to the IUCN. The IUCN is a global group that helps protect nature.
Being a Category III park means it's important for protecting specific natural features. It helps to keep the unique plants and environment of the area safe for everyone to enjoy.
