Munyaroo Conservation Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Munyaroo Conservation Park South Australia
IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
Munyaroo Conservation Park Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Cowell
Established	13 October 1977
Area	201.39 km2 (77.8 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department for Environment and Water
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

Munyaroo Conservation Park is a special protected area in South Australia. It is located on the eastern coast of the Eyre Peninsula. You can find it about 36 kilometres (22 miles) south-west of Whyalla and 35 kilometres (22 miles) north-east of Cowell. This park helps protect important natural habitats and wildlife.

About Munyaroo Conservation Park

Munyaroo Conservation Park is made up of three separate areas of land. Two of these areas are right next to the coast along Spencer Gulf. One is just south of Muminnie Beach, and the other is near Plank Point. The third area is located further west, next to the Lincoln Highway.

When Was it Created?

The park was officially created on 13 October 1977. It was set up under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. Later, on 20 August 2009, another nearby area called the Munyaroo Conservation Reserve was added to the park. This made the protected area even larger.

Why is Munyaroo Conservation Park Important?

Munyaroo Conservation Park is very important for many reasons. It helps connect different types of natural environments. These include coastal areas and inland mallee woodlands. This connection is vital for many plants and animals.

The park's coastal parts have sandy beaches. They also feature special areas with mangrove and samphire plants. These unique plant communities are perfect homes for many shorebirds.

Special Animals You Might See

Many birds live in the park's coastal areas. These include different types of plovers and terns. You might also spot the Sooty Oystercatcher. This bird is considered rare in South Australia.

Inland, behind the sand dunes, you will find open woodlands. These woodlands have trees like Western Myall and False Sandalwood. The ground beneath these trees is covered with plants like Bluebush and Bladder Saltbush.

Rare Plants in the Park

The mallee and saltbush areas are home to some very special plants. One example is the Yellow Swainson-pea. This plant is considered vulnerable, meaning it needs protection. Another rare creature found here is the Dwarf Four-toed Slider. This small lizard is also listed as rare.

How is it Protected?

Munyaroo Conservation Park is classified as an IUCN Category VI protected area. This means it is a protected area where people can use natural resources in a sustainable way. The main goal is to conserve the ecosystem and its natural values.