Nadgee Nature Reserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nadgee Nature ReserveNew South Wales |
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IUCN Category Ib (Wilderness Area)
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 Nadgee Nature Reserve
Location in New South Wales
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| Nearest town or city | Eden |
| Established | December 1957 |
| Area | 206.71 km2 (79.8 sq mi) |
| Managing authorities | NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Nadgee Nature Reserve |
| See also | Protected areas of New South Wales |
The Nadgee Nature Reserve is a special protected area on the far south coast of New South Wales, Australia. It's like a big natural park where plants and animals are kept safe. This reserve covers about 20,671 hectares (that's over 50,000 acres!). It sits right next to the Ben Boyd National Park. Its southern edge is the border between New South Wales and Victoria, where it meets the Croajingolong National Park.
A large part of Nadgee is a wilderness area, meaning it's kept very wild and untouched. You can also enjoy activities like bushwalking, cycling, swimming, fishing, and sea kayaking here.
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A Glimpse into Nadgee's Past
Long ago, the Bidawal Indigenous people lived in the Nadgee area. They left behind many shell middens (piles of shells from their meals) along the coast. You can also find ancient art and burial sites at Womboyn Beach within the reserve.
The first Europeans to arrive were survivors from a ship called Sydney Cove in 1797. They met the Bidawal people while trying to reach Sydney. For many years after, the area remained mostly untouched by European settlement.
How Nadgee Became a Reserve
In 1954, three people named Allen Strom, Allan Fox, and Charles Witheford suggested that this special area should be protected. The New South Wales Government agreed. In 1957, they officially named it the Nadgee Faunal Reserve. Later, in the 1970s, the reserve became even bigger. They added the upper part of the Nadgee River area to help protect more of the natural environment.
Plants and Animals of Nadgee
Nadgee Nature Reserve is home to many different types of plants and animals. The park has dry eucalyptus forests, open heathlands, and wetlands with saltwater.
Bushfires and Nature's Recovery
The plants in Nadgee have faced challenges from bushfires. Big fires happened in 1972 (started by lightning) and in 1980 (from a logging burn-off). Even after fires, nature often recovers, and new plants begin to grow.
Amazing Mammals
Many different mammals live here. You might spot a swamp wallaby or an eastern grey kangaroo. Other animals include the common wombat, tiny agile and dusky antechinus, and the gliding sugar glider.
Birds of Nadgee
The different habitats in Nadgee support a wide variety of birds. Over 34 bird species live just in the heathland areas! Some special birds you might find include the sooty owl, the eastern ground parrot, and the little tern.
The eastern bristlebird, which is an endangered bird, also lives here. Because of these important birds, BirdLife International has named this area, along with Mallacoota Inlet, an "Important Bird Area." This means it's a very important place for bird conservation.
