Nature reserve (Australia) facts for kids
A nature reserve in Australia is a special kind of protected area where nature is kept safe. These areas are found in certain parts of Australia, like the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Western Australia. Each of these places has its own laws (called statutes) that explain what a nature reserve is and why it's important.
In 2014, there were 1,767 nature reserves across Australia. These reserves are part of a bigger network called the National Reserve System, which helps protect Australia's unique plants, animals, and landscapes.
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Where are Nature Reserves Found in Australia?
Nature reserves are only called "nature reserves" in four Australian areas:
- The Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Tasmania
- Western Australia
As of 2014, these 1,767 nature reserves covered a huge area of about 113,382.42 hectares (280,174.1 acres). This is about 1.47% of all the land in Australia! The entire National Reserve System, which includes many different types of protected areas, covers an even larger area of about 1,375,015.51 square kilometres (530,896.46 square miles), or 17.88% of Australia.
Nature Reserves in the Australian Capital Territory
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), a nature reserve is a piece of public land set aside to protect nature. The laws that define these areas are the Nature Conservation Act 2014 and the Planning and Development Act 2007. These laws make sure that these areas are kept safe for plants and animals.
By 2014, the ACT had 43 nature reserves. Together, they covered an area of about 234.71 square kilometres (90.62 square miles).
Nature Reserves in New South Wales
In New South Wales (NSW), nature reserves are created to protect special places. These places might have amazing or rare ecosystems (like forests or wetlands), unique animal or plant species, or important natural features. The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 is the law that explains this.
As of 2014, New South Wales had 418 nature reserves. These reserves covered a total area of about 9,514.67 square kilometres (3,673.63 square miles).
Nature Reserves in Tasmania
Tasmania also has nature reserves, defined by two important laws: the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the National Parks and Reserves Management Act 2002. These laws focus on protecting Tasmania's natural plants, animals, and geological features (like rocks and landforms). They also aim to protect unique or important natural areas.
The laws also list seven goals for managing nature reserves. These goals include:
- Protecting natural plants and animals.
- Looking after geological features.
- Keeping water clean and protecting water sources.
- Protecting places important to Aboriginal people.
- Using reserves for education and research.
- Working to restore damaged areas.
- Working with Aboriginal communities.
In 2014, Tasmania had 80 nature reserves, covering about 1,107.75 square kilometres (427.70 square miles).
Nature Reserves in Western Australia
In Western Australia, a nature reserve is land that has been officially given (or vested) to a government group called the Conservation Commission. This is done to protect either plants (flora), animals (fauna), or both. The Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 is the law that sets this up.
By 2014, Western Australia had the most nature reserves, with 1,226 of them. These reserves covered a very large area of about 102,525.28 square kilometres (39,585.23 square miles).
