Newhaven Sanctuary facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Newhaven Sanctuary Lake Mackay, Northern Territory
IUCN Category II (National Park)
Newhaven Sanctuary Location in Northern Territory
Area	2,618.41 km2 (1,011.0 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Australian Wildlife Conservancy
See also	Protected areas of the Northern Territory

Newhaven Sanctuary, once known as Newhaven Station, is a very large protected area in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is located about 363 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of Alice Springs. This special place is where three different natural areas meet: the Great Sandy Desert, the MacDonnell Ranges, and Burt Plain.

It was first set up when Birds Australia bought Newhaven Station in December 2000. This was a cattle-grazing property in a dry part of the Northern Territory. Birds Australia wanted to protect its amazing natural features. Newhaven is huge, covering about 2,622 square kilometers (1,012 square miles). That's five times bigger than Birds Australia's other reserve, Gluepot Reserve, in South Australia.

What is Newhaven Sanctuary?

Newhaven Sanctuary is a protected area. It was created to keep its unique plants and animals safe. It's a very important place for conservation in Australia.

A Home for Wildlife

Newhaven has many different types of land. You can find long, parallel sand dunes, salt lakes, and flat, muddy claypans. There are also wide plains and rocky hills.

The plants here are varied too. There are grasslands, woodlands, and shrublands. Scientists have found over 100 different kinds of plants growing at Newhaven. These plants create ten distinct communities, each with its own mix of species.

Rare and Endangered Animals

Many rare and endangered animals live at Newhaven. These are species that need special protection to survive.

Some of the amazing birds found here include:

• the grey falcon
• the night parrot
• the princess parrot
• the striated grasswren
• the grey honeyeater

Other important animals living at Newhaven are:

• the mulgara (a small marsupial)
• the black-flanked rock-wallaby
• the greater bilby (a desert marsupial)
• the marsupial mole
• the great desert skink (a type of lizard)

Working Together for Conservation

Newhaven Sanctuary is surrounded by lands belonging to Aboriginal people. The Warlpiri, Luritja, and Anmatyerre language groups have a long history and connection to this area. Important Aboriginal sacred sites have been found on the property.

In December 2005, Birds Australia made an agreement with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). AWC took over owning and managing Newhaven. This agreement helps make sure the plants and animals are protected for a long time. It also allows Birds Australia members to visit the reserve.

Protecting Animals from Feral Cats

A big project was finished at Newhaven in April 2018. Workers built the world's longest cat-proof fence! This fence protects a huge area of about 9,390 hectares (23,200 acres). Inside this fenced area, animals are safe from feral cats, which are a major threat to native wildlife in Australia.

Location Details

Since 2007, Newhaven Sanctuary has been officially located within the area known as Lake Mackay.