Paranki Lagoon Conservation Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Paranki Lagoon Conservation Park West Range, South Australia
IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
Paranki Lagoon Conservation Park Location in South Australia
Nearest town or city	Kingston SE
Established	16 October 2014 (2014-10-16)
Area	5.30 km2 (2.0 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Department for Environment and Water
See also	Protected areas of South Australia

Paranki Lagoon Conservation Park is a special protected area in South Australia. It is found in the south-east part of the state. The park is located in a place called West Range. It is about 14 kilometers (9 miles) north of the town of Kingston SE. This park was officially created on October 16, 2014. It was set up under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Why Paranki Lagoon is Important

Paranki Lagoon is a very important place for many birds. It is a key feeding ground for waterbirds and waders. These are birds that live near water or in wet areas. The lagoon is special because it gets its water from underground sources. This means it fills up earlier in winter. It also holds water longer into the summer. This makes it a reliable home for birds.

Home to Many Birds

In the past, the lagoon has hosted huge numbers of birds. Sometimes, up to 30,000 banded stilts have been seen here. The banded stilt is a bird listed as vulnerable. This means its population is at risk. Also, as many as 40,000 waterfowl have visited the lagoon. Waterfowl are birds like ducks, geese, and swans.

Migratory Birds

The park is also a vital feeding spot for many migratory birds. These birds travel long distances each year. They use a route called the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. This flyway is like a superhighway in the sky for birds. It connects breeding grounds in the north with non-breeding areas in the south.

Special Migratory Species

Some of the migratory birds found here include the sharp-tailed sandpiper, curlew sandpiper, and red-necked stint. These birds are protected by international agreements. This shows how important Paranki Lagoon is on a global scale. It helps keep these amazing travelers safe.

Park Classification

Paranki Lagoon Conservation Park is classified as an IUCN Category VI protected area. IUCN stands for the International Union for Conservation of Nature. A Category VI area means it is a protected area. In these areas, natural resources can be used in a sustainable way. This helps people and nature live together.